Chapter 19 #2
“Enzo, can I ask you a personal question?” I prod, not knowing what he’s allowed to reveal or not.
“I suppose it depends on the nature of your question, Ms. Diaz. I’m not sure the boss would feel comfortable with me giving you personal details of my life.” Enzo grimaces, echoing my thoughts.
“Well, I’m gonna ask anyway because he’s not my boss. How old are you?” I question, and he looks a little surprised.
“Oh, that’s not very personal. I’m 29.” He looks straight ahead, navigating the halls with ease.
“How long have you been with Fortuna Nera?” I ask, my voice quieter this time. Is this supposed to be a secret? Surely everyone here knows who funds this lifestyle, right?
Enzo’s brows raise in surprise, as if he’s shocked I know anything at all about the Fortuna name. He gets a faraway look, maybe deciding if he’s able to give me an honest answer or if he should tell me nothing at all.
“I’ve been a part of this family since I was 17,” he finally admits, dipping his head slightly. I walk alongside him, nodding slowly.
“So much life to have lived in just 12 years.” I tell him, offering an understanding smile.
“Yes, but I’ve been given opportunities in Fortuna I would never have known had I stayed where I was before.
I didn’t have the easiest upbringing. Mr. Arsenio offered me a way out, a second chance to build a life of my own that was actually worth a damn.
I will be forever grateful to him for such a thing.
” He speaks with such admiration, it’s hard not to believe in Sebastian’s character.
We’re almost outside. I can smell jasmine in the air as the breeze blows through several open doors. The air somehow feels fresher here. I’ve never felt suffocated by my life in Grovewood, but something about being here in this incredible place feels so much more…free.
“One more question. Then I promise I’ll give you some peace and quiet.” I try to suppress my smirk, knowing what’s to come.
“Doubtful, but please. Proceed.” He takes a deep breath, like he has to brace for impact before answering my questions.
“Do you carry a gun?” I ask, watching his eyes widen slightly before he schools his features again.
“Yes.” he replies.
“Can I shoot it?” I ask, my grin so wide I can’t contain it.
“No.” he shuts me down instantly. I knew he would, but I had to try.
“Buzzkill.” Rolling my eyes, I catch the hint of a smirk on his face out of the corner of my eye. If I’m gonna be stuck with a babysitter all week, Enzo isn’t the worst of the worst.
“Here we are. Il giardino dell’Eden” he gestures, allowing me to walk ahead of him through the large open double doors.
I’m led into the most beautiful garden I’ve ever seen, a true oasis on Earth.
It feels unmistakably Italian, shaped by patience, sunlight, and years of reverence for beauty.
Symmetry guides my eye around the space, but the overwhelming abundance of greenery softens it.
Roses spill from beside clipped boxwoods, their champagne color complemented by the Mediterranean light.
Tall cypress trees stand like twin guards, narrowing the sky and directing attention toward beautiful fountains and statues. Stone paths, worn smooth from years of generations making this place a home, invite me further into the expansive space.
“Oh, Enzo. This is incredible.” It’s almost as if you have to whisper here. Anything else feels too intrusive.
“Beauty, right?” Enzo says, smiling as he looks around the garden.
Terracotta pots brim with citrus and herbs, all orange blossoms, rosemary, and sun-warmed leaves. Beyond the garden’s edge, the yard opens to a shimmering pond. This is a place meant for afternoon strolls and late conversations, where time can truly stand still.
“Thank you so much for showing me this place. I’ve been constantly impressed by the beautiful things Italy has to offer.” I offer him a genuine smile, bending to the side to hug him. But before I can wrap an arm around his side, I’m pulled the opposite way against a wall of solid muscle.
“I do not know what’s going on here, and I do not care.
But if you touch him again, he will not live to see the sunset.
Is that what you wish for him, Bambina?” Sebastian’s silky but firm voice skates across my skin, and as pissed as I am about him ruining a perfectly innocent moment, I can’t help the way my body reacts to him.
“Boss, I was only showing Ms. Diaz the gardens. I apologize if-” Enzo steps back, putting plenty of space between us.
“Absolutely not. Do not apologize, Enzo. And let me go right now.” I wrench my body from his grasp, letting my anger overpower my desire for him.
“Nothing about our conversation was in any way inappropriate, and you have no right to dictate who I speak to, who I hug, or who I do anything with, at all. You don’t own me.
If you think you have any shot at a future with me, you need to think very carefully about the way you speak to me.
Maybe you were able to treat the women before me like cattle, but I am not the one, Sebastian.
” I shove his chest, pushing him away from me and turning on my heel.
“Thank you, Enzo. I appreciate you showing me the gardens. They are beautiful.” Enzo looks at me wide-eyed, unsure what he should say or do.
Sebastian doesn’t say a word, glaring down at me with fire in his gaze.
He’s pissed, and I don’t give a flying fuck.
Stomping through the open doors, my mind reels.
Who the hell does he think he is? He says all the right things when we’re alone, but his overwhelming possessiveness at the least opportune moments is wholly unwelcome.
Turn after turn, I lose my way in the labyrinth of the villa.
All I want is to find my room and lose my fucking mind on my own, but I can’t even do that.
Tears sting my eyes the way they always do when I’m pissed off, and I swipe them away.
Curse my Latina fire for making me so quick to anger, but also just as sensitive when my feelings are hurt.
My vision blurs again as I round another corner, bumping straight into Rosetta.
“Oh, God! I’m so sorry! I wasn’t paying attention! I’m so sorry, Rosetta!” I frantically wipe my eyes, schooling my features.
“I’m quite alright, Miss Vanessa. But you don’t look so well. Can I help you?” She offers, and I give her a watery smile. “Maybe I can lead you back to your room? A little rest can go a long way. I could bring you some tea, perhaps?”
All I can do is nod as she takes my hand and leads me back to my room. Suddenly, the shine of this life and palace feel more like walls closing in, faster and faster. But who knows, maybe my mind will feel clearer after some rest.