Page 81 of Unspoken Promises

Enzo would have done the same.

So keeping Anton’s text from him starts to corrode my insides like slowly leaching acid. Before I was being cautious. Now? Enzo has proven himself. Hasn’t he?

I’m officially a liar if I don’t tell him. Not only that, but I truly believe Enzo intends to keep me safe. My problem now is that he might believeI’mgood, but he sure as hell believes Anton is evil. I can’t put Anton in the firing line, and I get the impression if Enzo knew Anton was in Nevada, he’d hop right on Estrella and kick up dust till he found him.

I haven’t been able to shake the chill all morning.

A rough sigh flaps my lips. I rake my fingers through my hair. I consider the items on one of Enzo’s shelves, squinting at an old frame toward the back. I reach through to see it better. It’s a family portrait from when Enzo must have been in high school, and I stare at his haunted eyes feeling certain it’s after Diego left this world. Enzo is a man with true purpose. He has integrity and for decades has been trying to be on the right side of good and evil.

He trusted me with his deepest self. That means something.

I place the picture back carefully but don’t worry about him knowing I touched things. He already knows I will. A silent laugh fills my being. Our curiosity is what we share.

Eventually, I’ll have to tell Enzo about the text from Anton. He’ll wonder if it’s Father, too. I’m certain nobody knew Anton called me Menace. He was careful to seem like he was merely my bodyguard whenever Father’s men werearound. But all of these details will sound like bull crap to Enzo. He doesn’t believe my assessment of everything because he thinks I’ve been traumatized.

Stockholm syndrome.

That’s not what this is. I was there all those years and Enzo was not. Anton is a good man. But just like I can’t rule out that I was used for sordid activities without my knowledge, Anton could have been, too. Maybe he’s a criminal without even knowing it. Did I really want to tell Enzo about the text and have him hightail after Anton instead of letting Anton be safe, figure out his life, find his new identity and the happily ever after he deserves?

What if justice didn’t prevail and after all these years Anton went to prison? I couldn’t let that happen so I couldn’t tell Enzo about the text. But I’ll have to, right? If he finds out and I don’t tell him, I’ll ruin any possibility of a future. Enzo doesn’t strike me as the forgiving type.

I will tell him. Eventually. But in the meantime, I want to enjoy just one night without worry, without the anxiety. Anton being safe changes the urgency.

I sure as hell don’t want to ruin whatever plan he has for me tonight by telling him about that text.

Just one night.

It’s nearlytime to close up shop at the stable yard office. Enzo has been in San Francisco all day, and Santi enters while I pack up my laptop thinking about the supposed date I’m having with Enzo tonight. Enzo hasn’t exactly been communicative, but then again, I pretty muchavoided my cell most of the day so it’s not like I texted him either.

Santi holds a package in his hand. “Zo had this couriered over for you. If you’re ready to go, I’ll walk you back to the house?”

I throw a strap over my shoulder. “You don’t have to babysit me while I’m at the ranch. There are enough guards to protect the White House here.”

“I’m not treating you like a child, Ava. I’m treating you like a woman my brother told me to make sure is safe today.”

Enzo asked if he could tell his family my story, so by now, and judging by the compassionate glances Santi threw my way and a few warm touches on the shoulder, he knows everything Enzo does.

Part of me is comforted by the fact that these brothers know about me and still accept me being in their circle. Part of me wishes I could have officially become Ava Scott before arriving here.

Much as I have feelings for Enzo, this is all eerily familiar—being watched all day. I can’t just live in a new prison, even if it’s one that contains so many wonderful things and the promise of one thing I’ve never had— love.

Santi and I head back toward Enzo’s house where I’m staying now. It didn’t take long to stuff my backpack and one additional box of things I’ve accumulated since moving—some clothes, food, and a housewarming mug from Penelope that saysWelcome Earthling. Enzo insisted the security is better at his house, and I have to admit, I don’t give a shit about the cameras, but there’s something abouthimthat makes me feel safe.

But at some point, I’ll have to figure out where the line is between being safe and being so secure I’m not free.

Santi waves me off at the door. “You know where I am.”

“Yup.” I salute him. “Have for weeks now, but thanks for the reminder.”

His laugh is contagious. I work hard to hide my smile.

His dimple flashes. “I see how it is.” He turns his strong back to me but gives me one last glance. “If you want to learn to use a firearm tomorrow, let me know.”

I watch his cute butt walk away and despite my sarcasm feel a wave of warmth rip through me. Santi is a great guy. He definitely seems like the type who would tear a woman to pieces wanting him, though. He’s so giving and charming, I’m sure most would find it impossible not to be possessive and have him all to themselves, but from what I’ve seen, the man can’t be tamed.

He’s a hard one to read. He seems so aloof, like a rebel without a cause… until he has one. Then, he’ll escort that problem to the door like a goddamn boss with more concern than you ever could have guessed was there.

Maybe all the Mendez men have secrets.

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