Page 68 of Enzo

I let out an exasperated breath.

“Well, now you sound just like my papà.” I shook my head. “He always acts like he’s my mother’s shield when in fact she’s quite capable of protecting herself. And so am I.”

Judging by his expression, my words must have shocked him.

“It’s not an insult,” I grumbled, not quite sure why I was explaining myself. Except… I did, didn’t I? If he was making an effort, so would I.

“Thank you, I suppose.”

I patted his chest and smiled. “I think… we can make this work.”

His eyes flashed again, but this time full of fire and something rough and untamed that burned my insides. We stood still, our breaths mingling and our gazes drowning in each other.

He opened his mouth. “Penelope, I?—”

“We’re back.” Amara’s singsong voice filled the foyer, and we both looked in her direction. “Are you two staying for lunch? Mama wants to know.”

My husband and I shared a look, and I nodded. “If it’s okay with you.”

“Yes, thank you, Amara.”

My sister clapped her hands excitedly. “Maybe we can have our first appointment today!”

I hadn’t a clue what she was talking about, but Enzo smiled warmly and said, “I’d love that.”

26

LUCA

Iknew the moment I made an agreement with Enrico Marchetti that my life would never be the same. The first time I laid eyes on Enzo, that belief was cemented while brutal images flashed through my mind, like me slicing his throat so he could be introduced to his grave early.

Alas, as I watched my beautiful daughter with the enemy, I knew killing Enzo was forever out of the question. Even worse, my youngest seemed to have taken a liking to this parasite.

A fucking nightmare unfolding in front of my eyes.

I returned home to find Enzo, my daughters, and my wife all sitting around the living room, laughing. There was an unfinished chess game on the table and mugs half filled with cocoa were scattered about.

According to Amara, my new son-in-law had tried to teach her to play. But she got tired easily, so he recommended they just lounge around.

During lunch, Enzo announced he and Penelope would rent a house nearby. I almost started fucking tearing up. I didn’t know what prompted it, but whatever it was, I was glad to have my baby girl close by.

So, here we were, a happy family gathered around the fireplace while Enzo scrolled through real estate listings.

“Make sure it’s within walking distance,” Amara suggested shyly. “So I can visit you anytime.”

Enzo didn’t miss a beat. “Great thinking.”

“You know, the two of you could just stay at the guesthouse,” Margaret suggested. “It’s just far enough to give you some privacy, but close enough to drop in and out easily.”

I tightened my fist as I strode toward my wife, my feet sinking into the plush carpet. Then I flopped myself next to her, shooting her an annoyed look.

“Penelope can stay here,” I grumbled, glaring at Enzo for a long beat before he released a strained breath. “He has work to do, I’m sure.”

My son-in-law’s face, so much like his father’s, was a mask of politeness, which only tempted me to punch it.

“Actually, he can do it from anywhere in the world,” Amara chimed in, smiling happily. I hadn’t seen my kid so happy in a long time. Did he drug her?

“That’s right,” Enzo confirmed with a wink. “And we have our standing appointment, don’t we?”