Page 130 of Ruined By Blood
"Everything okay?" she asks, setting aside the book she was reading.
I hesitate for a fraction of a second. I promised myself I'd never lie to her, but I don't want to ruin this night with more problems. Not when she's just had dinner with her mother for the first time in years. Not when she's finally feeling safe.
"Business," I say, moving to sit beside her on the bed. "Something that needs handling."
Her eyes narrow slightly. She's too perceptive to miss my evasion.
"What kind of business?" she presses, her voice soft but determined. "It must be important for Alessio to interrupt us."
I run a hand through my hair, torn between protecting her and respecting her right to know. "It's about Sterling's business associates."
Sienna tenses, her fingers clutching the bedspread. "Which ones?"
"The Williams family," I admit, watching her reaction carefully.
Her face pales instantly. She knows them. The way her body goes rigid tells me everything I need to know about their relationship.
"James Williams?" she whispers, her voice suddenly small.
I take her hand, feeling the slight tremor in her fingers. "Yes. Apparently Sterling had some arrangement with them that involved you."
She nods, her eyes distant.
Fury builds in my chest, but I keep my voice steady. "You don't have to worry about that anymore. No one is going to force you to do anything you don't want to do. I promise you that."
CHAPTER 43
SIX MONTHS LATER
Icheck myself one last time in the full-length mirror, smoothing the silky fabric of my dark blue dress. It's with a modest neckline and a hemline that falls just above my knee.
"How do I look?" I ask, my voice betraying more nervousness than I'd like. "Is this appropriate for meeting the Sartori family?"
Ever since Damiano and Zoe's baby girl arrived three weeks ago, Enzo's responsibilities have shifted. Tonight marks the first time he'll be leading a meeting with the Sartoris without his brother, and somehow, I've been invited along.
"Am I overdressed? Underdressed?" I tug at the fabric. "I've never done this before."
I watch Enzo's reflection as he crosses our bedroom toward me. His suit fits him perfectly. Charcoal gray with a crisp white shirt and dark blue tie that somehow matches my dress exactly. I wonder if Lucrezia coordinated that behind the scenes.
"You look..." Enzo's voice trails off as he moves behind me, his hands settling on my hips.
His touch ignites that familiar warmth inside me, the one that hasn't dimmed since our first kiss. He presses himself against my back, his body firm and warm against mine. Our eyes meet in the mirror, and the heat in his gaze makes my breath catch.
"You look perfect," he murmurs, his lips finding the sensitive spot below my ear. "Too perfect."
I lean back against him, savoring his strength. "Too perfect?"
His hands tighten on my hips, pulling me more firmly against him. "If I wasn't concerned about Riccardo Sartori's notorious punctuality, I'd suggest we skip the meeting entirely."
I can feel exactly how much he likes my outfit pressed against me, and a small smile curves my lips. Eight months ago, I couldn't imagine being touched without flinching. Now, I crave Enzo's hands on me.
"The Sartoris would understand," I tease, turning in his arms to face him. "Everyone's still talking about how Damiano missed three meetings last week because Sofia wouldn't stop crying."
Enzo laughs, the sound warming me from within. "That's different. They expect new parents to be sleep-deprived disasters." His fingers trace my cheekbone. "They expect the terrifying Enzo Feretti to be punctual and focused."
"Terrifying?" I reach up to straighten his already perfect tie. "I don't see anything terrifying about you."
His eyes darken slightly. "That's because you know things about me no one else does."
