Chapter 14 Sophia #2
It’s not ringing now, either, but a text came through. After pulling on a pair of leggings and a T-shirt, I check to see who sent the message.
Of course. Does this man have a sixth sense? My heart sinks with dismay when I see Enzo’s name glowing up at me.
It’s the last thing I expected to see, even though it makes sense in a twisted way. I’m actually feeling slightly hopeful this morning, so why wouldn’t something come along to burst my bubble?
He kept it brief and to the point today.
Enzo: Good morning, sunshine.
There was a time my heart would have melted along with my panties if I got a text like that from him. Now I’m convinced I should have blocked his number, even if it meant losing the chance to reach Alessandro.
Wait.
My body jolts. I didn’t think of it before, but then I hadn’t received a thinly veiled warning yet, either. Everything looks different than it did when Enzo first texted. Finding Alessandro is a bigger deal than it was then.
Am I insane to even consider asking Enzo for help? It would be more insane not to. I have to talk to my brother. I know in my heart if I do, he’ll hear me.
All I have to do is figure out what to say.
First, I need to reach him. Enzo, don’t let me down.
A question echoes from downstairs before I can type out my reply. “How do you like your eggs?” Dante calls out from the kitchen, where it sounds like he’s fumbling around, probably looking for things he never uses. I don’t imagine him cooking a lot of his own meals.
“Scrambled!” I call out.
“Good, because that’s the only way I know how to make them.” I would swear he’s a different person today. Almost cheerful, amenable. And I’m not entirely sure it was just from the sex. Though if it is, the sex was definitely good enough to change his attitude.
The phone is still in my hand. I need to make a decision fast before going down there. This morning has been incredible, like a gift I never expected, and I don’t want to ruin it.
It takes a lot of going back and forth with myself, but eventually I come up with a message. I hope it doesn’t make me come across as if I’m trying to use him, even if I am a little.
Me: I think I might need your help. Please, it’s so important. Can you help me get in touch with Alessandro?
His response surprises me.
Enzo: What, did you wise up and decide to have him come and rescue you?
Right, because this is a big joke.
An actual friend might ask if I’m okay or could guess there’s something wrong with Dad or Mom, and I need to get word to my brother.
My teeth are grinding as I type out a reply.
Me: It’s important that I talk to him. I can’t give you any more than that right now. Just believe me. It’s important.
Enzo: Since when can you not open up to me?
“Almost ready down here.”
Dammit! Guilt rushes over me and freezes my heart for a beat.
I shouldn’t be doing this, at least not without giving Dante the heads-up.
I’ll be damned if I ask permission to talk to an old friend, but this isn’t just any old friend.
I’ll never forget watching them stare each other down the night they met.
But isn’t that even more of a reason to keep this quiet?
It’s only going to piss him off. It feels like we’re finally reaching a decent place together, opening up and learning about each other.
And the sex is off-the-charts phenomenal.
I can’t pretend that it doesn’t play a role in my desire to preserve the peace.
For the first time, I’m about to have a post-coital breakfast with my husband, who I actually like way more than I ever figured, so I can’t ruin that by bringing up the past, even if it’s stupid hot when he gets all growly and possessive.
Me: Just please do me this favor. I can tell you everything eventually, but for now, isn’t it enough to say I need this help? Please, if you know how to get in touch with him, tell me.
“Come on, come on,” I whisper, staring down at the phone, almost mentally willing him to give me what I need while a clock ticks in my head, every second louder than the one before it.
Finally, he responds.
Enzo: I’ll see what I can do.
Fuck! I don’t like the sound of that. Is he going to sulk now because I didn’t agree that I need to be rescued? Is that what this is? Does he want that much for me to be miserable?
I have to let it go for now because a man is waiting for me downstairs who might be a future I’m ready to explore.
Me. Thank you.
I tell Enzo before closing the messages and sliding the phone into my pocket instead of ordering him to give me the fucking number already so I can talk sense to Alessandro. What is with the damn secrecy?
I’m doing the right thing, asking him for help. This may be the only way I can help us get through this, and I can’t afford to waste the chance.
Even if it means feeling a flush of guilt when I go downstairs and see Dante’s smile as he plates up a mountain of fluffy eggs.
“The food looks almost as good as the cook,” I murmur, eyeing him up as he slides a plate my way. “Good thing you weren’t frying bacon with so much skin exposed.”
“I only ever fry bacon naked,” he explains with a wink. “I like the adrenaline rush.”
He’s surprisingly happy and playful this morning, and I want to keep it that way, so instead of telling him Enzo reached out, I sit at the island and pick up my fork. And when I take a bite of the buttery eggs and moan happily, his grin widens.
I know I have made the right choice.