“Whoa, wait a second. You think he’ll come back?” The blood drained from her face once more.
I wanted to reach out and touch her, comfort her the way she had comforted me. But I didn’t know how. I didn’t know…
“We can’t take any risks,” I said thickly. Glancing away so she wouldn’t see the emotion in my eyes.
Jesus, he knew she lived here.
It changed everything.
“Maurice will stay right here with you okay?” I finally went to her and cupped the back of her neck, staring down at her. “I’ll be as quick as I can.”
“Okay.” She swallowed, but I saw the trust glitter in her eyes. After everything, Nora still trusted me to keep her safe.
Yet, it was knowing me, being someone important to me, that had put her in harm’s way.
My hand lingered on her neck, the urge to kiss her so fucking overpowering that I immediately released her and stepped away.
She misread the action, hurt flashing in her eyes. “I’m going to get some coffee,” she said. “Looks like it’s going to be a long night.”
I gave her a small nod…
And then I got the hell out of there.
Chapter 24
Nora
I made a fresh pot of coffee while we waited for Enzo to reappear.
Maurice made himself scarce, blending into the shadows in the corner of the living room. But Matteo didn’t give me space. He perched at the counter, graciously accepting a mug of coffee from me.
“Nice t-shirt.” His brow arched, and I let out a heavy sigh.
“It’s not what you think.”
“And what do you think I think?”
“Matt…”
“So, you’re telling me, you didn’t spend the night bumping uglies with your—”
A loud bang at the door startled us.
“What the hell?” Matteo mumbled.
“Stay back.” Maurice withdrew his pistol. “I’ll get it.” But the second he checked the peephole; he holstered his gun. “It’s Mr. Bianco.”
“Jesus, the guy doesn’t know when to quit, does he?”
I shot Matteo a scathing look. “Let him in, Maurice.” Maurice glanced at Matteo and I let out an exasperated breath. “It’s my apartment and unless I’m mistaken, I am not a prisoner here, so please answer the door for Mr. Bianco.”
Maurice answered the door and stepped back.
“I’m sorry,” Luca rushed out as I approached. “I know you told me to stay away, but I’m over there worrying, dreaming up all these crazy scenarios in my head, and I—”
“Luca, breathe.” I chuckled but it came out strained. “I’m okay.”
“I can see that.” His cheeks burned. “Matteo.” He gave him a stiff nod.
“I’d say it’s good to see you again, but I’m loyal to my cousin so—”
“Matt!”
“What?” He shrugged. “You should probably wrap this up before Enzo comes back.”
Fuck my life.
Why did this have to be happening?
All I’d wanted was to have dinner with a friend, and now I was stuck between a rock and a hard place again.
“Matteo’s right, you should go,” I said. “It’s late and the crisis is averted. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?” I started to close the door, but Luca’s hand flew out, stopping it.
“I suggest you back the fuck up.” Enzo growled from down the hall. A shiver ran through me at the sheer anger in his voice. But there was something else there too, under the surface.
Something that sounded a lot like possessiveness.
“Me?” Luca balked. “If I recall correctly, it wasn’t your apartment Nora spent the night at.”
A gasp slipped from my lips, anger flooding. “You should go, Luca. Now!”
“Shit, Nora.” He ran a hand down his face. “I didn’t mean—”
“Just go. Maurice, please escort Luca back to his apartment.” I stepped aside letting my bodyguard usher Luca away. His eyes pleaded with me, but I didn’t concede. I was still too shocked he’d said that.
Enzo came closer, anger radiating off him. But he didn’t berate me… he didn’t say anything. Just stalked past me and disappeared into my apartment.
With a heavy heart, I followed him inside. Everything was such a mess, and this, it was my fault.
Enzo was discussing something with Maurice and Matteo. They looked over, but I disappeared into my bedroom, shedding the t-shirt Luca had let me borrow and pulling on my ‘let’s avocuddle’ t-shirt and some pajama shorts.
When I went back into the living room, Matteo and Maurice were gone.
“Where is everyone?” I asked.
But Enzo didn’t hear me, his dark gaze drinking in the sight of me. When his eyes landed on my t-shirt, an amused smirk tipped the corner of his mouth.