Destined For The Mafia (18+) (3 of 3)

Chapter 29 - Trust

[Enzo's POV]

I am trying to work, but my mind keeps drifting. I turn in my office chair and stare at the walls of books behind my desk.

She is different.

She is here - finally - but she is different. And not in a good way. But, how could she be different in a good way after what she went through? After what I couldn't save her from.

She saved herself. She always had, every time, and this was no exception. It had been my chance to take that burden off of her, and I squandered it. I left my grief cloud my judgment. I should never have listened to her note. I should have fought for her.

And now, maybe she was done fighting for me - for us. Maybe she hated me for what she went through - how my feud almost killed her. I wouldn't blame her, despite how much it would kill me to lose her. I don't think I could. No - I know I couldn't. I wouldn't.

So when she wanted to go back to work today, I tried not to object. I tried to support her.

And when she couldn't breathe at my touch in the hallway this morning, I tried to remember everything she went through. Everything she was still reeling from.

But the sting still hurt.

She had never cringed at my touch before. Not mine.

She was different now.

"Enzo?"

I turn my chair around and see Sebastian standing in my office doorway. What could he want?

I wave him in and he shuts the door before approaching. I study the odd look on his face. Serious, as usual, but also uncomfortable - uneasy.

"I'm sorry for interrupting you," he says, hands behind his back.

You did. "You didn't. Take a seat."

"Thank you." He nods and sits in the left of the two chairs across from me, folding his hands in his lap.

"What is it? Is it Cat?" I ask him, sitting up straighter.

He doesn't quite answer. "Over the past few years, I have grown to have a deep respect for you, Enzo."

"The feeling is mutual," I offer and he smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes.

"We have always had something in common, you and I," he says. "A profound interest in Caterina's success."

"Yes."

"So I am at a cross roads now. I'll admit my loyalty does side with her, but out of my respect for you as a great Don and a good husband to her, I am torn."

My blood chills but I keep my face neutral. "Why, exactly?"

"I believe Ace has grown too comfortable here."

Instantly, my whole body is so tense I am a statue.

What does that mean?
What did he do?
Did he touch her?
My wife?
I'm going to-

"How so?" I force out.

"There have been no lines crossed," he says and my shoulders do not relax how they should. "But I think he would be better off leaving his position here. My dilemma is that his work is not the issue. Her success would benefit from his staying."

My teeth are clenched so tight I think they might crush eachother. I try to relax my jaw, but it doesn't help. My fist under the desk flexes and squeezes over and over.