Page 4 of Unforgettable Underboss

Luckily, he didn’t need my words. Enrico knew what I was asking and provided it without question.

I take a deep breath and open the bedroom door, stepping out into the hallway. The hardwood floor is cold on my bare feet, but I don’t mind. It’s grounding, in a way. I’m here, out of that awful trailer and away from my abusive brother. Now, I need to come clean to Enrico, and we can figure out what to do next. I already know Enrico is the type of man ten steps ahead of everyone else. He’ll know what to do.

Enrico’s deep timbre echoes through the hallway, and I follow it into the main living room where we sat last night in front of the fireplace. I hang back for a moment when I realize he’s on the phone. I don’t mean to eavesdrop, but I don’t want to interrupt his conversation.

“This isn’t the time to take chances,” he says with all the authority of a dominating mafioso. “Those filthy fucking cops are planning their retaliation after the last stunt we pulled.” He pauses briefly, nodding. “I know, I know. It was for a good cause, and I’m glad Imogine is safe. That doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences for shooting a cop.”

I shrink into the shadows and wrap my arms around my torso to ease the guilt twisting my stomach. I know a little about what he’s referring to, though not much. My brother mentioned his partner getting shot in the shoulder during one of his drunken rants a few weeks ago.

“I’m just saying to be vigilant and aware of everything that happens in your territory.” Enrico sighs heavily and wipes a hand over his handsome face. “We’re circling the fuckers, and they’re getting desperate. They know their reign is coming to an end, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they had plans to infiltrate our ranks by any means necessary. Don’t trust anyone.”

My heart drops to the floor at his words. Will he think I’m betraying him? Or that my brother sent me to take down the Caparellis? If Enrico kicks me out, I’ll be alone in this world with nowhere to go.

Enrico tosses his phone on the coffee table and leans forward in his seat, placing his elbows on his knees. With another deep sigh, he lowers his head, resting it in his hands. My feet propel me forward before I have a chance to second-guess myself. I need to be near him, to comfort him the same way he comforted me last night, even if I’m the source of his misery at the moment.

When I’m about five feet away, Enrico’s head snaps up, those multi-colored eyes latching onto mine. The sharp look on his face softens, and his shoulders relax as he stands from the couch. It almost seems like he’s… relieved to see me? That can’t be right, but I so wish it were true. I commit his face and eyes to memory, hoping to capture every detail so I can draw him later.

“Good morning, Valerie,” he murmurs.

“Morning,” I squeak out. Why can’t I seem to act normal around this man?

“Follow me,” he says, holding his hand out.

I fold my hand in his, the tension in my body releasing as soon as we touch.“Anywhere,” I breathe, my cheeks glowing red when I realize I said the word out loud.

Enrico pauses and looks down at me, lifting an eyebrow at my response. His golden brown and green eyes darken for an instant, and a shiver runs down my spine. Not out of fear, more… desire. I want his dark gaze roaming all over my body, followed by his hands and lips.

God, whose thoughts are these? I need to keep it together. He can’t know about the silly crush I’ve had on him for years. Besides, it’s not like I’m going to act on any of these urges. I wouldn’t know the first thing about having a romantic relationship, physical or otherwise.

Enrico leads us through his immaculate kitchen and into a dining room with a large oak table and six chairs. My jaw literally drops open when I see the spread of food before me. Danishes, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, a tray of mini egg and hashbrown casseroles, and a plethora of other decadent things are littered across nearly every inch of the expansive table.

“Are you expecting company?” I ask, bewildered.

Enrico chuckles and squeezes my hand as he guides me to sit in the chair at the head of the table. “I realized I didn’t feed you last night and wanted to make up for it this morning. I wasn’t sure what you liked, so…” He trails off and looks away, dropping my hand to rub the back of his neck.

Is he… nervous? Because of me? The all-powerful, decisive, commanding Underboss of the mafia is waiting for my approval? That can’t be right.

“This is more food than I’ve ever seen all at once,” I say stupidly. “I mean, thank you. I don’t even know what to say.”

Enrico turns his attention back to me, a smile curling up one side of his lips in satisfaction. He looks like he’s not sure if he should stay or leave me alone. I don’t want to be away from him right now, or ever, for that matter.

“Will you join me?”

“Of course,” comes his immediate response.

I go straight for the tray of pastries, then decide to add a few orange slices and a cluster of grapes to my plate. For a balanced meal, of course. Only after filling up my plate do I notice that Enrico hasn’t done the same. He’s studying me, and at first, I’m positive he’s judging my sugary breakfast choice along with my weight. Then I realize he’s simply curious as to what my preferences are.

“I’ll have Devin make more raspberry and cream cheese Danishes,” he says more as a note to himself than to me.

“Devin can make whatever he wants as long as it’s this good,” I tease.

Enrico smiles and nods before finally grabbing a mini casserole and some yogurt. Good, at least I’m not the only one eating.

“Are you ready to talk?—”

“Thank you for your hospitality,” I say, cutting him off.

I know it’s rude, but I can’t answer his questions right now. I need to figure out a way to explain that I’m not infiltrating the Caparellis, I’m just someone in need… who also happens to be related to someone in the small circle of cops trying to dismantle everything he’s worked so hard to build.Yeah, that’s going to go over well. Totally believable.

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