Enzo has never made any sexual advances on me unless Maixmo was in his ear, telling him what to do, pulling his strings and turning him into the most compliant minion.
Hell, most of the time, I think that Enzo wants to kill me more than any of the men. Giovanni has something in store for me, so he won’t kill me until it’s done. He’s made that more than clear. Maximo loves to torture me, my tears his greatest aphrodisiac. And Vito… Vito is well… Vito. He suckers me in with sweet words and actions, only to remind me that he’s a monster a moment later. But never have I truly got the feeling that he wants to actively kill me.
But Enzo… I think his life would be easier if air stopped moving through my lungs.
He wouldn’t have to share Maximo anymore for starters. And he wouldn’t have to continuously watch over me as if I’m some helpless child.
An engine roaring breaks me from my thoughts and my body jerks just as Enzo releases me. He takes a step away from me, but his body heat seems to linger… and that goddamn cologne.
I don’t turn around to look at him though, keeping my gaze on the black car pulling up behind the one already parked in front of the stairs.
The driver’s door opens and cascading black hair is the first thing I see. The head turns and I catch Lucia’s eyes as a wicked grin crosses her lips. Her eyes roam over Enzo and I before she raises an eyebrow as she slams her car door closed.
“What are you two doing just lurking out here?” she asks as she approaches us. She comes to a stop a few feet away, eyeing us suspiciously. Her hair is usually pinned back, but with the long locks flowing around her face, she somehow looks even more villainous than usual.
I expect Enzo to say something, but when he remains as quiet as a church house mouse, I clear my throat. Lucia’s gaze snaps to me.
“I’m being carted off somewhere, though I’m not sure where," I inform her.
She gives a little nod. “I see, and part of this trip is Enzo wrapping his arms around you?” Her tone changes, something dangerous lurking just beneath.
Involutaringly, I take a step back, colliding right back into Enzo. This time, he doesn’t try to catch me, just allows me to bounce right off of his body.
I let out a grunt, balancing myself as irritation moves through my body.
Why the fuck are we even still sitting here entertaining this conversation? I thought we had somewhere to be.
Don’t get me wrong, if I had to pick a Costa who I don’t completely hate, Lucia would be that person hands down. She finds me more entertaining than an annoyance. And she’s the only person I’ve seen truly stand up to Giovanni, consequences be damn.
But at the end of the day, she’s still a fucking Costa and no one in that damn family can be trusted.
I wouldn’t be surprised to find they’re direct descendants of Judas himself.
Or Lucifer.
“Does my cousin know where you’re going?” Lucia asks, drifting a little closer to us. Her brow wrinkles and she folds her arms tightly over her chest.
Enzo’s fingers close around my wrist as he abandons his job of being a statue. “I’m sure he does,” he says before giving my arm a tug. “But it doesn’t matter either way.” His tone is hard, leaving no room for argument. “We’re running late and we need to go.”
“Of course,” Lucia says from behind us, her tone slightly mocking. “Enjoy your little trip. And Winter?”
I turn my head to look at her, even as Enzo continues to drag me to the car.
A smirk tips the corner of her lips up. “Nice dress.” And with that, she disappears into the house right before Enzo shoves me into the back seat of the car.
***
The ride doesn’t take long, but I stare out the window the entire time, trying to get an idea of where we’re going. Typically, the only places I go are to work, the mansion, and the occasional party.
But we venture further into the city, passing by Delerium.
When we pull up in front of a building with a glass window painted with Luanna’s Spa written in a thin script, my whole body tenses up.
The last time I was here, not only did they leave my vagina burning from wax, but they’d fried my hair.
I suck in a breath, placing a hand in my hair. I open my mouth to tell Enzo there’s no way I’m going through the same hell again, but I know it won’t matter. If Giovanni told him to bring me here, then he’ll make sure my appointment is completed, even if that means holding me down while hot wax is slopped onto my vagina.
I squeeze my legs closed, wincing.