Page 102 of Enforcer's Obsession

“What do I know? I don’t do anything but work, try to go to school, hustled to survive. I can’t…”

“You can. And you have. You don’t see it, but I trust you, and I know that if someone is worthy enough of your attention, let alone your love, then they can’t be bad. That’s just not possible,” she said.

“You sound pretty certain,” I said.

“Because I am. You don’t see it, but you’re one of the strongest, smartest, bravest people I’ve ever met. Anyone that you love would be lucky to have you, and if you even think there’s a possibility to find happiness, you owe it to yourself to accept that. I understand wanting to be safe. But don’t let that cost you your life, Hope. You deserve to live, to experience happiness. So don’t stand in your own way,” she said.

I leaned back against the park bench, trying to absorb the words.

In all of the grappling that my mind had done, one thing had always stayed true.

My feelings for Nico.

There never been a question about them.

Not for a single moment.

Not even knowing what he had done, knowing what he would do.

I loved him.

Now, all I had to do was convince him.

THIRTY-ONE

Nico

“What are you doing, cousin?”

I ignored Enzo and tapped the bar.

The bartender, gave me a lingering look before he refilled my class.

I went to lift it, but Enzo plucked it out of my fingers.

“You’ve had more than enough of that.”

I looked over at him, furious, though even in this state, I could admit that my anger wasn’t directed at him.

Still, I didn’t let that deter me.

“Give me my drink, Enzo,” I said.

“No,” he responded.

He tossed back the shot himself, and then grinned.

“I should break your fucking teeth,” I grumbled.

“You could to try, but in this state, you wouldn’t be able to touch me,” he said. Then he shook his head as he looked down at me. “If a woman is going to do this your, maybe it’s best you don’t have one.”

“Fuck off, Enzo,” I grumbled again, desperate for another drink.

“Such a shame to see a great man fallen by something as petty as love,” he said, frowning at me.

“I’m going to shoot you if you don’t leave me alone,” I said.

He smacked me on the back.

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