Page 3 of Unforgettable Underboss

The woman unbuckles her seatbelt, straightens her shoulders, and tries her hardest to hold her head high even though she’s been beaten down. I offer my hand to help her out of the SUV, and she instantly takes it, not letting go once she’s on the pavement. She squeezes my hand tightly as I lead her up to the front door.

Unfortunately, I have to release her hand to use my thumbprint to unlock the door. I make a note to get her thumbprint scanned into the security system. A shiver runs through me at the loss of her touch, but I know I need to get her inside. I’m not sure what she’s running from, but she certainly picked the right man to protect her.

I walk through the entryway, shedding my suit jacket and kicking my shoes off along the way. When I look back, I notice the beautifully broken angel isn’t beside me. She’s standing in the doorway, looking down at her hands, which are anxiously twisting together.

All I want to do is fold her in my arms and never let her go. However, I think that would be too much for her. Hell, it’s too much for me. What has come over me in the last fifteen minutes?

I thought I was satisfied with the life I’d built, the wealth I’d accumulated, and the respect I’d earned in the Family. Then those emerald eyes struck me square in the chest, wrenching my goddamn heart out. I’m suddenly incomplete, lost in a sea of meaningless existence without this angel by my side.

I try softening my stance to make myself less intimidating, but at six foot three, it’s hard not to be an imposing figure. When my shadow falls over her, she tips her head up, piercing me once again with those emerald eyes. I hold my hand out like I’ve done several times tonight, and a deep sense of satisfaction washes over me when she instantly grabs it. I don’t know what I did to earn her trust, but I silently vow never to break it.

We walk down the entryway together, and I lead us to a couch in the living room. I grab the small remote on the side table next to me, and with the press of a button, the fireplace roars to life. The yellow-orange flames cast shadows across her lovely face, and I resist the urge to trace the curve of her nose.

“What kind of danger are you in?” I ask, hoping to get a better picture of what we’re dealing with here. Whatever it is, I have the resources to vanquish her enemies. All she has to do is point me in the right direction.

“I… My…” She trails off, shaking her head as if frustrated with herself for being unable to communicate.

“Let’s start with an easier one,” I suggest. “What’s your name?”

“Valerie,” she whispers.

“Valerie,” I repeat, letting each syllable sink into my being. “I’m Enrico, but I’m guessing you already knew that.”

Valerie’s shoulders drop, and she nods in defeat. I hate seeing her like this.

“It’s okay,” I say softly. “I’m not upset.” I pause, searching for the right words. “Is there someone after you? Will they try to follow you here?” I’m trying to get information even if she’s unable to give me the specifics at the moment.

“No, he’s not… I mean, he won’t notice I’m gone for a while. He’ll probably be glad I’m out of his way.”

Her answer both soothes and angers me. Whoever the fuckheis will be getting a visit from me and our top enforcer, Lorenzo, soon. However, Valerie isn’t in immediate danger, which gives me more time to plan and get answers from her.

She drops her gaze from me and squeezes her hands into fists on her lap. I cover both of them with my larger hand, hoping to infuse some of my strength with the gentle touch. Valerie looks up at me, gutting me once more with the racing thoughts and fear that lie beneath the surface.

“You’re safe, Valerie. Whatever you’re running from can’t reach you here. Do you trust me?”

“Yes,” comes her immediate response.

I’m humbled while at the same time questioning why she’s putting all her faith in me. Have we met before? Surely, I would remember a beauty like Valerie.

Her magical eyes, rounded cheeks, slightly upturned nose, and long, dark hair are enough to etch her in my mind forever. I shouldn’t allow myself to even think this, but I can’t help noticing her ample chest, thick thighs, and curvy hips. I want to lay her on my bed and explore every inch of her but now isn’t the time. It’s so goddamn inappropriate.

“Then let me take care of you.” I don’t think I’ve ever said those words, but they roll so easily off my tongue. “I’ll show you to one of the guest rooms where you can rest for the night. It has an ensuite bathroom for privacy. Does that sound like a good plan for now?”

Valerie gifts me the smallest smile and a nod. I barely know this woman, yet all I want is to see her eyes sparkling with a genuine smile. I’ve got my work cut out, but I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge.

3

VALERIE

Iroll over in bed, stretching my arms and yawning. When I blink my eyes open, I panic momentarily at the unfamiliar surroundings until the memory of last night comes flooding in.

I’m at Enrico’s house. He offered his protection without a single word from me, further solidifying my belief that he’s a good man, regardless of his profession. I understand more than most that life is complicated, and people do what they have to do to survive. Especially in a city like this.

Waking up a bit more, I throw my legs over the side of the bed and hop down before making my way to the bathroom to get cleaned up a bit. When I step out of the most luxurious bathroom I’ve ever seen, I feel a bit more like myself.

Last night didn’t exactly follow the plan I so carefully constructed, and now I have some explaining to do. I was going to tell Enrico everything and throw myself at his mercy. Instead, I got tongue-tied and couldn’t find my voice. For all my planning and pep talks, I didn’t expect to freeze up like that.

When Enrico’s hazel eyes locked on mine, all the words fell out of my head, emptying my lungs of air at the same time. He was even more magnetic than I remembered, more commanding and in control. What could I possibly say to convince him to give me shelter?

---