Page 92 of Love to Defy You
“Dad...” My voice cracks.
“Hey, what’s the matter, kiddo?” He plants a kiss on top of my head. “Rough flight?”
Enzo clears his throat behind me. “She had a panic attack on the way here, sir.”
“Really?” He rubs my back. “You haven’t had one of those in a while.”
Not since the night Alek’s dad forced us to break up.
Are Alek and I going to break up over this photo?
No, of course not. That’s ridiculous. I need to talk to Alek to get his side of the story and give him a chance to explain. This is just a big misunderstanding that can be cleared up with a simple conversation.
ButifAlek did cheat on me, would he tell the truth if I asked?
My shoulders shake with sobs as a fresh wave of tears hits me.
Dad sweeps me under his protective arm and glances at Enzo. “So, who’s your friend?”
Enzo extends his hand to shake my father’s. “Enzo Messina. It’s great to finally meet you, Ambassador Baker.”
My dad accepts his handshake with his free hand. “You as well. Thanks for taking care of my daughter.”
“It was my pleasure.” Enzo smiles at me. “I’ll see you later.”
“Hold on, Enzo,” my dad says. “What are you doing on Saturday night?”
Oh, no.
“My week is pretty full, but my weekend is clear.”
No, no,no.Dad, for the love of God, do not invite him to—
“I’m getting married on Saturday. We’ve got an extra place setting, and I’m sure Willow wouldn’t mind someone her own age to talk to.”
Fuck me.
Enzo perks up. “I’d be honored, Ambassador.”
“Please, call me David. Willow will text you the details.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Enzo grins at him before turning his dark gaze on me. “See you Saturday.” He grabs his suitcase and heads off in the opposite direction.
“He seems nice.” Dad grabs the handle of my luggage and leads me toward the exit. “When I spotted you two, I thought for a second that Alek had dyed his hair dark to sneak into the country. They look so similar.”
Yeah, that’s my problem, isn’t it? Enzo reminds me of Alek, and that can only lead to some very poor decisions.
Chapter 19
Willow
Monday comes and goes without word from Alek. On Tuesday, I try to call him, but after a few rings, it goes to voicemail.
This is Aleksandr. Leave a message.
When it beeps, I sit there in silence, unsure what I want to say to him, so I hang up. I wish his voicemail recording was longer so I could hear his voice, so I call him again just to hear it while wishing he would pick up instead.
This is Aleksandr. Leave a message.
