2. Enrico
2
ENRICO
O nce inside the vehicle, I nod to the driver, and we take off toward the Caparelli compound. The young woman sitting next to me hasn’t said a single word, which is surprising, considering she’s been following me for at least a week now.
She’s not a particularly good spy or subtle in her stalking. I remember the first time I saw her standing across the street from my favorite restaurant. Something about her curves, wide, round eyes, and silky brown hair called to me. When I saw her at my usual coffee shop the next morning, I thought for sure I was imagining things, seeing what I wanted to see. After a few days, it became apparent the mysterious woman was following me, though I still don’t know why.
I had planned to confront her when I saw her creep up the alley next to Grimaldi’s. She didn’t notice when I slipped out the restaurant's back door and walked right up behind her. I was going to demand answers and grill her on who sent her and why. But then her green eyes met mine, pleading with me to protect her.
I could see the pain embedded in her soul, her despair resonating deep within my bones. It’s been a long time—a lifetime—since I’ve felt the kind of fear I saw in her eyes. It’s what drove me to climb up the ranks in the Caparelli family so I’d never feel trapped or powerless again.
For some reason, this woman singled me out in her time of need. I should probably be more suspicious, but there’s no way she’s faking these emotions.
Looking at her now, I’m even more curious and confused by her presence. She takes a shuddering breath, her curvy little body trembling as she wraps her arms around her stomach and angles her body away from me. I get the sense she doesn’t want me to see her like this, so vulnerable and broken.
When her soft sobs reach my ears, my chest tightens to the point of pain, making it hard to breathe. I need to comfort her, but fuck if I know how to do that. Comforting others isn’t a skill set I’ve ever utilized in my many years as the second in command of the most powerful crime family in Vegas.
Still, I have to do something, anything to ease her pain. I reach out and lay my hand on her shoulder, horrified when she winces and bites back a whimper of pain.
“Are you hurt?” I ask.
She doesn’t say anything, which is answer enough.
“Jesus,” I mutter. I suspected as much when I saw the scratches on her cheek, but clearly, the extent of her injuries is deeper than that.
We ride in silence the rest of the way to the compound. When the driver pulls into my driveway, I leap out of the back seat and sprint to the other side of the car. I’m insanely protective of this woman without even knowing her name.
Opening her door, I’m hit with another wave of anger at her tear-stained face, complete with a swollen cheek. Whoever did this to her is living on borrowed time. I’ll make sure they never have the opportunity to hurt her or anyone else ever again.
The woman unbuckles her seatbelt, straightens her shoulders, and tries her hardest to hold her head high even though she’s been beaten down. I offer my hand to help her out of the SUV, and she instantly takes it, not letting go once she’s on the pavement. She squeezes my hand tightly as I lead her up to the front door.
Unfortunately, I have to release her hand to use my thumbprint to unlock the door. I make a note to get her thumbprint scanned into the security system. A shiver runs through me at the loss of her touch, but I know I need to get her inside. I’m not sure what she’s running from, but she certainly picked the right man to protect her.
I walk through the entryway, shedding my suit jacket and kicking my shoes off along the way. When I look back, I notice the beautifully broken angel isn’t beside me. She’s standing in the doorway, looking down at her hands, which are anxiously twisting together.
All I want to do is fold her in my arms and never let her go. However, I think that would be too much for her. Hell, it’s too much for me. What has come over me in the last fifteen minutes?
I thought I was satisfied with the life I’d built, the wealth I’d accumulated, and the respect I’d earned in the Family. Then those emerald eyes struck me square in the chest, wrenching my goddamn heart out. I’m suddenly incomplete, lost in a sea of meaningless existence without this angel by my side.
I try softening my stance to make myself less intimidating, but at six foot three, it’s hard not to be an imposing figure. When my shadow falls over her, she tips her head up, piercing me once again with those emerald eyes. I hold my hand out like I’ve done several times tonight, and a deep sense of satisfaction washes over me when she instantly grabs it. I don’t know what I did to earn her trust, but I silently vow never to break it.
We walk down the entryway together, and I lead us to a couch in the living room. I grab the small remote on the side table next to me, and with the press of a button, the fireplace roars to life. The yellow-orange flames cast shadows across her lovely face, and I resist the urge to trace the curve of her nose.
“What kind of danger are you in?” I ask, hoping to get a better picture of what we’re dealing with here. Whatever it is, I have the resources to vanquish her enemies. All she has to do is point me in the right direction.
“I… My…” She trails off, shaking her head as if frustrated with herself for being unable to communicate.
“Let’s start with an easier one,” I suggest. “What’s your name?”
“Valerie,” she whispers.
“Valerie,” I repeat, letting each syllable sink into my being. “I’m Enrico, but I’m guessing you already knew that.”
Valerie’s shoulders drop, and she nods in defeat. I hate seeing her like this.
“It’s okay,” I say softly. “I’m not upset.” I pause, searching for the right words. “Is there someone after you? Will they try to follow you here?” I’m trying to get information even if she’s unable to give me the specifics at the moment.
“No, he’s not… I mean, he won’t notice I’m gone for a while. He’ll probably be glad I’m out of his way.”
Her answer both soothes and angers me. Whoever the fuck he is will be getting a visit from me and our top enforcer, Lorenzo, soon. However, Valerie isn’t in immediate danger, which gives me more time to plan and get answers from her.
She drops her gaze from me and squeezes her hands into fists on her lap. I cover both of them with my larger hand, hoping to infuse some of my strength with the gentle touch. Valerie looks up at me, gutting me once more with the racing thoughts and fear that lie beneath the surface.
“You’re safe, Valerie. Whatever you’re running from can’t reach you here. Do you trust me?”
“Yes,” comes her immediate response.
I’m humbled while at the same time questioning why she’s putting all her faith in me. Have we met before? Surely, I would remember a beauty like Valerie.
Her magical eyes, rounded cheeks, slightly upturned nose, and long, dark hair are enough to etch her in my mind forever. I shouldn’t allow myself to even think this, but I can’t help noticing her ample chest, thick thighs, and curvy hips. I want to lay her on my bed and explore every inch of her but now isn’t the time. It’s so goddamn inappropriate.
“Then let me take care of you.” I don’t think I’ve ever said those words, but they roll so easily off my tongue. “I’ll show you to one of the guest rooms where you can rest for the night. It has an ensuite bathroom for privacy. Does that sound like a good plan for now?”
Valerie gifts me the smallest smile and a nod. I barely know this woman, yet all I want is to see her eyes sparkling with a genuine smile. I’ve got my work cut out, but I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge.