Chapter Eleven

Enzo

 

The long black limo wound its way through the city streets to the address Madelyn had given Enzo over the phone. He had already known where she lived, and thanks to the efforts of Carlos, he had also known that she had no other plans for that night. If she had rejected him, then he would have known it was just an excuse. But Madelyn had been flattered when he had called and asked her out on the condition that they not talk about work, and she hadn’t hesitated to say yes. The fact that she had even agreed to let Enzo pick her up made him all the more certain that she would be all his by the end of the night.

 

The limo had been a last-minute decision. The Marino family always kept one on hand, even though Enzo usually chose to drive one of his personal vehicles. But the limousine showed his power and wealth, as well as the fact that he took this date seriously. He made his way up to her door with a bouquet of flowers to pick her up.

 

He knocked on the door. Most women would tell him they were just about ready, that they just needed to grab their purse or finish their hair. But Madelyn wasn’t that kind of woman. She answered swiftly, already outfitted in a black floral dress that was much more cute and flirty than the type of attire she wore to work. Paired with a black jacket, tights, and pumps, it was still formal enough for the restaurant they would be heading to. She had kept her hair long and loose around her shoulders, and she had swapped out her usual briefcase for a little leather purse.

 

“Oh, thank you!” There was genuine surprise in her voice as she took the flowers from him. “Let me just put these in water.” She left the door open, giving Enzo the option to come in or stay out.

 

He stepped just over the threshold, curious, but not willing to forcibly invade her space. He certainly could if he wanted to, and he had a feeling that Madelyn wouldn’t try to stop him, but he was trying to get on her good side after all.

 

The apartment was a decent one, considering the limited space in the city and how expensive it was. Hardwood floors ran through the place, and they were dotted with quality area rugs. The deep blue of the living room indicated he had done a good job in choosing sapphires for her bracelet; jewel tones suited her in all aspects of her life. Enzo could just see into the kitchen, a spacious one with a stove on the island and a massive stainless-steel fridge. Madelyn had ducked into the room to handle the flowers.

 

She came back out a moment later, a crystal vase in her hands. In only a few minutes, she had artfully arranged the flowers inside, and she set the arrangement on the coffee table in the living room. “I’m ready.”

 

He offered his arm and smiled to himself as they headed back to the elevator. The exchange had been a simple one, one that, to most people, wouldn’t seem significant at all. But he had taken quick notes of the massive amounts of books on the shelves, the abstract painting that hung behind her couch, and even the brand of her purse. He was learning more and more about her, and he would use it to his advantage if he could.

 

She paused when she noticed the limo pulled up at the curb, looking at him uncertainly. “Really? I would have dressed a little better if I had known.”

 

He raked his eyes down her body and back up to her face before putting his hand on the small of her back, guiding her to the car door. “You look beautiful, trust me.”

 

There was plenty of room in the back of the limo, but Enzo made sure he sat right next to Madelyn, allowing the side of his thigh to touch hers. “I’m glad you were free tonight. I thought it would be nice for us to get out and unwind a bit, aside from the case. I know you’re doing everything you can for me, and you have no idea how much I appreciate it.”

 

Mention of the trial made a wrinkle of worry appear on her forehead. “I really am trying, Enzo. You say you know it, but really. I want to do this the right way, and I’m working my ass off to find a way to do that.”

 

He smiled gently, keeping his face soft as he studied hers. “I know you are. I’m safe with you, Madelyn.”

 

She fidgeted with the hem of her dress. “Then would you mind telling your cousins that? I have to admit, I’m a little terrified of what might happen if I don’t win.”

 

Enzo stroked his fingertips gently down her arm and let out a light laugh. “You don’t have to worry about them. They’re naturally protective, but they apologized to me later for their behavior. They know what you’re doing for me, and it’s made you very special to them.”

 

Madelyn nodded, but she didn’t look convinced. “Okay. If you say so.”

 

“I do. You can trust me.” He pulled her to him for a deep kiss, feeling her body rise up to his. She was afraid and uncertain, but her lust for him was just as strong as his was for her. He had this in the bag. He felt the vehicle stop underneath him, and he pulled back. “Looks like we’re here.”