Page 36 of Pen Pal

The scalding water beat against my skin, but it did nothing to temper the burning deep inside me. Nothing would, not until I saw him.

When I slid beneath the covers, my dress hung on the door, waiting, just like me.

.

~*~

My heels clicked against the concrete floor, my heart hammering as the guard walked ahead. He opened a tall door markedLegal Visitation Roomand ushered me inside. I sat in one of the chairs as the guard slinked away, closing the door behind him as he went to get my client.

I opened my briefcase, my hands shaking as I laid papers on the table. Enzo was getting arraigned tomorrow, and I needed to inform him of the basics and what to do. I pulled out all the necessary forms and a few pens, leaned back in my chair, and waited.

And waited.

Every time I heard steps echoing down the hall, I straightened, hoping it was him. But so many people walked up and down the hall; it was unlikely that it would be him every time. It was visiting hours, after all, and so many inmates got visitation today.

Istood only when I heard the doorknob twist and the door creak.

I kept my features neutral as the guard swung the door open, letting in my client. He was in shackles, and his eyes darkened just like I imagined, his mouth tightening as his gaze raked over my tight dress, my curves on full display.

The guard unshackled him, told him to behave, and closed the door. Smirking, Enzo turned the lock, and it gave an audibleclick!

“Don’t you look delicious,” he purred, sitting in the seat across from mine.

A small smile escaped before I could hold it back, and I pushed some forms before him, handing him a pen. “I need you to read these papers and sign them. This is a new case, so you must agree to hire me as your lawyer if that’s what you wish. Then we need to go over what to expect tomorrow.”

Enzo’s eyes fell to the forms before flicking back to me, his jaw ticking. He took the pen and signed the papers before it clattered back on the table.

“This isn’t my first arraignment,” he informed, his eyes hard and cold. “I know what to expect.”

“The prosecution hasn’t offered a plea deal, and I don’t think they will,” I admitted. “You shouldn’t take this to trial because you’ll lose. You can plead—”

“Guilty,” he murmured.

I looked up from the forms as I gathered them, straightening them before putting them in my briefcase. “Pardon?”

“Guilty,” he repeated, standing from his seat and leaning over it as his hands rested on the table. “You know I am. Is that what you want me to plead?”

“It’s up to you, Mr. Ricci,” I breathed.

“Oh, so it’sMr. Riccinow?” he snapped, slamming his fist on the table and making me jump. “What thefuckhappened?”

“What?” I mumbled, scooting the chair away from the table as a surge of coldness seized my chest.

Enzo lunged for me, gripping my throat as he hauled me to my feet and slammed me against the wall. I squeaked, and he loomed over me, his eyes dark and dangerous, flashing with fury.

“Are you afraid of me,Mrs. Branson?” he growled, his eyes darting between mine.

“Yes,” I admitted, squirming in his grip.

“Do you think I’m like your husband? Do you thinkI’ll beat you to a bloody pulp and kill you right here?” he demanded.

I hesitated, and his eyes flashed with anger. I winced at his reaction but forced myself to review the facts.

I’d seen his entire rap sheet, and nothing in there even hinted at violence against women.

“N-no,” I stammered, trembling in his grip. Enzo was dangerous, terrifying, and a killer, but if he wanted to attack me or kill me, he would’ve done it already.

“Do you trust me?” he whispered.

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