Chapter Four

Enzo

My future wife is an enigma. I did not anticipate her being strong-willed or—deceptive. From the way her father described her, I assumed she’d be soft spoken and agreeable. Someone who would bend to my will and do as I command. A woman who would be a breath of fresh air amongst the corruption that I’m faced with daily. On the contrary, she is proving herself to be a worthy adversary. Francesca has piqued my interest beyond my cock’s desire. I’m now intrigued and want to learn more about the stubborn temptress.

“Congratulations, brother.”

Andretti comes up and gives me a kiss on the forehead. “Your bride-to-be is absolutely breathtaking.” He turns toward Francesca and pulls her in for a hug, kissing her on both cheeks and greeting her like family. It’s the Italian way, but I’m no longer a fan of the tradition. Seeing his hands on my fiancée, his eyes roaming over her body, unsettles my nerves. “You have chosen wisely. You are truly stunning, my dear. Too good for the likes of this guy,” he teases, but I’m not amused. I want his hands and eyes off her. Now.

“Hands off, brother.”

I grip her waist and pull her back to my side, wrapping her in the safety of my arms. My brother chuckles, obviously finding pleasure in my discomfort.

“I see that you’ve already gotten under Enzo’s skin.”

He gives Francesca a wink. “I’ve never seen him rattled by anything. Maybe you’ll be able to soften that steel heart of his.”

That’s never going to happen. If I grow soft, my enemies will take me down. Though, he’s right about me being rattled. I’ve never felt jealousy before this evening. My brother is the last man who’d ever cross me, and I still didn’t like his ogling. Maybe it’s a good thing she chose the dress she did instead of the one I had Maritza pick out for her. I’m not sure I could’ve handled her full bosom being the centerpiece to every man’s thoughts this evening.

“I’ll see what I can do,”

she sweetly replies. This time her smile looks genuine. Maybe my brother is the one to soften her towards me. “It’s very nice to meet you, Andretti.”

He takes her hand and kisses the top of it, smirking when he sees my snarl. “The pleasure is all mine, my dear.”

That’s enough. I excuse us from his presence and start leading her to our table tucked in the back, but again, we are stopped by another one of my cousins, and I’m forced to do the introductions.