Page 7 of His Ruthless Vow

But as I walk away, a chill runs up my spine. I just made a promise I'm not entirely sure I can keep. I don't actually know if Luca will help me. He's only loyal to one person really—his wife.

I just have to prayshecan get me out of this.

4

ENZO

Wasting time isn't something I do. Yet here I am, leaning against my Audi, arms crossed over my chest, waiting for Kendra Washington to round the corner. The wind picks up, carrying the first chill of fall, but I don't adjust my position. Control is everything—even over something as simple as showing discomfort.

I check my watch. I happen to know that Armando went to pay her friend a little visit, and I suspect that she will be coming here after. I've been trying to figure her out, and I think I finally have. Not because I'm obsessed—I'm meticulous. There's a difference.

Movement at the corner catches my eye. Kendra appears, phone in hand, those long legs of hers eating up the sidewalk as she strides with purpose. Even in simple jeans and a tailored blazer, she carries herself like she owns the fucking block. I respect that.

The moment she clocks me, her steps falter. Just for a split second—but I catch it. Her eyes narrow, that glossy mouth tightening at the corners. She recovers fast, though. I'll give her that.

"You following me now?" Her voice is sharp, casual, but I hear the edge underneath.

I don't move from my spot against the car. No need. She's already walking toward me like I knew she would.

"I've got vested interest in the area." My eyes slide over her, taking her in as she watches. "Where are you coming from?"

Her brow arches. "I don't see how that is any of your business."

I shrug. "Maybe it's not. But I hear one of my guys was visiting your friend. Thought you might need a hand with it." I keep my tone conversational, like we're discussing the weather instead of her friend who's currently in debt to some very dangerous people.

Her shoulders stiffen under that expensive blazer. Surprise flickers across those dark eyes before she masks it.

"Are you offering?" She stops a few feet away, close enough to talk, far enough to run. Smart girl.

A smirk pulls at my mouth. I like that she doesn't waste time asking how I know about Griffin. She's already accepted that I know things—that I make it my business to know things. "I'm offering a deal."

Her eyes narrow. "What do you want?"

"You. At my call. Whenever I want." I say each word slowly, deliberately, watching them land with precision and weight.

It's something that's been going through my mind since I saw her at the wedding—in his arms. I knew she'd want to help him once Armando shot me a text, more for me to know that Luca's girl's friend got caught up in his business than anything. And I instantly had an itch to trap her in a deal with me.

I'd give her what she wanted. And I'd get the chance to finally solve her so I can get her out of my brain.

I don't like people I don't understand. I like ones I can control even less. It's why I love my deals.

Her jaw tightens, eyes flashing. She crosses her arms, mirroring my stance. It's a defensive move, but she makes it look like a challenge.

"So what, you're my Hades now? I make a deal, and you own me?" Her voice drips with contempt, but there's something else there too. A curiosity she can't quite hide.

I tilt my head, considering the reference. Greek mythology. Interesting choice. I roll it around in my mind—Hades, ruler of the underworld. The god who took what he wanted and never gave it back.

"If the shoe fits." I straighten up from the car, closing the distance between us by a single step. Just enough to make her have to look up at me.

I see the moment she realizes the name will stick. That little flash of regret in her eyes, knowing she's handed me something I can use. Hades. I like it. The master of the underworld. The man who never lets go of what belongs to him.

Kendra's pulse jumps in her throat—a tell she can't control. She hates how well the comparison fits. How easily I've stepped into the role she's assigned me.

I watch her hesitate, her mind working behind those sharp eyes. Kendra Washington isn't used to being cornered. She's the one who usually holds all the cards—but tonight, she's coming up empty.

I step closer, not touching her but making sure she feels me. The air between us becomes charged, electric. Her scent hits me—something expensive and subtle that doesn't announce itself but lingers. Just like her.

"Think about it," I murmur, letting my voice drop to that register that I know makes people uneasy. With her, I see it has a different effect—her pupils dilate slightly, that steady pulse in her throat jumping. "But we both know you're out of options."

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