Page 76 of Twisted Embrace

“Tell the lady you’re sorry. Now.”

“Let him go,” I told him.

Enzo’s voice was commanding enough I was shocked, shaking from the experience.

“Only if he apologizes. Otherwise, he won’t make it to sunrise.”

“Enzo,” I said quietly. “Please.”

The way he took a deep breath meant he was as irritated as I was, but he loosened his hold. “This is your lucky day, buddy. In deference to the lady, you get to live. However, you will apologize.”

“I’m… sorry,” the stranger said, darting his eyes in my direction. “It will never happen again.”

The brutal Italian refused to let him go. This time, I touched Enzo on the arm, keeping my voice low. “It’s okay. This gentleman was trying to pay me a compliment. Nothing more.” I could tell by the sharp glare in the asshole’s eyes there was something else going on. Either Enzo didn’t see it or else he would track the man down later.

By that point, both Federico and Anthony were standing in the doorway.

“Federico. Show this… gentleman out.” He took a deep breath, tilting his head toward me before letting the man go. Federico gave the man a harsh push, but not before the stranger glanced over his shoulder, grinning. If I voiced a single concern, I could end the man’s life. Somehow, I didn’t want his death on my conscience as well.

Enzo crowded my space, forcing me against the wall, planting both hands on either side. “Bad girl.”

“For what? Going to the bathroom? Jesus. You can’t go off halfcocked when some jerk tries to talk to me. In case you hadn’t noticed, I can take care of myself.” While lingering thoughts that the man had something else in mind remained, I refused to allow the encounter to ruin the evening.

“In case you haven’t noticed, there are people trying to kill you. Besides, no one touches what’s mine.”

He was furious, so much so I feared for his soldier’s safety as well as the man who’d accosted me. “You’re not going to do that, Enzo. I’ve handled men like that before and I’m certain I will again.” The way he continued to act as if he would go after the man irritated the hell out of me. “I’m surprised you didn’t plug him.”

His sharp chuckle was obviously from the word I used. “That can still be arranged.”

“What did you say to him?”

Enzo touched the side of my face. “I told him that if he ever touched you again, I’d slice his fingers off one by one. Then I’d start with his other appendages.”

“Just when I think I might start to like you then you do something like that. Just stop. I can’t live like a prisoner.” I wasn’t angry with him for being so protective, but I would have a life of my own.

“I’m not your knight in shining armor or just some guy on your list of boyfriends. I’m your fiancé and the only man who can protect you. As such, you will do as I say.”

Even in the dim lighting, I could see the spark in his eyes. He adored when I challenged him. That made the passion we shared even more electric.

“Like all good little prisoners will do. Okay, Mr. Neanderthal. Then why did we bother coming out tonight?” When he said nothing, I sensed he was holding something back from me. “You’re using me as bait after all. Aren’t you?”

“We’re here because I wanted to enjoy a night out with the woman… I own.”

“Uh-huh. You’re not a very good liar and even in marriage, you will never own me.” I shoved him playfully but hard enough I managed to skirt around him, biting back a laugh.

He was too fast, snagging my wrist, pulling me closer and onto my toes. The fire we shared was stronger than ever, burning brightly, yet I noticed something I hadn’t seen before. Fear, although not the same kind as normal people would feel. His was much deeper, so dark that it was a part of him even he didn’t understand.

“Nothing can happen to you, my beautiful princess.”

I wanted the anger to continue but his words were heartfelt. “I’m certain you won’t allow it. You are my hero.”

“And your master.”

Every inch of my body shivered, the lust in his tone creating butterflies.

He rubbed his thumb across my face then pulled away, speaking in Italian to his Capo.

Whatever exchange he had with Anthony I knew wasn’t good. But Anthony took me by the arm, leading me toward the table.

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