Page 33 of Enzo DeLuca

“Under clothing. Toiletries. Unless, of course, you want us to treat her like a normal hostage...”

“She’s a guest. See to it that she’s given the proper things women need.”

His mind was stuck on the wordsunder clothing. Did she truly need those? He would be okay with her walking around panty-less.

“I’ll handle it,” Stefan said. “First, I’ll escort you to the guest house.”

“Let’s go.”

They backtracked to the front door and out the house. Enzo slid into the back seat. It wouldn’t take them long to drive around the winding driveway to reach the guest house. Still, Enzo relaxed against the seat and closed his eyes. His thoughts instantly turned to Eve.

How the hell had she nearly burned down his house? He should be furious with her. Yet, he chuckled as he realized that she didn’t just need his protection from whoever was behind the hit on his grandfather. She also needed protection from herself.

“Why are you laughing?” Stefan asked.

“I’m laughing because my little witness can’t even microwave food.” Enzo chuckled again. “How has she managed to survive this long by herself?”

“Her background check showed that she’s a former firefighter.”

His smile evaporated. He leaned forward in the seat. “That’s right.”

“And as a former firefighter,” Stefan continued. “There’s no way this should’ve happened. Not unless she...” Stefan paused.

But Enzo knew what he’d been about to say. There was no way a former firefighter would’ve put the wrong thing in the microwave. Enzo leaned back against the seat as a calm anger washed over him, chilling him.

Here he was, thinking of his witness as weak, dainty, unable to protect herself. Her safety had been his first concern when he’d been told about the kitchen. Enzo chuckled again, but the sound held no mirth.

“Bring her to me,” Enzo said, voice cold. “I’ll interrogate her myself. By morning, I’ll have the information I need.”

A few seconds ticked by before Stefan said, “Yes, sir.”

Enzo stared out the window. Not even ten minutes ago, he’d felt excited about seeing Eve again. That excitement had dissipated. Now, he felt like strangling her. But mostly, he felt disappointed. Disappointed with himself for caring about his hostage at all. This was unlike him. He didn’t like this version of himself.

His caring about his hostage would stop right now.

***

Enzo stared into themirror over his dresser.

Stefan had already left to get Enzo’s things from Avola Manor. Giorgio had already delivered Eve to the guest house. She’d been set up in the guest room, and Giorgio was stationed outside her door. Though there was a window in her room, Enzo wasn’t worried about her escaping.

Since she hadn’t appreciated being free of her handcuffs, he’d ordered her to be tied to the bed. Enzo hadn’t gone to see her yet. He was waiting on Stefan to return. Once Stefan left, he’d order Giorgio to leave also. And then he’d be alone with Eve. And then he’d began his interrogation.

A knock at his door pulled his attention away from Eve. Barefoot, his toes sunk into the plush carpet as he strode across the room to open the door. As expected, it was Stefan. He stepped aside so Stefan could enter the room.

“It’s a bit stuffy in here,” Stefan remarked as he rolled the suitcases into the room. Because of the carpet, he had to lift them when it became difficult for them to roll. “Do you need me to air the place out?” Stefan asked.

“It’s fine. It smells like that because I turned the heat on, and it hasn’t been used in a while.”

Nodding, Stefan left the room only to return with more suitcases. Enzo sat in his recliner.

“These are the last ones,” Stefan told him.

“Stefan, when are you going to stop acting like this?”

“Like what?”

“Like my maid, my driver, my bodyguard. Shit, soon you’ll start acting like my wife.”

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