Page 127 of DeLucas After Dark

Seated behind the desk in his home office, Enzo stared down at his computer, wondering what he could do to make his first Valentine's Day with Eve perfect. He'd already ordered a red dress, matching heels, and exquisite jewelry that would accentuate Eve's slender yet curvy figure.

But he wanted to gift her with something more personal, something to represent his unwavering love and devotion. So far, he hadn't been able to come up with anything. He typed into the computer,what's the perfect gift to give the perfect woman? As he scrolled through countless suggestions, frustration welled within him. None of those gifts were worthy of his angel.

"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his tousled hair.

Eve wasn't materialistic. She'd be happy with anything he gave her. That was one of the things he loved about her. She loved him for him, not for what he could do for her. However, just because she didn't crave material things didn't mean he didn't want to shower her with them. Especially since this was their first Valentine's Day together.

"Come on, Enzo. Think!" he chastised himself.

As ruthless as he was when handling the DeLuca family affairs, he found himself at a loss when it came to matters of the heart, especially with Eve. Should he get her a gun? A pink gun with diamonds on it? No! Shaking his head, he pushed that thought aside. He'd already given her a pink diamond-encrusted gun with a knife to match.

Enzo leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. Should he get her a purple diamond-encrusted gun instead?Fuck!What was he thinking? He couldn't keep giving her the same shit in different colors over and over again. She'd get tired of that. She'd get tired of him. And he couldn't have that.

As he racked his brain for gift ideas, memories of their time together surfaced. He thought about the late-night talks, and tender kisses they'd shared. And the way he would gently coax her away from the kitchen, sparing them both from her disastrous culinary attempts. And he couldn't forget the mind-blowing sex. Eve was the only woman who'd ever made him moan her name.

They'd experienced more in their few weeks together than some couples did in a lifetime. And despite having seen the ugly side of his life, including seeing a member of his own family betray him, Eve was still willing to remain by his side. How could he not cherish her?

They'd only been together a short time, but he felt like he'd been waiting his entire life for her. Perhaps he had. Maybe that was why no other woman had ever interested him the way she did. His heart had been waiting on her and wouldn't allow him to love another.

"This is our first Valentine's Day together. I need to give her a gift that lets her know how much she means to me," he whispered to himself, his fingers drumming against the desk. Other than giving her the actual world, what could he give to show her that she was his world?

"I know who can help me." Enzo grabbed his phone and dialed Stefano's number.Come on, pick up.Stefano answered on the fourth ring.

"Hello," Stefano growled into the phone, sounding half asleep.

"I'm in my home office. I need you here, now," Enzo barked into the receiver before hanging up, leaving no room for questions.

He knew Stefano would come without hesitation. Less than fifteen minutes later, the motion detectors in front of his home sent him an alert. Stefano had arrived. A minute later, the front door opened and slammed shut, sending a tremor through the otherwise still house.

Stefano's heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway, accompanied by the sound of a gun being cocked as Enzo's right-hand man hurried to his office. The door to the home office flew open, banging against the wall, revealing a wild-eyed Stefano, ready for battle.

"Enzo! What's wrong?" Stefano shouted, gun in hand, eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger.

"Everything is wrong. Sit down," Enzo ordered, gesturing to the chair opposite him, his voice tense with frustration. "I need your help."

Stefano's gaze flickered between Enzo and the computer, irritation etched on his face. "Did someone break in and steal something?" Stefano asked. "Some files, maybe?"

"Worse," Enzo muttered.

"Is Eve in danger?"

Enzo shook his head. "Nothing as bad as that."

"Then what the hell is it?" Stefano yelled.

"Shhh," Enzo hushed him. "She's sleeping. Have a seat, and I'll tell you what's wrong."

Stefano inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. "Fine," he grumbled, walking into the room while placing his gun back in his holster. He sank into the chair across from Enzo. "What do you need, Don Enzo?"

"Valentine's Day is coming up, and I can't find the perfect gift for Eve."

Stefano's hands clenched into fists. "What?"

"I've already bought her a dress, shoes, and jewelry, but it doesn't feel like enough. I need something that will show her how much she means to me."

"Are you kidding me?" Stefano snapped, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. "You dragged me out of bed at this hour for a Valentine's gift?"

"You know how important Eve is to me," Enzo reminded him. "This isn't just about some frivolous holiday. It's about expressing my love and devotion to her."

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