Page 67 of Enzo

I snorted a laugh, then rushed to cover my mouth, eyes wide. “Oh… I—your stepmom let it slip during the reception.”

“Ah, yes.” How did he seem so… calm, cool, and collected? Any other man would be furious, and the fact that Enzo wasn’t puzzled me.

“It seems to have gone away.”

“Isla has EpiPens stocked throughout all our properties. It turned out to be a good thing this morning.”

I winced.

“That serious?” He nodded, stepping forward until he loomed over me. “Ugh, I’m sorry, then. I should have thought it through. All of it.”

“I deceived you, so I deserved it.” He took another step forward, forcing my back to hit the wall. His arms came up on either side of me, caging me in with his body and scent. “I want to start over, wife.”

I remained silent, studying him. Enzo was very easy on the eyes, an Italian god, and every woman’s wet dream. Tall. Muscular. Tanned. Full lips and high cheekbones. All of it wrapped in a dark aura that only added to the appeal.

“I want to earn your trust,” he said slowly, watching me with burning embers in his eyes.

Anticipation buzzed in my veins, but I ignored it. If this marriage were to work, we’d need to set some ground rules.

“Okay, but I have conditions.”

His forehead came to rest against mine, the move already so familiar even though we’d only known each other a few days. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

“No more lies.”

I held my breath until he gave me his answer. “Okay.”

Oh, well… that was easy. Too easy? I continued, building steam now. “I want to be consulted on anything involving me. Like this honeymoon.”

Enzo brushed a finger over my cheek. “Fair enough. Would you like to cancel it altogether?”

“Not necessarilycancelit, but I don’t want to be away from Amara,” I admitted.

His jaw ticced in thought, and he remained silent for several heartbeats.

“How about I rent a house nearby and have my yacht docked in Palermo?” I looked at him hopefully. “With your papà’s permission, of course. We can take smaller trips around the island, and we’ll be close to Amara. It’ll also give you a chance to volunteer at the hospital—” He cut himself off, realizing he’d inadvertently broached invasion-of-privacy territory.

“I’d like that,” I said, watching him through half-lidded eyes. “Thank you.”

His lips brushed against mine, making my heart flutter. “I don’t think I can refuse you much, Penelope.”

I was sure I had more conditions, but when he put it that way…

“About your stalking…” I swallowed, worried I might be asking for too much too soon. “That’s not… good. Nor is it necessary, now that we’re married.”

He let out a sardonic breath. “No.”

“What do you mean ‘no’?”

He shook his head, his eyes flickering with something heavy.

“I mean it isn’t up for negotiation. I’ll agree to just about anything, but compromising your safety is out of the question.” His tone was dark, and I had a feeling there’d be no leeway when it came to this topic. “You’re smart, Penelope, and you know better than most women how dangerous our world can be. Especially for you.”

He was right, but it didn’t mean he had to stalk me.

“Why can’t I just tell you whatever you want to know about me? I’ll even let you assign me my own security detail,” I suggested.

“I’ll be your protection. I’m not trusting some idiot with your safety. And I can’t protect you if I’m not watching you at all times.”