Page 130 of DeLucas After Dark

"Sleep well, my angel," he whispered, tightening his hold on her. "I'll be here to protect you while you sleep."

With those words, Enzo allowed himself to drift off into slumber, cradling the woman he loved against his chest.

EVE

Eve needed help. Not just any help.

She needed the help of someone specific if she was going to get Enzo the perfect Valentine's Day gift. And it had to be perfect. This was their first Valentine's Day together. And though they hadn't been together long, this would be the one they always remembered because it was their first.

Which was why she was obsessing over what to get him. Tomorrow night was their date night, and she still didn't have anything ready. That was why it was time to call in the big guns.Wait.Big gun.Should she get him a big gun?Noooo. He had enough guns to last a lifetime. Eve clutched her phone tightly as she dialed Stefano's number. The moment he answered, her voice came out quick and urgent.

"Yes, Eve," Stefano's monotone voice came across the line.

"Stefano, you need to come over right now."

Before he could even ask why, she ended the call and resumed pacing the polished marble floor of the living room. Her mind raced, trying to come up with the perfect gift for Enzo – something that would make his eyes light up with genuine happiness and show him how much he meant to her.

And he meant everything to her. Before him, she'd never known she could love someone as much as she loved him. Sure, she loved her bestie, Sienna. But what she felt for Enzo was different. It was all-consuming. It was a passionate love that burned brighter than the hottest fire.

It was both beautiful and frightening at the same time. It was beautiful because it was reciprocated, and she felt his love whenever he looked at her. It was beautiful because when they were together, the darkness around them faded away, and they were able to bask in each other's light and love.

But it was frightening because she was always worried about him. He was the don. His life was always in danger. She, herself, was used to being in danger. But losing him scared her more than the thought of something bad happening to her.

If she lost Enzo, she didn't think she'd ever be able to love anyone like that again. Her savage had spoiled her for any other man. Now, it was her turn to spoil him on Valentine's Day. Eve stared down at her phone to check the time. Stefano should be there soon.

She paced back and forth. Her heels clicking against the floor was the only sound in the room. Then, the motion detectors out front sent an alert to her phone. Stefano was there! The front door burst open, and Stefano rushed in, his face etched with concern.

"Why are there no guards outside?" he roared.

He glanced around the room, taking in the scene. Most of the on-duty guards were seated in various spots in the living room, their eyes following Eve's every step as she paced. Stefano's gaze finally settled on her, his brow furrowed in confusion. Eve smiled and waved at him. He sighed before facing the guards again.

"What are you all doing in here?" he asked, addressing the guards.

One by one, they nodded toward Eve, who continued to wear a path into the floor with her relentless pacing.

"What's going on, Eve?" Stefano asked, sounding frustrated.

Why was he frustrated? She was the one going through a crisis. Eve stopped abruptly and faced him.

"I need help figuring out the perfect Valentine's Day gift for Enzo," she admitted. "It has to be something special, something unforgettable."

Stefano's jaw clenched. Why did he always look so angry? She hated it for the woman he would one day fall in love with. No woman would be able to put up with a cold man like him. She had a feeling she and Enzo would have to watch over him for the rest of his life.

"Is that what you called me over here for?" Stefano asked, voice gruff, as usual.

Eve nodded, biting her lower lip nervously. "I need your help."

Stefano mumbled something under his breath, but she couldn't quite make out his words. It sounded like he was saying she and Enzo were just alike or something.

"What did you say?" Eve asked.

"Nothing," Stefano replied curtly. He didn't seem eager to help, but Eve wasn't about to let him off the hook.

"Have a seat, Stefano," she insisted, motioning toward the couches where the other guards were seated.

Reluctantly, Stefano swiped his hand over his face and joined them. Giorgio, one of the guards, stared at Stefano and shook his head. Stefano shook his head, too. Eve didn't miss the look that passed between them. She was not about to let them deter her from her goal.

"Alright, everyone," Eve announced, standing before the guards Enzo had left behind to watch over their home and the newest member ofTeam Perfect Valentine's Day, Stefano. "I need your help figuring out the perfect Valentine's Day gift for Enzo."

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