Save Me

7- Nap Time

Enzo takes me by the hand and softly leads me back up to bed. The stairs take far longer for me on the way up than they did on the way down. Enzo tries to carry me, but I'm fiercely adamant that I can do it.

I get half way and the exhaustion and strain on my body means my legs buckle under the weight of my body. I begin to slump against the wall but Enzo's arms catch me and I'm swept up into an embrace.

"Miss Greene," he sucks his teeth as he carries me to the top of the stairs, "your stubbornness will be the death of me."

"I'm sorry," I grumble, hiding my face in the safety of his neck, "I've just been independent for such a long time now."

I hear Enzo's sharp inhale of breath and the tightening of his hands around my body. Neither of us is speaking about everything that happened in the run up to the end of our relationships, I know we will, but right now all I need is the Enzo I knew before and he seems more than happy to be that for me.

"Come on then gorgeous," Enzo mumbles softly as he pushes open the door of the room I have been sleeping in with his shoulder.

"Thank you." I reply, sleep heavy in my voice as Enzo's rhythmic swaying soothes my aching body.

With my eyes closed I feel the gentle warmth and softness of the blankets and mattress of the bed but when Enzo's arms slide out from under me, my eyes fly open.

His form stands imposing, blocking the light that streams in from the hall. I can tell from his body language that he's going to leave me alone, and that's the last thing I want.

"Please," my voice is raspy, "stay with me."

Without another word, Enzo moves back to the bed and I curl around his warmth instantly.

"Aways," he murmurs into my hair as he pulls me gently to his chest.

Humming contentedly I let sleep claim me with the happiness of being in the arms of my saviour.

When I wake, I'm warm and peaceful. Despite the absence of Enzo, I feel safe enough to close my eyes and drift back off again- my body is aching and done in.

The second time I'm awake I can tell I'm not alone in the room, but I trust in Enzo that I'm safe. Opening my eyes in a relaxed way, I spot Sophia sitting on the sofa with her bodyguard, Alex. His hand is wrapped around her thigh with his mouth against her ear, clearly whispering sweet nothings in her ear as she giggles.

Wanting to give them some privacy, I clear my throat making them both look up guiltily.

Waving my hand to show that I'm not fussed, I shoot Sophia a grin.

"I don't mind," I give Alex a reassuring smile that he doesn't return, "just don't let Enzo see."

"We've kept it secret for 7 years, Luce. We can keep it going." Sophia's dark eyes are bright and wide with the exhilaration of having someone to talk to about her relationship with the bodyguard.

"How are you feeling?" Sophia asks, walking quickly towards my bed with a soft, concerned smile on her beautiful face.

"Where's Enzo?" I say, feeling a heavy weight rest on my chest with his absence.

"He's dealing with somethings." Sophia replies, clutching my hand in hers while glancing her eyes over to Alex with secrets dancing there.

"What?" I demand, "tell me. I want to speak to him."

"He's in the basement," Sophia soothes, "dealing with the men who hurt you."

"Oh," I mumble, a nauseating sensation grips my stomach. I've never seen Enzo with the violence I am sure he is enacting on those evil men. And I'm not sure I ever want to.

"Go back to sleep," Sophia advises as a huge yawn stretches my lips, "Enzo will be up in a few hours."

Nodding my head, I shift back down under the covers, under the watchful eye of Enzo's sister and most trusted guard, and allow myself to continue to sleep and heal.

When I wake again a sticky heat coats my forehead as the evening Italian sun heats my room. A warm, calloused hand is in mine and my eyes fly down to see Enzo's hand.

"Morning sweetheart." He coos, sitting up and clasping his hand tighter in mine, "or rather, evening."

His eyes wrinkle as he smiles gently over at me.

"How are you feeling now?" He questions, concern wrinkling his brow.

"A little better," I reveal with a small smile, "thank you."

"You don't need to thank me, darling," his eyes darken, "you never should have been in danger, you should have been safe, with me."

Shaking my head softly, I grip his hand tightly.

"Not yet." I plead, "we can talk and fix all this soon, but not yet."

Enzo nods his head, swallowing down all the time words that both of us know are waiting to come out.

"I've arranged for us to spend some time on my island off the coast of Sicily."

My jaw must hit the floor as the wealth and power Enzo obviously has at his disposal.

"And because it is so remote, we can have the house there to ourselves, so you can feel safe."

"Enzo." My lips stretch in a smile, "you would really do all this for me?"

"For you, my Lucy, I would destroy everything to keep you safe, and do anything to make you smile."

I feel a blush beginning to creep across my face. I've spent the last five years alone, convincing myself that I don't need anyone simply because I knew in my heart that they could never love me like Enzo did. It's going to take some readjusting, this feeling.

"The plane is in an hour so you don't have to spend another moment somewhere you don't feel safe."

Throwing my arms around Enzo with a great deal of care and caution for my bruised ribs. Holding on tight, I soak in the feeling of his body against mine.

"Thank you."