Page 71 of Enzo DeLuca

She nodded but didn’t close her eyes. “What’s with that look?” she asked.

“What look?”

“The look you’re wearing. You look upset.”

There was no point in lying.

“I am,” he admitted. “I feel...” How much should he tell her? “I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders.”

“You’re stressed. You’re the don. Stress comes with the job.”

She was right. However, he couldn’t help but wonder if she truly understood what that job entailed.

“We’ve talked about my work,” he said. “But we’ve never gone into details about what I do. Are you sure you’re okay with it?”

Why had he asked that? If she said no, it wouldn’t change anything. He couldn’t stop being the don. Neither could he let her go. Nothing would change if she said no.

“You came home with blood on your collar, and I didn’t run away screaming. That should be a sign that I’m okay with it.”

“I know. I just...”

Sitting up, she stared down at him. “If my thoughts about your job is part of the reason you’re stressed, then let’s clear this up right now.”

“Alright.” Why was he nervous?

“Enzo, I’ve told you this before and I’ll say it again. I know what being a don means. I know what being part of a mafia family means. We don’t have to break it down into details. I know you’ve killed before and will kill again. Do you kill innocent people or motherfuckers who deserve it?”

“Motherfuckers who deserve it.”

“Do you hurt women and kids?”

“Never.”

“Do you traffic women?”

“I don’t.”

“Do you abuse women?”

“I don’t.”

She laid back down in his arms. “I’m good with that. So, stop stressing over me. I understand the weight of your family, and your organization is on your shoulders. I would be surprised if that didn’t stress you. But tonight, you’re safe in my arms...”

“Uh, you’re in my arms,” he interrupted.

“Same thing. You’re safe. You’re cared for.”

His heart clenched at that confession.

“You’re protected,” she continued. “Get some sleep, and don’t let the worries of tomorrow ruin your night. Okay, don Enzo?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Within minutes, sleep had claimed her again. It still amazed him how she could fall asleep in an instant. She never let the worries of the world affect her rest. When he’d asked her how she fell asleep so easily, she’d told him, “How can I have the strength to fight my inner demons if I don’t get my beauty rest?”

That reply was both disturbing and enlightening. Even so, he still loved how she never let the worries of the world dim her smile. Each day, he was learning to be more like her. It was still a while before he drifted off. When he finally did, his dreams were filled with Eve. When he awakened, she was lying on his chest, snoring. Enzo smiled. He was doing that a lot lately. Maybe it had something to do with the ray of light who’d entered his life.

Or maybe... No, there was no other possibility. His smiles were all thanks to Eve. Which was why he’d do whatever it took to keep a smile on her face. Enzo stared over at his clock.Shit. It was time for him to get up. No, wait. It was Sunday. He’d promised to spend the day with Eve. Still holding her, Enzo turned onto his side and went back to sleep. The stress of the world wasn’t going to worry him today.

---