Page 32 of Enzo
They don’t stay long after that, not with the main Family being on lockdown until they figured out who tried to either kidnap or kill Roman—according to Tennant they never quite figured out what the motivation behind the car accident was—as well as whoever set Carter Amato’s father’s house on fire and almost killed him.
Tennant bringing Roman today goes against all his edicts and rules, but was a testament to how much the younger man meant to him that he was willing to take a detour and let Roman see me.
It makes me feel important, special, more than just a forcibly retired bodyguard.
Roman surprises me by giving me a hug when they leave. I hold him tightly, letting him cry for a few minutes before he pulls away. “You’ll answer if I text you?”
“I will.”
“Okay. I’ll see you soon.”
Tennant ushers the boy out and I let out a breath, wiping at my own wet eyes as the weight of the visit crashes over me.
I didn’t expect Roman’s offer. I have no idea how it’ll even work, going from working for Cristian to working for his son, but I meant what I said—I’m not done. I have years’ worth of knowledge to impart, and I take my vow to protect the Amato Family seriously.
I’m at their disposal, for as long as they’ll have me.
Ifind Enzo in the sitting room when I get back to Doc’s. One of Doc’s romance books is in his lap, but my love seems lost in his own head if the way he’s staring off into nothing is any indication.
“You okay?” I ask.
He flinches and turns to look at me. “Fine.”
“That’s not very convincing…” I say slowly, going to sit on the other end of the sofa.
Enzo curls his leg closer to himself, as if that’ll help give the illusion that one isn’t significantly different from the other. I don’t make a big deal of it, though. Whatever helps him…well, I’ll let him do whatever he needs to. So long as it doesn’t seem to be hindering his healing, both mental and physical.
“Roman came to see me today,” he says without prompting.
I measure my response. The last thing I need is for the micromanaging Doc, Tennant, and I did to be called out. “How’d it go? I know you’ve been worried about him.”
Enzo looks down at the book in his lap. “It was nice to see him. He’s healed from whatever injuries he sustained in the accident. He…offered me a job. Once I’m through physical therapy and back on my feet.” He snorts at his word choice. “Nothing’s official, but…I took him up on the offer.”
Surprise flashes through me as I smile at him. “That’s great! Did he have an idea of what the job would be?”
“Something with security. But he was clear I’d be working for him, not Cristian, so… He’s making his stand, building his empire already.”
I nod slowly, contemplating the reasons for that, but coming to the same conclusions Roman apparently has. “Well, he needs something to start out with. Cristian had Tennant and Doc and a plan by the time he took over for the Boss’s uncle. This is the same. Not that Roman is staging a coup, but putting the pieces in place so he’s not starting from scratch or having to deal with a Family that was loyal to those before him is a smart move.”
“Yeah…”
“You don’t sound happy to be given a job offer,” I say cautiously.
“I am. Happy…” He shakes his head, golden eyes bright. “That’s an understatement. I just… I didn’t expect it, and I’m honored he thinks so highly of me that he wants me on his team, but…I guess I won’t fully believe it until everything’s in place.”
“That’s a good point,” I say carefully. “You spent your entire life working for the Boss, so change is going to be weird at first. But Roman will be good to you. He respects you and values you, that’s obvious.”
He nods. Leaning forward, I touch my hand to his raised leg, bringing his attention back to me rather than his lap.
“What’s wrong, baby? I thought you’d be happier than you are. I know how much not being able to work has been weighing on you. This is a good thing.”
“It is. I just…I don’t know. I thought it would help me feel more than what I have been, but…there’s a nagging feeling that this is pity, and I can’t move past it.”
“You know Roman would stab you if he heard you talking like that. He doesn’t do pity. Roman is smart, compassionate, and in a place where he can start making decisions for himself and what he wants his Family to look like. You, all people, should know that. I…” Taking a deep breath, I try to organize my thoughts and feelings, unsure what to do with the frustration and hurt currently rolling through me.
“I don’t want to minimize your feelings, Enzo, or make you discuss things you’re not ready for, but I’m lost here. I’m not expecting you to be all better because of this, but…I don’t know. Maybe you need to talk to Dr. Madison, see if he has any suggestions to further help your mental health, because I hate seeing you like this.”
He pulls himself out of my reach, twisting on the sofa and placing his foot on the floor. “He already suggested an antidepressant,” he says.
