Chapter Six

Enzo

Ireach for her hand and lock our fingers together. She’s been awfully quiet on our drive home. Though, it’s to be expected. She just found out her father betrayed her in the worst way. If I knew it wouldn’t destroy her, I’d make him pay with his life. But I saw the look in her eyes, the sheer devastation when she’d learned what he’d done. It hurt because she loves him. Therefore, I won’t kill him. But I will make him repay his debt as per her request. And in the meantime, I will get my bride-to-be’s account information and wire her ten million for her business.

“I don’t understand how he could do it.”

Her pained whisper tugs at the muscle in the left side of my chest. The one I’d believed to be numb. “He lied to me. He made it seem like you forced his hand on the matter. Like he’d be shot if I didn’t marry you.”

That is certainly not the way I handle my personal affairs. Though, I might kill him if he ever hurts her again.

“I would’ve pursued you regardless.”

Her eyes turn toward me. “But he made an offer I couldn’t refuse, so I agreed.” I would’ve paid ten times as much for her. The moment I saw her staring at me through his phone, I knew I had to have her.

“Why would you pay so much when you don’t even know me? I could suck in bed for all you know.”

I try to withhold my amusement. She can definitely suck in bed, but even if that were the case, sex can be taught, and I’d have no qualms about teaching her what I like.

“I’m getting up there in age, and am ready for a family, though I’ve never met a woman who’s sparked my interest. When I saw your face on your dad’s phone, I was immediately mesmerized. I started asking him questions about you, wanting to learn more. He clearly picked up on my interest and then presented the offer. Of which, I agreed. Under the condition you were on board with it.”

“So then why were you such a jerk to me yesterday? Talk about lousy first impressions.”

I can’t fight the chuckle that barrels out. She is an enigma indeed. Her lack of intimidation is truly refreshing.

“Do you promise to take my answer to the grave?”

My brow cocks up teasingly. “I was quite taken by your beauty and maybe my nerves caught my tongue and put me on edge.”

Her green eyes twinkle as though she’s intrigued by my answer. “It’s hard to believe the Big Bad Boss gets nervous over anything.”

“Well, there’s a first time for everything.”

In fact, I’ve had lots of firsts since meeting this girl. Jealousy, for starters. A flutter of nerves in my gut. And a feeling I can’t quite put my finger on. Along with a lust unlike anything I’ve felt before. My desire is burning so deep, I can barely concentrate.

Her cheeks lift and I think it’s the first genuine smile she’s given me, causing that unnamed feeling to grow in strength.

“What makes you nervous, Francesca?”

“Marrying a complete stranger, for starters.”

Another chuckle rumbles from my chest. It’s rare for anyone other than my brother to get me to laugh. “So, ask me anything and I’ll tell you no lie.”

She rolls her eyes, and my brows narrow at her daring defiance, though I’m more than amused by it. If it were anyone else, they’d be feeling my wrath right now, but she is quite the exception.

“Fine. Let’s test out your honesty meter. How many men have you killed?”

“Next question.”

“See? Honesty, my ass. You won’t even answer the question.”

“That’s to keep you safe. If I were to end up behind bars and they were to find out you knew I’d taken someone’s life, they’d arrest you.”

The less she knows the better.

Her jaw cocks, but it doesn’t stay tight for long, and then she’s asking me another one. “How many women have you slept with?”

She really wants to go for the jugular, doesn’t she? This one I may not want to answer, but I won’t lie, and pleading the fifth will only make her think my sexual prowess is much more vast. “Seven.”

“Hmm… That’s better than I expected. Why didn’t any of those relationships last?”

“Each one failed for a different reason. Let’s say I wasn’t exactly attracted to their personalities.”

“But you agreed to marry me without knowing whether I was a drab or not.”

I can already say she most certainly is not.

“Your father gave me a good insight as to who you are. Though, he failed to mention your backbone made of steel and your witty charms.”

“You just bring out the best in me.”

She gives me a wicked little smile, and I’m humored once more. I may have chosen the girl based on looks and a good resume given by her father, but I think I’ve just won the jackpot. Our banter doesn’t cease the entire drive back, the flirtation growing by the second, and by the time we arrive home, I’m on edge. I need to lock myself away before I overstep her boundaries and ruin our first date.