Inevitable (King Crime Family #2) - J.L. Beck Page 0,82

off more times than not. I don’t want to lose the feelings that started all of this or lose touch with the man I’ve married.

I need to bring us back, bring the love we once had full circle because it isn’t that I’ve lost my love for him. It’s that I’ve lost the flame, the burning desire that you have when you first fall in love.

“Amara, are you sure you’re okay?” Enzo asks me again with more concern etched into his features. I need to stay out of my head when he’s around.

The doorbell sounds for the second time. I almost wipe my brow. I know my father saved my ass. I have no idea what I’ll tell Enzo. What my explanation will be. Can I just come out and tell him how I feel?

“Amara. Enzo.” My father greets us as we open the front door. He pulls us both into a hug before getting down to Gia’s level with a smile on his face. The second Gia realizes Grandpa is there, she no longer cares for her mom or dad. She loves her grandfather and often throws a fit if she doesn’t get to see him daily.

Not that I blame her—I can’t imagine my world without him as my father, especially now that I have him in my life. If my mom could see us now, she would be so proud of the father he’s become, the woman I have grown into, and the family I now share with my husband.

“Are you being good? You know the deal if you’re naughty, right? No cookies or ice cream,” my dad teases, throwing a wink my way. I smile and almost laugh. She has him wrapped around her finger so tight even if she murdered someone, he would still give her cookies and ice cream. She’s Grandpa’s little princess, and she can do no wrong.

Of course, Gia nods her head, yes. She bats her big brown eyes innocently, her dark brown curls bounce as she moves her head up and down with a smile on her face.

“What’s going on, James?” Enzo looks between my father and me. I haven’t told either of them of my plans yet, so they both turn to me for answers.

“I don’t know, ask your wife…” My dad laughs. He always does when he is nervous.

“Amara?” Enzo raises an eyebrow at me.

“I…” I smile. “I want some time alone with you. My dad is going to take Gia.” My face grows red as I watch the light bulb in Enzo’s head go off. He clears his throat, and I can see him growing hard at the thought.

“Okay, then,” he replies, his voice grave as I grab Gia’s bags and hand them to my father. He takes them without hesitation, a smile on his face.

I kiss Gia on the cheek and give her a giant hug, reminding her to be good for Grandpa. Enzo does the same, and then we say goodbye to them.

The second the door to the house closes, and the lock clicks into place, excitement forms in my belly. I’m alone with the man I love for the first time in months. Now, I just need to get the old him to come out and play.

Enzo

Her demeanor is off. She’s fidgeting with her hands, and I can see the sweat forming on her face. Why is she so nervous? I force the tension out of my steps as I take a seat on the couch in the living room.

“I feel like we should be talking about the elephant in the room.” She makes it seem like we have a big fucking problem. Like there’s no way to fix whatever it is that is bothering her. I don’t like it. Not one fucking bit.

“Elephant? That would imply everyone sees it, and I don’t. I have no idea what the problem is. So please fucking tell, Amara. What’s bothering you?” I try not to sound like an asshole, but I’m really fucking irritated right now.

“The years have changed us,” she says. I ponder what it is that she’s trying to get at. What does she mean? Of course, we’re getting older—that is a given. Times have changed. We have a child now. I’m busy with work and keeping up an image I want the public to see.

“I’m not sure I understand what you’re getting at. Of course, time has changed us.” I narrow my eyes. Her choice of words is like a red flag being thrown. Women