Page 37 of Unspoken Promises

“He’s a good guy.” This is a severely shortened version of whatever is going on in his head. He’s pulling away again; distance creeps back between us.

Why is Enzo so closed off? I guess he can only wonder the same thing about me. I just can’t help but want to know him. Is it because he’s a puzzle? A code to crack? Or is it the something I felt last night when his hands swept across my back, making me feel safe…?

A rogue lock of hair falls over his forehead, reminding me of how he looked when he leaned over me last night. I know I have to be careful. His hands were saviors, and somewhere in those moments I liked his caress for more than relief. It didn’t just take pain away, it filled me with something at the same time.

That is dangerous. Feelings of love are dangerous. They almost made me stay with Anton. They might make me trust the wrong person. Then again, what does Enzo have togain from exposing me? Surely he’d want to help me? Enzo is one of the good guys, right? Then again, I think Anton is good, too, but he did keep me against my will. How can I know when to trust someone else when I don’t know how to trust myself?

Focus. I need to focus on why I’m here. If you try to chase two rabbits, you won’t catch either one. “So. Back to my offer…”

I never get a chance to get the rest out because the shocking sound of a gunshot, so close it could be just downstairs, screams through the air and right through my composure. My heart stops as the sharp sound reverberates through my core and my mind is thrust back to the small basement where one of Father’s men would hold my arms to my sides and force me to watch. The smell of gunpowder is thick, and the thud of a body hitting the ground makes me weak in the knees, even though I’m squeezing my eyes tightly shut.

Another crack from outside slices through me.

Panic surges in my chest. My breath is shallow and my vision tunnels…

Enzo’s hand grabs my arm, but I instinctively pull away like I tried to pry myself free from Father’s man. He held my arms so I couldn’t cover my eyes.But I eventually had to open them…

I’m lightheaded and start to fall into the oblivion when two strong arms catch me from behind and lower me to the floor.

Enzo’s voice is thick, like an echo trying to get through humid air. “Ava. I need you to breathe for me…”

His fingers are gentle as they brush hair off my face, and I’m not sure if I’m awake, dreaming, passed out…

“I’m here, Scottie… deep breaths…”

The world is spinning, but when I open my eyes, I anchor myself with his gaze.

“You’re going to breathe nice and deep for me. In for three counts…”

I draw in a breath along with his spicy cologne.

“Hold for three…”

I hold in his scent.

“Out for three… that’s it… and again. In, two, three…” His voice is calm and soothing.

But another shot rings out, and I can’t help but jolt.

He hugs me into him. “You’re all right. It’s outside. Keep breathing…”

I focus on his hands on my back, the warmth and strength of his chest… I ground myself. What can I see? The crocodile on his polo shirt. What can I hear…no, no… what can I smell…?

Another gun cracks off, and I flinch. Less this time, but goddamn, it’s such a visceral reaction I can’t stop myself. It all comes back. The guys who dropped to the floor while blood leaked out beneath their lifeless bodies. I’ll never forget them. Especially the greasy-haired man who looked me in the eye and begged me to ask them not to kill him. My eyes sting, and I squeeze them shut and breathe in what I can smell. Enzo’s musky, and somehow sharp cologne…

“Keep breathing… you’re safe…” Enzo strokes the top of my head. “I’ll be right back, okay?” He stares deeply into my eyes, checking I’m not going to pass out.

I don’t want him to go but I can’t speak.

He rushes off to the window, throws open the sash, and shouts, “Stand down!”

Then, the faint voice of Santiago rises from below. He must have heard Enzo shouting and reiterates his brother’s command. “Enough for today, gentlemen…”

Enzo kneels back by my side. “Just keep breathing. You’re safe. Okay?”

I nod and when I open my eyes, the room comes into view. Enzo is there, his gaze firmly fixed on me with worry. God… I’m a damn fool. I swallow, but my tongue is like sandpaper. “Sorry. That was… just…” How do I even explain that?

He helps me up to sit on the chair and keeps his arm on the back of it, still leaning in with comforting energy. “You don’t owe me an apology.”

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