Chapter 3
Enzo, the calculating crime boss, was not a man easily fooled. He saw Arianna’s desperation, the fear lurking behind her eyes. Something had fundamentally shifted in the girl he’d raised. He knew she was hiding a secret, but he was too afraid to dig too deep. For now, the temporary peace she’d granted him was a treasure he wasn’t willing to risk.
“Alright,” he sighed, bending down to lift her up. “Let’s go home.” He cradled her against his chest, savoring the way she clung to his neck. It was the first time she’d held him like that in years.
He buckled her into the backseat of his Rolls-Royce before settling beside her. The sight of the bloodstains blooming on the fresh white gauze was a stab to his heart. She was hurting, and it was his fault.
“Give me your hand,” he said, reaching for her.
She quickly tucked the wounded hand behind her back. “Don’t look!” she snapped, before softening her voice. “It’s fine. Really.”
He’d had enough of her defiance. “Let me see it,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Arianna inched away towards the door, pouting. She knew she was bleeding again. When he leaned forward, she squeaked, “It hurts! Don’t touch it!”
Enzo froze. He sighed in defeat and leaned back. He knew she was just being stubborn, but her discomfort was his own. He’d never be able to take the next step if he caused her more pain.
In the front seat, the driver, Roberto, had to fight the urge to grin. His boss was, for all intents and purposes, a pushover when it came to the young woman. All she had to do was feign pain, and he’d back off entirely.
“You’re fired, Roberto,” Enzo said coolly, his eyes on the rearview mirror.
Roberto was mortified. “Boss, I wasn’t doing anything!”
“Don’t be so harsh, Enzo,” Arianna pleaded. “You can’t fire Roberto just for driving the car.”
“You’re the best, Miss Arianna!” Roberto beamed.
Enzo just humphed, but the disciplinary action seemed to have been forgotten.
When they arrived at the mansion, Enzo got out and slammed his door shut. Arianna flinched as she heard it. He was angry with her. She’d been through this before. In her past life, she’d assumed he’d abandoned her, and she’d been crushed.
But now she could see the truth. He wasn’t angry because he hated her; he was angry because he cared.
“Arianna,” Roberto said from the open door, his voice gentle. “Boss is waiting for you.”
She looked up and saw Enzo standing under the porch light, his silhouette tall and imposing. She felt a familiar flutter of hope in her chest.
She practically flew up the steps. He turned just in time to see her tripping over her own feet. He lunged forward, catching her in his arms before she hit the ground.
“What do you think you’re doing?” he growled, his tone a mix of exasperation and worry. But she just burrowed into his chest, smiling.
“I’ll be good from now on,” she promised.
She knew he was trying to stay mad, but he couldn't do it. He was hers, and she was determined to make up for all the time she’d lost. She needed to keep her promise. He was the only safe place she had ever known.
Enzo looked down at her, so beautiful and earnest in the moonlight. He wanted to believe her. He wanted to think she meant every word.
But a poisonous part of his mind whispered, She’s only here because you have what she wants. She’s just playing the game.
Even so, the temporary victory was enough. He’d take it.
“I’m not that easy to fool,” he said, his voice a low murmur. “But… I like you being this close.”
She buried her head in his chest again, refusing to let him see her face. “Then let’s go inside,” she whispered.