Page 2 of Enzo
“I don’t need your wife finding me a partner, thanks. I’m perfectly content just the way I am.”
Thomas shrugs. “Just let me know if you ever change your mind, we’ll make it happen.”
Benji shakes his head, but before he can reply, one of the drivers, Luigi, comes out.
“What are you three doing leaning on my car? Did no one teach you any manners? Off!”
“Technically,” I point out, even as I take a step away from the SUV. “Thomas was the only one leaning.”
Luigi glares and sniffs, and I exchange an eye roll with Benji. Of all the Amato drivers, Luigi is one of the less painful ones to deal with, but that doesn’t mean he’s not obnoxious. I’d consider my assessment of them unfair if they didn’t earn every bit of it. Not everyone is cut out to be a bodyguard, least of all for the main Family, and some people get salty over it.
Luigi climbs into the vehicle and drives out of the garage at the same time Leandro Mason’s bodyguards enter.
“I call riding with the boys,” I say, grinning at the other men. “Benji, you can ride in the follow car. Thomas, you’ll be housebound today. Anthony and Dante, you can fight over who’s on Leandro duty and who gets stuck in the car with the driver.”
“How come you get to ride with the boys?” Benji asks.
“Perks of being the boss.” I grin.
As Roman’s Head Guard, I have more privilege and agency than anyone else, and my word is law unless Tennant orhisguard, Joel, says otherwise.
Anthony and Dante only grumble a little, because being on Leandro’s guard is never easy—kid may be tiny and a wheelchair user, but he’s as terrifying as his father, who happens to be the Amato Second in Command.
I check my watch. “Boys should be ready about now, let’s go.”
Thomas leans against one of the SUVs as Benji climbs into another, while Anthony and Dante get into their own. A few other men will join them as per protocol. Tennant’s orders may seem convoluted to an outsider, but so much has happened in the past few years that paranoia is to be expected. You can never be too safe.
“Have fun at school,” Thomas says, taking a drink of coffee.
“Enjoy being bored!” Benji shoots back out the window before driving out of the garage, Anthony following behind him.
“Behave,” I tell Thomas with a wink, before walking out of the garage to meet Roman and Leandro at the grand front steps to the main house.
“No, take your time,” Roman calls out when he sees me. “We don’t have to get to class or anything.”
I start walking slower, and the boy rolls his eyes before daintily making his way down the front steps. I have to suppress my grin at his dramatics, though I do appreciate the effort he puts into the whole spoiled prince act.
“Ready to go?” I ask, making my way to the car and holding the door open for him.
“I’ve been ready. Was waiting on your slow ass.”
“Yeah, yeah. Get in.”
He sniffs but slides into the SUV, and I keep the door open for Leandro, who first guides his protection dog, Boston, into the car before holding his arm out to me.
In a well-practiced maneuver, I help him from his chair to the car seat and then quickly break the wheelchair down to be stored in the back.
Truthfully, Leandro could probably get into the SUV on his own. It’d take a little more time, but he’s dealt with his disability for longer than we’ve actually known him and is quite self-sufficient. But as Roman’s best friend, he’s learned how to play his part well.
Not only that, being Tennant’s son doesn’t hurt and affords him as much privilege as Roman has, which the boy uses to his full advantage when he wants to.
Once everyone is where they need to be, I get into the passenger seat and Luigi puts the car into drive.
As far as morning routines go, this one couldn’t be easier—knock on wood—and so long as the day continues as it is, I’ll be home in time for Kail’s lasagna fresh out of the oven.
“Papa, sono qui per invaderti!” I call out as I close the door to my childhood home behind me.
His voice comes from the kitchen to the left. “Oh good, come here.”
