Page 94 of Bellini Born

She folded both hands atop the desk. “While I thank you for your generosity, no amount of money is getting you past those doors.” She jerked her chin in the direction of the automated double doors that required badge access to gain entry. “So, I’d suggest you take a seat before I’m forced to call security to have you removed.”

A huff of disbelief flew past my lips, and I turned to Enzo at my side. “Can you believe this bullshit?”

He simply shrugged. “Rules are rules.”

I made sure to clip his shoulder when I turned to park my ass in one of the ugliest upholstered chairs I’d ever seen. “Rules don’t apply to me.”

“Would seem in this case, they do.” Enzo dropped onto the seat beside me.

Both of my fists clenched where they rested atop my thighs. With my blood boiling, I wanted nothing more than to tear this hospital apart, brick by brick, until I got to Summer. I mentally began to make a list of every person I planned to snuff out for keeping me from her, starting with the uppity bitch behind the desk.

Enzo leaned in, keeping his voice low. “We’re not putting a hit out on the woman for doing her job.”

My head whipped to the side. “How—”

“Because I know you. That, and you’re making no effort to conceal that you’re silently raging on the inside. I can fucking see the murder in your eyes.”

A rumble vibrated through my chest, and it was on the tip of my tongue to remind him that it was his job to back me up, no questions asked, when a soft, feminine voice drew my attention.

“Figured you could use these.”

Turning, I blinked at the nurse holding a bundle of light blue fabric. “What?”

“They’re clean and dry.” She handed me her offering, and I realized it was a set of scrubs. Enzo had dragged me from the house in nothing more than my boxer briefs.

“Thank you,” I muttered.

“And then you can give that shirt back to your doppelgänger.” Her eyes were alight with interest as they swept over the ink covering my cousin’s chest and arms.

Not one to pass up an opportunity to flirt with a member of the fairer sex, he extended a hand, introducing himself. “Enzo.”

There was a brief moment of hesitation before she met him halfway, a flush of pink rising to her cheeks as she whispered shyly, “Allie.”

I cut Enzo a glare, a reminder that we weren’t here to pick up women, and he reluctantly pulled back, allowing the girl to scurry away.

“Really?”

“What? She was cute,” he argued.

“And not at all your type.”

Enzo reared back, offended. “Hey, I’ll have you know I enjoy women of all shapes and sizes.”

Though I highly doubted it, considering the man was often seen escorting paper-thin models—the exact opposite of the full-figured healthcare professional who was the subject of our discussion—I clarified my statement. “I meant innocent.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Little hypocritical coming from the man dating an outsider.”

I gritted my teeth against the urge to knock him out. “That girl isn’t the same. She’s untouched.”

“You think?” Enzo’s eyes darted toward the door where Allie had disappeared.

“I know.”

“Huh.” He considered it, lips pursed.

Shoving to my feet, I yanked off the borrowed shirt and tossed it into his lap. “I’m going to get changed. I want you to have forgotten about her by the time I get back.” I hardened my stare so he’d know I meant business. “That’s a direct order.”

“Fine,” he huffed before pulling the shirt on over his head.