Chapter 83 Win Her Heart
Enzo
"I'm not going with you," Rose repeats, lifting her chin, a stubborn glint in her eyes.
I look at her incredulously. "You understand that this is supposed to be our debut in New York society."
She grimaces. "Stop saying that. You make us sound like we're some old Regency couple."
I'm considering it.
"Okay, maybe you're right," I agree. "Now tell me, why aren't you going to La Mirage?"
“I’m going. I’m just not going with you.”
I take a deep, calming breath. We’re standing at the entrance to her bedroom. I just told her a few minutes ago to get ready for the party she agreed to go to a few days ago.
“Rose. We agreed. Why the hell wouldn’t we go together?”
She hesitates. Something flickers in the deep blue of her eyes.
“I just… I just can’t be in the car with you right now,” she finally says.
“Why not? I’m not going to torture you, darling. Of course, you can drive there in less than an hour.”
She rolls her eyes. "Oh yeah, how long until we start fighting? Or something worse. I don't have the energy for that today."
I pause, studying her expression. Her cheeks are flushed. She looks away, catching my attention. And suddenly, I understand. "You're a terrible liar, Princess. That's not what you're really worried about, is it?"
When I take a step forward, her breath catches. My voice grows quieter. "What do you think I'm going to do? Kiss you? Do you want me to do that?"
I could have come closer to her. Fulfilled this request. There were so many things I could have done for her. What I want to do to her. But I held back. Because, whether she likes it or not, this is a delicate situation. And the least I can do is take things slowly.
Rose is mine. She's not going anywhere.
Her hands curl into fists. "You're being ridiculous. We agreed."
"I'm pretty sure I told you I wouldn't agree to this," I declare. "Tell me, my dear, what are you so afraid of?"
"You know, my brother asked me about this. Before I moved here. He asked me what I'm afraid of," she says softly.
"What did you say?" I asked.
"I told him I'm afraid of everything." She said.
"Even me?" I asked.
"Especially you. That hasn't changed, Enzo. I've been living in your house for almost two months. And that hasn't changed," she says sadly.
I exhale. "Well, that's unfortunate."
She lets out a quiet laugh. "You think so?"
Despite all her hesitation, Rose is practically perfect next to me. As soon as we arrive at the party, several people approach us, wondering why we're together. She plays her part perfectly.
She makes sure to show off her diamond to their greedy gaze, laughs at their stupid jokes, and graciously accepts every compliment. She's not put off when people raise eyebrows at our sudden engagement.
I want to tell them to go away.
"You're scaring people," Rose whispers to me. "Stop brooding."
"I'm not brooding," I mutter. "I just don't like crowds."
"Or people," she adds.
"Hey, I really like you," I say, rubbing her shoulders.
"You could have fooled me," she says.
But at least she's smiling. That's progress. After a few more long minutes of annoying questions and petty conversations, we can retreat to the corner. I grab a glass of champagne from a passing waiter's tray and hand it to her.
Rose gives me a grateful smile. For a second, one painfully long heartbeat, I simply stare at her. Her long, shiny black hair curled at the ends. Her radiant olive skin, her gorgeous face. And the dress she's wearing.
I simultaneously want to burn it and keep it forever. It's deep red and accentuates every sexy curve of her body. The dress flows to the ground, but has a long slit in the front that reaches mid-thigh.
It's driving me crazy. When she finishes her champagne, her eyes look up at me.
"I think we should probably dance," I tell her.
"Oh, that's such a good idea," she says sarcastically.
I chuckle. "You don't want to?"
"I do. As long as you promise not to kiss me," she says carefully.
She's really thinking about it. I'd be worried if I weren't so relieved that our kiss seems to be tormenting her as much as it is me. "Don't worry, darling," I lean in to whisper the following words in her ear. "I won't kiss you. Unless... you ask me to."
I pretend not to notice how she trembles. When I extend my hand, she reluctantly agrees. I lead her to the dance floor, and for the next few minutes, everything else but us falls away. I'm acutely aware of her in my arms. She keeps her face on my shoulder, her eyes not meeting mine.
"My father taught me to slow dance when I was little," she says. "It's moments like these that I miss him the most."
"He was a wonderful man," I tell her.
"You didn't even know him." She said.
"As I told you, princess, I know everything."
She lets out a soft sigh, followed by a laugh as I gently push her back and twist her around before pulling her back. When she's back in my arms, her eyes finally meet mine.
It makes sense that I'm attracted to her. She's an incredibly beautiful woman. And we're planning to get married. Sexual attraction makes sense. But what doesn't make sense is the way my heart races when her eyes meet mine like that.
Or the part of me that wants to know everything about her. What makes her trick? Her secret thoughts. Her dreams. And most importantly, how to win her heart.
Every minute I spend with Rose brings me closer to fucking.
After the dance, we return to her family and friends. The D'Angelos have joined our small group. Rose excitedly hugs Daniella D'Angelo, who seems a little angry. I don't eavesdrop on their conversation; I'm too busy watching Christian D'Angelo and Roman.
He's talking to Roman. I've never met him, but the man is a legend of Cosa Nostra. A powerful Don. Someone I could respect. He and Roman were true to their heritage. They tried to protect the empires their fathers left them, and I couldn't do that. It was beyond my control at the time.