Page 121 of Ruined By Blood
She pulls me into a hug, her familiar scent enveloping me. "You already are, Sienna. You always were. You just need the space to remember that."
Mom's eyes light up as she remembers something. She reaches into her purse and pulls out a small notebook.
"I've been going through all the financial documents. Henry kept everything meticulously organized—probably the only decent thing about him." She flips through the pages. "There are several credit cards connected to my trust accounts that he never let me access."
My eyes widen. "He had cards in your name?"
She nods, a hint of anger flashing across her face. "Many things were in my name but controlled by him. The bank president is coming tomorrow to verify my identity and restore my access."
"That's amazing," I say, feeling a surge of happiness for her. This small reclamation of power means everything.
"Once I get the cards activated, I'll call you to come pick them up," she says, her voice gaining enthusiasm. "I want you to spend as much as you want, Sienna. Buy clothes you choose, books, anything that makes you happy."
The concept feels foreign—shopping without Henry's approval, without his critical eye evaluating every purchase. "Really? Anything?"
"Anything," she confirms with a smile. "For twenty-one years, you've had no choices. It's time to discover what you actually like."
I try to imagine walking into stores, selecting items based solely on my preferences. The freedom is dizzying.
"Maybe I'll buy jeans," I say, testing the idea. Henry always insisted on dresses and skirts, claiming pants were unladylike.
Mom laughs, the sound still rusty from disuse. "Buy ten pairs if you want. Buy those ripped ones teenagers wear. Buy whatever makes you feel like yourself."
"I don't even know what that is yet," I admit.
She touches my cheek gently. "That's the adventure, sweetheart. Finding out. I'll call you as soon as the cards are ready," Mom promises. "Probably tomorrow afternoon. Then we'll start building our new life, one purchase at a time."
I hear the sound of tires on gravel and glance out the window to see Enzo's black Audi pulling up the driveway.My heart skips a beat—a reaction I'm still getting used to. For so long, the sound of an arriving car meant danger, not excitement.
"He's here," I tell Mom, trying to keep my voice casual.
She smiles knowingly. "Go on. I'll call you tomorrow about those cards."
I kiss her cheek and hurry outside, my small bag of belongings clutched in my hand. Enzo steps out of the car, and the sight of him still takes my breath away. He's wearing dark jeans and a fitted black henley that shows off his powerful build. His eyes find mine immediately, and that familiar intensity makes my skin warm.
"Hey," I say, suddenly shy.
Enzo takes my bag, his fingers brushing mine. "That's all you're bringing?"
"That's all I want from this place."
He nods, understanding without needing explanation. After placing my bag in the back seat, he opens the passenger door for me. These small gestures of care still surprise me.
Once we're driving away from the mansion, I feel the tension leave my body. Enzo glances over, his hand finding mine across the console.
"What would you like to do now?" he asks.
I consider for a moment. The world is suddenly full of possibilities, and it's overwhelming. But there's one thing I know for certain—I want to be alone with him, away from everyone else.
"Could we go to your cabin?" I ask. "Just the two of us?"
A slow smile spreads across his face, dimple appearing in his left cheek. "Miss me already, tesoro?"
"Maybe." I feel a blush warming my cheeks.
"We can go there if you want." His thumb traces circleson my palm, sending shivers up my arm. "Though I'm starting to think you just want to get me alone to seduce me."
I laugh, the sound surprising me with its freedom. "Is it working?"
