Page 71 of Twisted Embrace

CHAPTER 21

Enzo

“Are you treated like royalty everywhere you go?” Joy asked, amusement in her tone.

“What do you mean?” I knew exactly what she was talking about.

“The hostess practically fell to her knees when you walked in. Whatever she said in Italian was done with a blush on her face. She knew exactly who and what you are.”

Grinning, I took a sip of wine, enjoying the way the sunlight played off her ravishing face. “People in Italy know those who run their country.”

“I didn’t know you controlled the country. That would make you a king.”

“Hardly. There are five territories and now I partially control two.”

“I’m surprised that was allowed to happen.”

“The other Dons didn’t have a choice.”

“Because you killed your own fathers.”

I lifted a single eyebrow. “I did what I needed to do.”

“The usual answer when you don’t want me to learn the gory truth. How many men have you killed anyway?”

“Enough.”

“Mr. Vague. That’s what I’m going to start calling you.” She looked away, her head resting on her folded fingers, her elbow on the table. She had no idea how beautiful she was or that she’d garnered every man’s attention inside the restaurant. Their lurid gazes had brought another wave of jealousy. There were far too many firsts when I was with her.

We sat in silence, her gaze remaining away from me. I’d enjoyed getting to know her, engaged in several lengthy conversations that had nothing to do with my business or her fears. She was more relaxed than before, partially because of Lucia’s continued improvement. The fact she continued to feel solely responsible for the near tragedy spoke to her character.

It also continued to keep the rage just under the surface. She didn’t deserve to feel guilty, even if I’d gone out of my way to make her feel as such. I never second-guessed decisions made, but with her, I was beginning to question aspects about my morality and humanity, which was strictly forbidden in a family of monsters.

“This is beautiful,” Joy said absently as she twirled her wineglass, yet to take a sip even though the bottle had been opened more than ten minutes before. “A perfect coastal setting.”

“An old province town that grew full of fishermen and restaurants.”

She took a deep breath, her eyes never blinking as she watched the setting sun cast golden rays across the ocean water. “Tranquil. I could see living in a small beach house. Nothing fancy.”

“No mansion?”

“You don’t know me very well but even though I live in New York, I prefer small towns. They’re more comfortable. You know the kind where you don’t need to lock your doors at night, where you aren’t terrified to allow your kids out the front door without being worried they’ll be snatched within minutes.”

“There are bad people everywhere and often those you’d least expect.”

The way she looked at me created a wave of desire, the fire inside the woman cresting to an explosive level. I’d never wanted anyone as much as I did her, which continued to be a surprise.

“What about the people who wear their danger like a badge of honor?”

Chuckling, I leaned back in my chair, contemplating her question. “Often they have no other choice.”

“Like you?”

“Very much like me. D’Artagnan. Mattia. We grew up knowing what we’d become. There was no hope of becoming a doctor or rock musician.”

“Is that what you would have preferred being, a rock musician?”

“You mean other than I have no rhythm? I would enjoy the crowds screaming my name.”

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