Page 27 of Enzo
I can’t stop the wave of emotion that crashes over me at his words. Because I know if my mother was still in my life she wouldn’t say that. My family was never as warm or open as Kail’s, and when I first met them it was a culture shock. It took years for me to feel comfortable with the affection they show one another, especially since they never hesitated to bring me into their fold.
Sucking in a deep breath, I clear my throat, trying desperately not to lose it in front of the man who’s been more of a father to me over the last ten years than my own was in the fifteen years I had him.
“I’m sorry,” I finally tell him.
Adrian leans forward. “Sorry for what? Getting hurt? We both know how unpredictable this job is. Especially being theHead Guard for one of the main Family. I’m sorry this is how it had to go down, but I’m relieved you’re still here with us.”
I look down, fisting the blanket over my lap, trying desperately not to lose my shit.
“I can’t keep my promise anymore,” I whisper. Looking up at him, I can’t stop the tremble in my voice or the tears in my eyes. “I can’t protect Kail, can’t take care of him. I know the Boss will give me a good retirement. Benefits are part of our contract even after we retire, or if we’re seriously injured on the job, but that doesn’t mean I can offer Kail anything more. How…how does it look for me as a man if I can’t give my partner everything he deserves?”
“Oh, figlio.” Adrian reaches out and grabs my hand, holding on tightly. “You didn’t let me or Kail down. I don’t care if you don’t have any legs, or one, or hell, if you grew another five. You’re still the man my son fell for, and that’s more important than anything. You’re part of this family, Enzo. You have been for a very long time.
“I don’t care if you never walk again, never work again. You’ll still be my son. I knew you were special when we met, and over the years I’ve seen your hard work and devotion. You’re everything I ever wanted for my son, not because of what you can provide him, but because you make him happy. That’s all a parent ever wants for their children…for them to be happy.”
I can’t stop the tears from falling, and when Adrian leans over to take me into his strong embrace, I don’t fight him, not ashamed to admit I need the love and comforting touch of a father.
“Ti voglio bene, figlio, e questo non cambierà mai.”
I’m shattered. Absolutely and utterly broken in a way I didn’t know I could break. But being held, not having to put on airs for anyone? It’s exactly what I’ve been afraid to admit that I need.
Doc’s home office is decorated much like the rest of the house, bright and airy, with comfortable furniture, and overstuffed bookshelves holding mostly romance novels, though there’s one entire bookcase dedicated to medical texts in here. The desk is a light wood, curved, with drawers on one side and open shelves on the other that hold more books—of course.
Hanging over the desk is a set of three paintings, done in yellows, pinks, and oranges, like an abstract sunset.
Sadly for me, I’m not here to admire the decor, but to use Doc’s computer so I can have my appointment with the therapist I’ve been putting off.
The call comes through and I jerk in the chair, staring at the computer screen for a long moment while I contemplate not answering, before finally sighing and clickingaccept.
I brace myself as the call connects, but when the therapist Doc found appears on the screen, I have a hard time keeping my composure.
“Hello, it’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Brayan Madison, and yes, Doc knew I was an amputee when he asked me to put you on my client list. And no, that’s not the only reason why he and I believe this match is a good one.”
I grimace. “I’m sorry. I… don’t mean to be rude.”
He chuckles. “You’re not. Your reaction’s actually nothing compared to others’. You’d be surprised how upset some people get, thinking I’m going to baby them or invalidate their feelings because I ‘live a great life and think they should too simply because we have one thing in common.’”
I wince and turn my face away from the camera, because those thoughts were in my head the moment I saw him on screen.
“So, Doc told me pretty much nothing about you, so that’s what we’ll do today,” Dr. Madison says smoothly.
Facing the camera once more, I adjust myself in the seat, carefully keeping my leg on the footrest under the desk. “I’m not sure what to say. My name’s Enzo, I’m forty-two, I’m a bodyguard. That’s about it.”
“I’d like to believe people are more complex than their age, name, and profession,” he says gently. “For example, I’m close to your age, and you know my name and profession, but what you don’t know is that in my spare time I like hiking, camping, and being out in nature. My husband and I traveled to Hawaii a few months ago and went cliff diving and bungee jumping. Or rather, he watched me cliff dive and bungee jump. There is one daredevil in our relationship, and it’s not him.”
My chest tightens as feelings I can’t name wash over me at his casual mention of his recent adventures.
“I’m not going to be cliff diving or bungee jumping anytime soon,” I say carefully, trying to keep my voice steady. “And I’m not saying that because I believe my new reality would prevent me, but…I’ve never been very adventurous, despite myprofession. Hell, I haven’t had time in the last twenty-plus years to do anything.”
“So what do you do for fun? You have time off, I assume? Even as a bodyguard? And would you mind expanding on what being a bodyguard means to you? I’ll admit, I’m not entirely sure what it entails.”
Scrubbing a hand over my face, I try to keep myself composed. “I should rephrase that. I’m no longer a bodyguard.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. May I ask what happened?”
I shoot him an incredulous look. “I think the answer is pretty obvious.”
Dr. Madison tilts his head. “Is it?”
