Chapter Two

Enzo

My palms are sweating and the tension in my body has every muscle locked tight. I undo my tie, trying to loosen my collar so I can breathe. Ever since the moment I spotted the girl smiling through Lanaldo’s phone, I’ve been on edge. There’s something about those green eyes and the freckles that are speckled across her cheeks that have me ensnared. The need runs thick through my veins. But it’s dangerous. Emotions make a man weak. Love is a poison that allows for destruction. And I will not let anyone take me down.

“Boss, Vito’s on the line. Says your shipment is cleared.”

“Good,”

I tell Sal. “Just need to make a call before we go inside.”

“Sir?”

Maritza answers, always sounding terrified when I address her. That’s another thing about my soon-to-be bride, she doesn’t hold the same fear in her eyes as one would expect. Disgust is certainly present. Hate definitely burns strong in those green depths. But she is not afraid. A fact that piques my curiosity.

“Have you gotten what I asked for?”

I want my bride to be able to choose the finest wedding dress there is, so Maritza went to Milan with an unlimited budget to get me the dresses no one else has ever seen before. A dress fit for my queen.

“Yes, sir. Seven have arrived for her to choose from.”

“Good. Now, as for tomorrow evening, I want her in an emerald-green dress.”

I want the color to highlight her fair skin and flaming red hair. Besides, her father told me she loves Christmas, so I figure she’ll be pleased with my choice. “Preferably something that has a low neckline. I want it to fall above her knees and to be fitted.” Those curves of hers are meant to be on display. Her long, sculpted legs are a masterpiece to be shown off. She’ll be a magnificent distraction for me when the conversations with our guests grow dull.

“I will work my magic, sir, and ensure she is beautiful.”

Francesca could be dressed in a smock splattered in paint and she’d be beautiful. It’s the reason I chose her as my bride. She not only sounded like my perfect counterpart from what her dad shared with me, but I could never grow tired of waking up to that gorgeous face.

“One more thing, Maritza. I want you to order one of everything in her size from the finest lingerie store and have it wrapped and shipped here before Christmas.”

This year, the token Christmas tree my housekeeper insists on putting on display in the great room will be loaded with gifts underneath. Which reminds me, I need to visit a jewelry store. My wife needs emeralds and diamonds for that beautiful neckline. Something shiny to accentuate her well-endowed cleavage.

My hard shaft starts to throb, becoming a nuisance again between my legs.

“Will do, sir. Anything else?”

“That will be all for now, Maritza.”

I cut the line, and my attention goes out the window to the busy street as I try to dissuade myself from taking hold of the thick member that’s pressing against my slacks. The city is alive and bustling. This time of year, everything is lit up with Christmas lights, making it look magical from the layman’s eye. But the underworld is still as dark as ever. And unfortunately, this is the time of year when everyone comes asking for a favor. Extra time to pay their debts owed. Additional money to deliver a shipment. They want me to play fucking Santa Claus and give them a free pass for their crimes against my family. But I’m not a jolly old saint. I’m a fucking scrooge who intends to teach them all a lesson.

Before I exit the limo, I pull up the picture of my green-eyed beauty on my phone, taking a long look at her breathtaking smile before I go in and take care of the man who thinks he can steal from me. He’s going to find out exactly how I feel about his actions. And anyone else who wants to skim off the top will know what will happen if they get the same idea.

I tap on the window, signaling Sal.

“Ready, Boss?”

“Let’s go give the bastard a special gift for the holidays.”