Chapter Six

Enzo

 

Later that evening, Enzo pulled up in front of Sterling and parked in the spot reserved for him. The dark gray marble of the storefront, the wide glass doors and display windows, and the bright silver letters of the sign displayed just what kind of place it was. This was where men could come for custom suits in all cuts, perfectly tailored to their needs. Quality shoes were also available from all the top brands, not to mention ties and hats. Unlike most of the stores in the city, which catered mostly to women, this was a place that only had what men wanted. It was refined and expensive, but it was most definitely not feminine.

 

He stepped out of his Ferrari, wishing Madelyn had let him pick her up at her place. He already knew her address and had a good idea of what kind of apartment he had. He knew how to find someone when he needed to. But he had wanted to see how she decorated, how she kept the place, what elements of her there might be in it. Plus, he had yet to find a woman who wasn’t at least somewhat impressed with a ride in a car like his.

 

And then there were his thoughts about his after-dinner plans for the two of them. Madelyn liked to talk business, and she had done her best to divert his compliments and attentions. But she wouldn’t have been able to resist his charm if he had driven her around the city and then back to her place, where things would have moved out of the professional realm and into the personal. But no, they’d had to part ways after dinner, and he hadn’t even had the chance to put his hand on her waist.

 

Maybe that was for the best. She was his attorney, after all, and he did need her to make sure he got out of this. It was better to focus on getting some work done before he had to spend all his time in court. Stirling was only open for another hour, but selling clothes wasn’t the kind of work he was actually interested in.

 

“What are you goons up to?” he asked as he walked in the front door. Johnny and Rico were lounging against the counter, looking every bit like bored retail employees just waiting for quitting time. “I’m pretty sure I don’t pay you to stand around and talk about the weather.”

 

Johnny grinned. He was like Enzo’s brother in many ways. The two of them were first cousins, and they had grown up together. Fortunately, Johnny had always supported the fact that Enzo was the rightful inheritor of the family, and it had only strengthened their bond. “We’d much rather talk about that sweet little number you had down at The Emerald Crown. She must be one hell of a lawyer if you’re going to spend that much money just on dinner.”

 

Enzo folded his arms in front of his chest. “You know, you guys weren’t very discreet about what you were doing there. I’m sure it was pretty obvious to her that your ‘business’ with the cook wasn’t exactly on the up-and-up.”

 

“Hey, you can’t tell me that she doesn’t know who you are and what you do,” Johnny pointed out. “You’ve pretty much said yourself that she’s not just some dumb bimbo.”

 

“She knows,” Enzo assured him, “but that doesn’t mean I want to flaunt it in her face.”

 

Rico let out a high-pitched laugh. “I know what I’d like to flaunt in her face.” He slapped the counter, pleased with his own humor.

 

Johnny smiled. “I have to agree. She’s got a hell of a set of tits. Think she’ll represent me in court? Then I can take her out to dinner. You know, for business purposes.”

 

Without thinking about it, Enzo reached out and smacked his palm into Johnny’s shoulder. “Shut your mouth. She’s already been claimed, and I suggest you leave her alone if you want to keep your balls where they are instead of in a plastic baggie.” He had never had to worry about his own men. As he had mentioned earlier in the evening, they were nothing but loyal. But the idea of anyone, anyone, moving in on Madelyn sent his blood pumping.

 

“Whoa, hey!” Johnny put his hands up, palms out. “We’re just messing around with you. What’s the deal? You fucking her under her desk or something?”

 

Enzo put his tongue between his teeth and smiled. “Not yet, man.” He moved around behind the counter. “Now, let’s talk some business. I’ve been spending too much time dealing with this fucking murder investigation instead of real work.”

 

“We were just waiting for you to get in, and then we were going to head down to Glimmer to collect their payment for the month. They seem to be running a little behind.”

 

Enzo checked the books. Glimmer was a local jewelry store, offering everything from cheap diamond chips to elite custom pieces. They did a great business in the city, and they usually sent someone down to Sterling to make the payments. They probably thought it would keep their secret a little longer. “Sounds good. While you’re there, do me a favor and pick up a little something special for Madelyn. Maybe a bracelet.”

 

Johnny raised one eyebrow, clearly thinking about poking fun at Enzo once again, but he let it go. “I can do that, boss. Any certain stone she likes?”

 

None of their conversations had gotten that personal. He would have to fix that soon. “I don’t know. Maybe sapphires.” They would go nicely with her eyes, her hair, her skin. God, that skin!

 

“Any, ah, budget I should be working within?”

 

Enzo turned to look at him. Johnny was smiling again, challenging him, but only in a small way. “You know I don’t worry about budgets. Now get out of here.”