Page 31 of Enzo (Legacy of Heathens #3)

LUCA

I knew 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?”

Amara grinned. I gawked, flabbergasted.

“That’s settled, then,” Margaret announced. “You two stay in the guesthouse.”

“I don’t want to impose.” Oh, now he didn’t want to impose!

“We’ll take it, Mama,” Penelope accepted.

“What are you doing here anyhow?” I gritted out. “I thought you had plans, Enzo.”

“We changed them,” Pen answered, glowing like a lightning bug. “Papà, is it okay if Enzo’s boat is docked next to yours? He… We’d like to take it around the island and explore.”

“What kind of boat?” Armani asked, his tone mildly intrigued.

“It’s a Launchpad.”

“How big?” Damiano seemed suddenly interested.

“Three hundred and eighty-seven feet.”

My sons’ eyes lit up. “Can we see it?”

“Sure.”

Armani and Damiano shared a look before asking, “When?”

“It’s docked in Naples, but I’ll have my captain bring it around.”

The buzzing and chatter increased, suddenly everyone wanting to visit his vessel. At this rate, the Marchetti boy would forever remain in Sicily because there were enough events set to fill five calendar years.

My daughter watched him with heart eyes, and I struggled to understand how it was possible that two nights had changed her mind so much. Maybe I should warn her that men were not to be trusted.

A round of laughter broke out, and I decided against it. For now.

It would be a shame to ruin the moment.

I settled for watching the fucking creep stand there, both hands in his pockets, while my daughters made plans that included him.

“Erase that frown off your face, Luca,” my wife warned, releasing a long sigh. “This… them… it might be a good thing.”

“It won’t last,” I said point-blank. “They couldn’t be more different.”

“Same could’ve been said about us,” my wife reminded me. “He’s your son-in-law for life, Luca. Accept it and be happy for them.”

I gave my head a subtle shake. Was everyone losing their fucking mind over Enzo Marchetti?

“Be nice, Papà,” Armani said, appearing behind us. “Enzo said he’ll take me on his yacht. Don’t ruin it for me.”

For fuck’s sake, he was turning my whole family against me.

“We have a yacht,” I gritted.

“Well, he has a superyacht,” Damiano drawled, casting me a glance. “Are you jealous, Papà, that his boat is bigger than yours?”

“Jesus Christ,” I muttered, deciding not to comment, while my wife laughed so hard that tears rolled down her face.