Page 20 of Enzo

“If I live long enough to get married, I would love to wear it too,” she whispered dreamily, and my chest tightened.

I joined her on the couch and pulled her closer, sharing in my body heat, then rasped, “I’ll save the dress for you.”

Lana Del Rey’sUltraviolencealbum had been playing on repeat while the two of us cuddled under the blankets in our living room. With wedding plans in full swing and most of the arrangements being handled by the Marchettis and Mama, I took advantage of the quality time with my favorite person in the world.

Papà grumbled whenever the word “wedding” came up, which made Amara giggle uncontrollably. I simply ignored it in favor of fantasizing about my masked man. If only I knew how to find him, I would definitely request one more night. Something to hold me over for the remainder of my days—or until I could be rid of Enzo Marchetti.

My phone buzzed, the text notification pulling my attention.

Arianna: Congratulations are in order, I hear. How do you feel?

Arianna and Hannah’s mother was Papà’s half sister, which made them my cousins. I loved our big family, but when shit happened that you didn’t want anyone to know… well, then it sucked.

Me: The same way you felt about Matteo’s engagement to Hannah.

Arianna:

Me: Exactly. Add in a throw-up emoji and that pretty much sums it up.

Arianna: I’m sorry. Can I do anything? Help you disappear?

I laughed at her suggestion—why did everyone in my family have a penchant for elaborate vanishing plans?

Me: No, it would only delay the inevitable.

Not to mention start a war, which would affect way too many people I loved.

Arianna: If it’s any consolation, I think you’ll sweep him off his feet. Make him your bitch, cuz.

Me: Huh?

Arianna: Gosh, you’re not going to make me spell it out, are you?

Me: Yes.

Arianna: Fine, just make sure our parents don’t see this message.

Me: Don’t worry, I’ll delete our chat.

Arianna: Fuck his brains out and then make. him. your. bitch.

A strangled laugh escaped me. I would expect this from her twin, Hannah, but not from sweet, innocent Arianna.

I typed back my reply, smiling.

Me: I see marriage suits you.

“What’s so funny?” Amara whined, shaking my arm until I gave her my full attention.

“Arianna’s giving me some questionable advice,” I explained, which only sparked her curiosity.

“What did she say?”

I winced. I couldn’t tell my eleven-year-old sister something so crude.

“She said to make Enzo fall in love with me so he’ll do my bidding,” I said, settling for a softer version of the truth, unable to keep my eyes from rolling.

“That’s good advice. Isn’t it?”