Page 74 of Twisted Embrace

“I’d write a piece about how amazing your family is, how the demons that could easily consume you are kept at arm’s length. And about how respect and loyalty are of utmost importance.”

“Maybe I’ll allow it then.”

“You don’t rule my life.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. So very wrong.” His tone was even more dominating, a reminder of required obedience.

Why did his statement thrill me as much as it did?

“I’m never wrong,” I told him as I rubbed my finger across his jaw.

“We shall see. Come. Let’s order dinner.” He took my hand, leading me back to the table. Everything he did held an air of possession, the way he walked through the dining room as if he owned the place. I couldn’t help but notice that there wasn’t a single person in the expansive space that didn’t turn their heads when we walked by. Men wanted to be him. Women wanted to fuck him.

And I was the lucky girl.

Lucky.

I wasn’t certain that was the correct word but at least I felt it strongly at that moment.

As soon as we were seated, the waiter appeared out of nowhere, ready to take our order.

“Lobster. Rare filet. Caviar. Caesar salad,” Enzo ordered without bothering to look at the menu, his eyes twinkling in the candlelight, his lips far too enticing not to notice.

“Yes, sir.”

“You continue speaking English,” I said as I reached for my wine.

“I don’t want you uncomfortable.”

“I guess you’ll need to teach me the language.”

“Then you’ll learn all my secrets.” He reached for his glass, but I had no doubt he couldn’t care less about the liquid libations. I shuddered from the thought of what he would do to me later.

“Maybe that’s my intention so I can use everything I learn against you.”

There was an entirely different smile crossing his face, as if no one had ever challenged him the way I was doing.

“As they say in America, if you do, I will have to kill you.”

“A sweet release.”

When he smiled, he could light up a room, but the occurrence was rare. I continued to wonder about the horrors he’d experienced in his life. And if I could soothe the beast. Marriage. I glanced at my ring finger, trying to come to terms with what our union would mean. The uncertainty was something I’d learn to deal with. Or so I hoped.

The chime of his cellphone brought a growl from his throat. He ripped his phone from his pocket, taking a deep breath. “I need to take this call. I’ll be right back.”

“Of course.”

He left the table, taking long strides toward Anthony, the brief conversation followed by the soldier glancing in my direction. Then the brute of a man walked closer, standing only a few feet away. I had a feeling he’d been told to protect me with his life.

While Enzo’s world was riveting, everything that occurred was a stark reminder of what could happen in the blink of an eye. Death. Destruction. Bloodshed.

I took another sip of wine, my glass almost empty. The waiter appeared again, refilling as if he’d be banished or worse if he was late. To have that kind of power must be both daunting as well as thrilling. I sat back in my chair, trying to relax, remaining antsy. That usually led to another premonition. The fact I’d had several since right before the baby shower kept me on edge.

If I believed all of them, and I refused to do so, this was only the lull before the storm.

Two minutes passed then another three. The anxiety was increasing. I rose from my chair and Anthony moved toward me with lightning speed. “I’m just going to the bathroom.”

He looked me over, glancing at the crowd then nodding. When he started to follow, I pressed my hand against his chest.

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