Page 59 of A Treasure To Keep
I sit down in the passenger seat, groaning at the ridiculousness of our meeting. Or lack thereof. Immediately, I realize that my action was selfish and I should put aside my thoughts to support El. “El, I —”
“Can we go to Costco and get more pretzels?”
“We can do whatever you want.” I turn her head toward me, enough that it dislodges a single tear. I focus on it as it falls onto her cheek, leaning in to kiss it away from her perfect skin.
“A small part of me was hoping the baby was yours.” Hearing the words come out of her mouth is a larger punch to the gut than knowing she’s thinking them. I’ll never tell her that both of us were hoping for that. At the end of the day—genetics be dammed—she’s mine. Her and our baby.
“He is. Regardless of genetics, I’ll love him as much as I love you.” She nods as she starts the car, driving to Costco for more pretzels and any other snack she wants. After, I’ll wrap her up, letting her watch whatever movies she pleases as I hold her and our baby.
Chapter 64
Marco
Later that night, I find myself sitting in the kitchen with a drink in front of me. I thought having one after a long day would calm my nerves. Instead, it sits on the counter, as full as it was the second I poured it. Half an hour ago.
Every second of our relationship replays in my head as I reminisce about El, Andrea, and my time together, beginning with New Year's Eve. Am I the only one who keeps having these thoughts? I’m convinced El would take any chance she could to cut my dick off in my sleep before mailing it to me, dipped in gold and made into a trophy.
Andrea, on the other hand, is so neutral and calm about everything that I can’t get any read on him. Regardless of what happens, he will always support El. Even if that means I get left behind. She’s his number one.
nzo walks in, sitting down across from me while I’m deep in thought. I offer him my drink, and he politely declines, knowing he’s still on bodyguard duty until Alessandro is done with work for the day. He has his phone right in front of him, the screenfacing up, in case Luci needs him. Originally, when she came here, he was practically glued to her hip. Now, if they’re in the house, he needs to be reachable at a moment's notice if Luci or Gia are in trouble.
“I heard today’s meeting didn’t go smoothly. Do you want to talk about it?”
I run my hands through my hair, stopping to pull until the slight sting distracts me from the pain in my heart. “I wouldn’t know what to say. I’ve lost any relationship I had with them.”
“Them?” Shit. “I thought you and Andrea were sharing El.”
I sigh, trying to figure out what to say. Should I try to explain that away? Enzo is always neutral, able to separate any opinion he has from the situation. I haven’t told anyone that I had been with Andrea and El. I’m tired of keeping the secret.
“Since Luci and Alessandro’s bachelor and bachelorette parties, I’ve regularly been with both of them. I can’t explain it. I never thought about Andrea or El romantically until I was in that situation. Can you not tell anyone? I’m not ready to explain all of that on top of the custody bullshit with them.” I swirl my glass, listening to the ice clink in the glass while watching the liquid spin.
“I won’t mention anything you don’t want to be mentioned. We all have our secrets in life. Sometimes it’s better not to have other people's sympathy or opinion about it.”
No one knows about the majority of Enzo’s past before working for the Leone family. We know he worked in DC and was in the military before that. He hasn’t told anyone why he left DC, or the traumatic story he will vaguely hint at.
I met Enzo about a year after he moved to New York City. I was freshly eighteen and was able to get into clubs legally. What was illegal was the shitty fake ID I was using that stated I was twenty-one. The bartender and I got into a screaming match when Enzo was called over from the door. He’s taller and biggerthan I, and was able to toss me out easily. After that, I went back to Geno and said I found a guy we should approach to work for us. At first, he was hesitant, knowing that he would be switching from defending his country to some illicit activities. After we were able to convince him, he’s been a good addition to our group. He’s loyal to us, devoted to his job, and tough when needed. The one thing he won’t do is open up about his past. He’ll give random cryptic clues, but never anything past that.
His haunted eyes stare back at me, practically living through his past traumas. His glassy eyes clear up quickly when I speak.
“Thanks, man, I appreciate it.”
Alessandro walks into the kitchen at that moment, staring at the two of us and the glass of liquor before talking.
“Enzo, that better be Marco’s drink. Where’s my wife and daughter?” Enzo stands pin straight, arms to the side, and shoulders back when he faces Alessandro, practically leaving our conversation in the dust.
“Luci said she’s having a self-care night, whatever that means, and Gia is sleeping. She asked that I stay in the house until you’re home. The only rule she had for me is that I don’t go upstairs unless necessary. She would prefer the privacy.” Enzo continues to stand at attention, waiting for Alessandro to eye him over, confirming that every word that left his mouth is the truth. In typical Alessandro style, he hums, telling us that he believes Enzo.
“Privacy, huh? Fine. Go home, Enzo.” Alessandro subtly smirks, telling me that he’s going to do some freaky shit with Luci tonight. Gag me. Maybe I will down this drink.
Enzo nods, exiting the room while Alessandro and I sit in silence. I pick up the glass, smelling the amber liquid before setting it back down again. I don’t think my stomach can handle liquor right now.
“That’s your favorite bourbon. Today must have been a larger shit show than Dr. Rossi said it was.” I side-eye Alessandro, ready for him to disappear upstairs. “She called me right after she left to tell me the baby is yours. I think you’re doing the right thing. She’s carrying your blood, Marco. The only person left after your papa died. We all know, regardless of how much Geno and I treat you like family, it won’t replace him.”
I nod my head without giving a response. Eventually, I hear Alessandro inhale, ready to provide me with more unsolicited advice. I’m sick and tired of his dumbass advice.
“Don’t bother. Go fuck your wife or something.”
“I won’t argue with that. Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you, mio amico.” He pats me on the shoulder, grasping it tightly before walking away.