Page 42 of Highball and Chain

Shanna

I checked my reflection.Swollen lips, flushed cheeks, I looked like a woman who’d gotten lucky in the back of a limo. I brushed my hair, freshened my lip gloss, and smiled into the mirror. “Good as new, or as good as it’s going to get.”

I opened the door, but Maggie pushed me back inside. “Are you okay?”

Other than surviving another encounter with the world’s most frustrating man?“I’m fine, why?”

“Enzo is outside brooding. He doesn’t look like someone who just had sex.”

“Let’s just say, he reminded me he was an ass before I exposed mine.”

She tilted her head, shrugged, and turned to the mirror. “I used to say the exact same thing about Gabe.”

“Half the time, I still say the same thing about Gabe… other than the exposing my ass part.”

Maggie laughed. “I haven’t seen you this worked up about a man in forever. Enzo’s a good guy, but a bit of a loner. Don’t be so hard on him.”

I folded my arms. “The only thing Enzo Marchionni is good for hangs between his legs. Too bad he has too many hang-ups to use it.”

“Shoshanna!”

“Mary Margaret!” I opened the door and left the bride to contemplate her brother-in-law’s dick.

I’d overreacted and I knew it, but I’d thought he was as turned on as I was. I couldn’t wrap my brain around why he’d turn down a quickie. He wouldn’t have offered to go down on me if he had a hang up about car sex. As if his actions weren’t confusing enough, I had this overwhelming sense of relief things hadn’t gone further. I’d wanted him, but I would have regretted it in hindsight.

Marco grabbed my waist as I attempted to cross the dance floor. Grinning, he swayed back and forth to the music. “Dance with me, bella.”

“Sure, why not?” I sighed and fell in step with him.

He spun me away before pulling me against his chest. “I know you prefer my brother. Trust me. Dancing with me will get his attention.”

“I don’t want his attention.” I felt the lie in my gut. The truth was I wanted him more than I cared to admit—even if he drove me absolutely nuts.

He nodded at someone behind me. “Mmm hmm, well you have it.”

Before I could make sense of the situation, Marco twirled me into Enzo’s waiting arms.

He leaned close and whispered, “Dance with me, and I’ll tell you what happened before the ceremony.”

I couldn’t read his expression which worried me. Maybe that’s why I generally felt so off kilter around him? I had no clue what he was thinking. “I need to eat. Can we grab some food and find a quiet corner to talk?”

“Of course.” Enzo took my hand.

Evelyn had arranged enough food to feed twice as many guests as the forty to fifty at the reception. I chose a couple of large shrimp and some antipasto, while Enzo filled his plate until it overflowed. He led me to a table on the far side of the terrace.

“We’re flying out this afternoon with Dahlia and Jessie.” He took a large bite, closed his eyes, and hummed. “You should try the fish.”

I didn’t want the damned sea bass. I wanted answers. “Today? Shouldn’t Leo be going with Dahlia?”

“The security team found two armed men in the crowd outside the church. Leo is staying behind to help sort out the situation.”

I pushed my plate away. “Was it the Lazios?”

“It’s too early to tell.” He captured my chin between his thumb and forefinger and turned my face toward his. For a heartbeat I thought he’d kiss me, but he simply pressed his brow to mine and closed his eyes. “It’s best if you don’t speak about things you don’t understand.”

Way to ruin a tender moment. Insulted, I pulled away. “I understand enough about them to know they’re mafia. Just like the Marchionnis.”

“Don’t believe everything you read online.” His expression changed from stressed to easy-breezy in a nanosecond.

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