Page 75 of Fortress of the Soul

Me: I like it when you’re macho.

My phone tells me he’s read the message. The bubble appears that tells me he’s replying. Then it disappears. A few moments later, it appears again.

Enzo: Trust me. You don’t.

Me: Don’t be a grumpy pants.

Enzo: You’re drunk.

I roll my eyes.

Me: I amnotdrunk!

Enzo: You had champagne in the limo. Three cocktails at X, another two and a martini at Panic, and you’re probably swigging on more champagne now

I roll my eyes. Observant fucker.

Me: That’s called stalking behavior. And for your information, I know when to quit.

He doesn’t respond.

Five minutes later, I text him again.

Me: Come to me and fuck me tonight.

The bubble appears again.

Enzo: Jesus Christ, Val. Quit it already. I’m mad at you.

Me: Well, guess what? I’m mad at you right back, so there!

Enzo: What did I do?

Me: You went all caveman on me, that’s enough.

Enzo: I told you what would happen if another man touched you.

Me: And I told you that you have no right to tell me what to do.

Enzo: A second ago,you told me to come fuck you, which is it?

Me: The latter.

Enzo: I’m not doing anything to you when you’re drunk. Period.

Me: For the love of God! I.AM.NOT.DRUNK.

He doesn’t reply.

When the limo stops to drop off Sarah and Nicole, it’s just me and Bianca since she’s staying at my place tonight. She’s way too drunk to make it home, and I’d feel better knowing she’s here if she needs me.

Enzo helps her out of the car when we pull up outside the barn, and once she’s settled in the guest room, I turn to him.

“Don’t go.” I hold onto his sleeve.

He shakes his head. “Go to bed.”

“Don’t be mad at me,” I whisper.

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