2. Enzo

2

ENZO

L istening to Gabriella Bianche talk and seeing the passion on her face as she expounds on the importance of helping small businesses tells me a few things. One, she’s an intelligent woman who has a good head on her shoulders when it comes to business. Two, she cares about people and helping them. And, three, I’d like to reach across the table, drag her over to me and see what else she’s passionate about.

The sad truth is, it’s been a long time since a woman has caught my eye and captivated me so thoroughly. I’ve seen Gabriella at every meeting this past month and, I don’t think it’s my imagination, but our flirting is growing more intense. Of course, we’re subtle about it. We have to be. The Rossi’s and the Bianche’s have a fucked-up history and have never gotten along very well.

I think I could get along quite well with Gabriella, though. Every time I look at her, I imagine taking her in my arms and kissing her. Wondering what it would feel like to have all those luscious curves pressed against me. I want to know how she tastes and feels, what she smells like. The sounds that she would make when she comes on my cock.

Shit. Being hard nearly the entire meeting is starting to get really old, really fast. I need to do something about my growing obsession…and poor, very lonely dick.

I know her family is nothing but trouble and they can’t be trusted. Especially after what happened between Miceli and Rocco. The logical part of my brain knows I should stay far away from her. However, the lower half of my body isn’t on board with that. She’s a temptation I don’t want to resist—absolutely stunning with long, dark hair and the most striking caramel eyes. When the light hits them just right, I swear they look like melted toffee. More than that, though, I love how fierce she can be, always standing up for herself and constantly dishing it back to her cousins who never stick up for her. They’re idiots and I feel bad she has to deal with them, but to see her in action, making them look like the fools they are? It’s magnificent. Instant hard-on.

Other than our limited interactions in meeting with the other members of the Five Families, Gabriella is a complete stranger. One who I want to get to know better. I think it might be becoming more obvious to others, especially my brothers, that I can’t seem to drag my attention off her. And it’s only getting worse.

After the meeting ends, I walk outside with my brothers. We can be a rowdy group and right now they’re teasing me about Gabriella because they’re a bunch of dicks.

Angelo nudges me with his elbow. “What’s going on with you and Miss Bianche?”

“Nothing,” I immediately answer. My younger brother is a player who has never had a serious girlfriend in his life. Although, I shouldn’t judge him too harshly because neither have I. Not really, anyway. I tend to keep things light and casual, and I’ll usually see a woman—translation, sleep with a woman—until she pressures me for more. Then I’m out and disappear quicker than a thief in the night. I don’t have time for all that. And, even though I make that abundantly clear in the beginning, some women think they’re special and believe they can change me.

Well, I don’t want to change. I love working and, other than my immediate family, my job is the most important thing in my life. Maybe one day that will change and I’ll turn my attention to marriage and a family but, honestly, I doubt it. Even though I see how happy Miceli and Vin are with their wives, I know keeping a woman happy is a lot of fucking work. And not the kind of work I generally enjoy.

“She couldn’t keep her eyes off you, Enzo. Anything we should know?”

I glance over at Miceli and frown. “Just that I’m going back to the office to make more investments that’ll make you guys even richer.” I handle all of my family’s investment portfolios and they have more riches than King Midas. “Besides, we all know the Bianches are trouble.”

“That’s an understatement,” Miceli growls.

Vin snorts. “Understatement of the year. Anyway, back to Ms. Bianche…”

“Oh, for chrissake, drop it, will you? I’ve never spoken to her outside of our meetings.” The moment the words leave my mouth, I spot Gabriella leaning against her black Dodge Hellcat, arms and ankles crossed, watching me closely. I’m not sure what’s sexier—her or the car. Yeah, right. Gabriella looks sleeker than the shiny machine her perfect ass rests against. So sexy, in fact, that I draw in a deep, slightly shaky breath, unable to tear my gaze off her.

“Well, well, well,” Angelo purrs. “Looks like somebody is waiting for you.”

“Fuck off, Ang,” I murmur and grin like an idiot.

“Go get her, bro.”

“See you guys later,” I say and they chuckle. I ignore them and stride over to where the lovely Ms. Bianche patiently waits. Usually, I have a suave line all ready to go but, for whatever reason, my tongue suddenly ties up and all I can do is stare into her caramel-soaked eyes. I don’t ever get nervous and I’ve spoken with some of the most important businessmen and businesswomen in the world. I’ve lunched on yachts with royalty, been invited to movie premieres and hobnobbed with Hollywood bigwigs, and even attended a benefit dinner with the President of the United States. I’ve had deep conversations with some of this century’s most brilliant minds and never been at a loss for words.

Yet, Gabriella Bianche leaves me at a complete loss and I struggle to force out a simple hello. Her mouth edges up, seemingly amused.

Holy shit. A light bulb seems to go off in my head and it hits me hard—I’m infatuated with her.

“I wanted to thank you,” she says. “It isn’t often people stick up for me like you did in there.”

“You’re welcome,” I say, noticing the way her hair glints in the sunlight. “I really was interested in what you had to say. I think supporting small businesses is important, too.”

Her smile widens. “Really? That’s interesting. I thought you were a shark.”

“I can be,” I admit, moving closer and catching a whiff of her perfume on the breeze. It’s sensual, honey-scented, and my entire body responds. The urge to get to know her better fills me. “Gabriella,” I murmur, testing her name on my tongue, not even meaning to do it aloud.

“Yes?” She cocks a playful brow.

I clear my throat. “Is that what everyone calls you? Or, do you go by a nickname?”

“Everyone calls me Gabriella. Although my dad used to call me Bri.”

I know her father died and I nod. “You were close with him?” She nods, not offering any more information. “Bri fits you.”

“Does it?” she asks coyly.

“It’s short, to the point, all business.”

She throws her head back and laughs. And it’s the most fantastic thing I’ve ever seen. The arch of her neck is graceful and the buttons of her suit jacket threaten to pop open against the swell of her full breasts. Suddenly, I’m salivating and the desire to take Gabriella back home with me is nearly my undoing.

“You’re very interesting, you know that?” she murmurs.

“Am I?” Now it’s my turn to be cagey.

Her caramel eyes study me intently. “Not exactly easy to read, either. And I’m very good at reading people.”

“So am I.”

“Oh? Well, since I’m having trouble figuring you out, I’m going to have to come right out and be blunt.”

“You? Blunt? I’m shocked,” I tease.

A dark cloud passes over her beautiful face. “What? A woman isn’t supposed to speak her mind?”

“On the contrary. I fucking love that you speak your mind. And when you do, your comments are more intelligent and interesting than everyone else’s combined.”

If I’m not mistaken, her high cheekbones turn a light shade of pink and I love it.

“Thank you,” she says softly and I’m glad she recognizes my sincerity. “I appreciate that. It hasn’t always been easy for me.”

“What hasn’t?” I ask, wanting her to expand on that statement.

“Taking over after my father died. Having people, especially men, take me seriously and listen to the words coming out of my mouth rather than staring at my breasts.”

If she’s going to go there then so will I. Tempted as I am to look down, I keep my gaze level and locked on hers. “Not to sound like a chauvinistic pig, but I’m sure your amazing breasts have been a pitfall for many men.”

Her full lips edge up again. “They are pretty fantastic.”

A laugh erupts from my throat. God, she’s shameless and I fucking love it. Just as I’m wondering if I should ask her out for a drink, she asks me first.

“Do you have time to get a drink?”

Again, she gives me that sexy, slow blink that makes my heart trip in my chest. “Funny because I was just going to ask you the same question.”

“Then let’s go. I’m driving.” She pushes off the side of the Hellcat and I just shake my head as she walks around to the driver’s side. No, not walks. She sashays like a boss in those sky-high heels.

Once her luscious ass is out of view, my attention moves to her car and I pull the door open. “Good. I was hoping to get a ride in this beauty.” Sliding inside, I watch as she turns it on and then fastens her seatbelt.

“Better buckle up, Mr. Rossi.”

I reach for the seatbelt and click it into place. “Are you an aggressive driver, Ms. Bianche?”

“I can be.”

She hits the gas and we peel out of the parking lot. I curl my hand around the seat and prop the other on the dashboard. Aggressive is an understatement. Hell, she maneuvers this beast like a movie stunt driver. It’s impressive as hell.

“Where’d you learn to drive?” I ask, gripping onto my seat a little harder as we take a sharp turn.

“My dad’s friend taught me. Richard Petty.” She glances over at me and smirks.

My eyebrows shoot up. “The King? Richard “The King” Petty, the most successful driver in NASCAR history?” I ask in disbelief.

“That’s right. Uncle Rich was great friends with my dad.”

I’m not sure what to say, so I merely nod, in awe of this woman.

“Don’t worry, I promise to get you back in one piece.”

Again, I burst out laughing. Gabriella definitely knows how to keep me on my toes. She’s such a breath of fresh air compared to all of the other women I’ve known.

“I’ve seen that fancy, little car you drive,” she says. “I’m sure it can go pretty fast, too.”

“Yeah, sure, but I never got personal driving instructions from Richard Petty.” I turn and look at her. “Maybe you can teach me some tricks.”

“Oh, I’m sure I could teach you quite a few tricks.”

Her low, sexy tone has my dick lengthening against my zipper. Fuck. Maybe if drinks go well, it can lead to dinner. Then, if things go really well, maybe I can get her back to my place for a hot night because I’m pretty damn sure that Bri and I would set the sheets on fire. The nickname fits her well and I decide I’m going to start using it.

“So, where are we going?” I ask, looking back out the windshield.

“Have you ever been to Maximilian’s?”

“I love that place.”

“I figured. It’s where all the business tycoons hang out.”

It doesn’t take long to get there and Gabriella pulls up to the valet. We get out and, as we walk into the restaurant, I feel really fucking cool having this beautiful, intelligent woman at my side. I’m tempted to place my hand on her back, to let everyone know that she’s mine, but that would be a lie. I barely know her. However, I’m dying to find out more about her.

We sit down at a corner table that’s relatively private and will allow us to talk without getting interrupted too much. Or so I hope. A lot of people I know come here after work and hang out. But, I don’t want to talk to any of them tonight. All I want to do is focus all of my attention on Gabriella.

After ordering drinks, I allow my gaze to move over her face. I’ve never been so attracted to a woman before. Everything about her is perfect, right up my alley, and I look forward to spending this evening with her.

“So, I have to admit, the reason I asked you here is purely selfish.”

“You want my body?” I tease and she laughs.

“Actually, I want to pick your brain.”

And just like that my erection deflates. The last thing I want is a boring business meeting with Gabriella. Damn.