Page 24 of Enzo

I sighed. “He’s not my husband.”

Amadeo’s eyes sparked. “Yet.”

Was he trying to rile me up? Or was he seriously so daft that he didn’t see that I wanted this marriage about as much as I wanted to be sitting in this cold restaurant, counting down the minutes till it ended?

“You’re finishing your studies, right?” Amadeo continued, ignoring my standoffish demeanor. He seemed intent on breaking down any barrier between us.

“Yes.”

“What are you studying?” he pressed.

“Pre-med. I want to study oncology with a minor in psychology.”

“Very impressive, Pen.” Amadeo flashed me the biggest smile. “A smart addition to the Marchetti clan. We’re lucky to have you.”

I balked at him, and my father erupted into a coughing fit. Did this man have a death wish? And anyway, what did it even matter what I graduated in? All I’d be allowed to do was warm my husband’s bed. A fact that made me resent Enzo Marchetti all the more.

Afraid they’d see all the feelings I was trying to hide on my face, I lowered my eyes and stared at the table.

“Where’s your ring?”

I jumped in my seat, startled that Enzo had spoken.

The lie was expelled with a single breath. “I’m sorry, I lost it.”

Enzo’s jaw twitched, but then he reached inside his jacket and pulled out a black box. He opened it and set another ring on the tablecloth—this one a platinum ring with a gigantic diamond centered in between two smaller sapphires.

A suspicion, uncomfortable and creepy, flickered in my mind, but Mr. Marchetti’s next words extinguished it. “Your mother told Isla about the accident.”

“She did?” Papà questioned, the same suspicion evident on his face.

“Yes.”

Enzo held out his hand for mine, and when I didn’t move, he took it and I flinched at the touch. I yanked my hand away, staring at the spot where he’d touched me. My skin buzzed, and I shifted in my seat to dispel the curious sensation.

He ran his tongue across his teeth, flicking his gaze to my hand before bringing it back to meet mine, and suddenly my heart thundered hard and fast against my ribs, like it was trying to break free.

“Penelope, give me your hand.”

I licked my lips nervously and he followed the movement, his pupils blowing so wide they called to mind the deepest, darkest forest on earth. I got the distinct sense he was hiding danger and secrets, much like the woods that his eyes reminded me of.

Aware of everyone’s stares, I extended my hand and he slipped the new engagement ring on my finger.

“Lose this one and the next one will be inked onto your finger,” he whispered so only I could hear him.

My mouth parted and I gaped at him. His stare burned, reminding me of a caged animal, ready for violence that would cover him up to his neck in blood.

The door opened and the servers appeared with trays of food, shattering the moment. He looked away, his expression a blank mask as everyone started eating and the men discussed business.

And all the while, my heart beat heavily, because I suspected Enzo Marchetti wasn’t what he seemed.

9

ENZO

It’d been less than twenty-four hours since I last saw Penelope and the pressure in my chest was becoming too much.

Ineededto see her.