Page 65 of Enzo

I entered the foyer, Amara promptly shutting the door behind me. Her eyes landed on the bouquet again.

“Those are very pretty,” she murmured. “Pen will like them. She loves romance, always talks about grand gestures.”

“She does?”

“Mhm. I get bouquets when I’m sick, but the hospital doesn’t allow them on my floor, so they’re usually dead by the time I see them.” A shadow passed her expression and she swallowed. “I don’t think I’ll ever get roses just because.”

My chest squeezed. The lump in my throat grew and I cleared my throat. I fucking killed people for a living, I couldn’t be getting all mushy.

“Actually, these are for you,” I heard myself say.

The blinding smile she flashed told me I’d made the right call.

“Thank you, Enzo,” she murmured, yanking them out of my hand and probably killing a few stems in the process. “They’re so beautiful.” She buried her nose in the bouquet and inhaled deeply. “If you’re looking for Penelope, she’s in there with Mama. They’re discussing life, love, and marriage.”

“Hmmm, maybe I should let her have some time, then. Watch out for the thorns, okay?”

I looked around, debating where it would be best to hang out, when Amara’s small hand slid into mine, pulling me forward.She stopped in front of the cake stairs that led to the second and third floors and flopped down on the bottom step. She put the bundle of flowers in her lap somewhat clumsily, then patted the spot next to her.

“Did you and Pen have an argument?” she asked as I sat down.

For a heartbeat, I debated lying to her, but then decided against it. “Sì, something like that.”

She grinned. “That means she cares.”

I blinked. “Come again?”

She shifted a bit, a few roses falling at her feet.

“When she doesn’t care about something, my sister doesn’t bother arguing, she just lets it go.”

I grinned. “Duly noted, littlest one. Thank you for sharing that tip.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Now, I owe you, so whatever you need…” I trailed off, knowing I couldn’t grant her the most important thing, and it fucking tore at my chest. No child should be sick, and I wished there was a way I could make it better for her.

“I don’t need much,” she said slowly. “Maybe some company here and there.”

“Well, how about I keep you company whenever you want?” I offered.

Her eyes filled with hope. “For how long?”

“For as long as you want it.” I meant it too.

“Aren’t you too busy?”

“Never too busy for you.”

She sighed. “My family says the same, but I know they are. I can’t run and dance like they can. I get tired too quickly.”

“Well, that’s easily remedied. We won’t run, nor will we dance.”

She chewed on her bottom lip nervously. “I don’t want to impose. Pen stays with me for all doctor’s appointments. She even helps other children, but she has homework to do. My brothers, too.”

“I don’t have any homework.”

“But you run your… business?”