Page 35 of Hexed
“You think I’m being nice for Aria’s sake?” His smile widens.
“Aren’t you?”
He steps back, glancing around us instead of answering. “What’s on the agenda for the day?”
I shrug. “You dragged me out here. Why don’t you tell me?”
Uncle T told me to make sure he sees what Atlantic Cove offers, but honestly, I think the area speaks for itself. Overpriced and oversaturated.
“Give me the authentic Atlantic Cove experience.” He waves his hand around us.
“Well, this is it.” I put my hands out to my sides. “Welcome to the Atlantic Cove Boardwalk, where the drinks are expensive and the attractions are made for tourists. Perfect for a Marino hotel.”
He looks at me. “Have youbeento a Marino hotel?”
Suddenly uncomfortable, I shift on my feet. “Once…a few years ago.”
Enzo blinks, most likely waiting for me to elaborate, but the last thing I’m going to do is tell him about how I committedmurderin a Marino penthouse suite, so I let the quiet linger until he finally chuckles and gives a short bob of his head.
I hate that I like the sound of his laugh.
We walk down the promenade, and I point out some places that have been here for years, skipping the newer shops because I know nothing about them, and what’s it really matter anyway? The quicker we get through this, the better.
I also skip any of the places that remind me of my past, hoping he doesn’t notice. I think I’ve gotten away with it until he stops walking abruptly.
“What’s up with you?”
“Nothing,” I lie.
He points to Morgan’s Ice Shack behind us. “You don’t see that place to tell me about it?”
I glance over at it, nausea hitting me strong and sure, curdling in my throat and sticking along the edges of my mouth like thick mucus. “I do.”
He crosses his arms.
Throwing my head back until I’m staring at the blue sky, I think about how to handle the situation. Uncle T made it clear I’m supposed to convince him to trust me. To listen to me. Towantto go into business down here. My stomach cramps when I realize honesty is the best policy. Being difficult is only going to cause problems I’ll have to fix later, and being dodgy will only make Enzo suspicious.
“Listen, there are just some things I don’t like to talk about, andthat”—I point to the Ice Shack—“is one of them.”
He makes a face, but I don’t elaborate any more. Who does he think he is anyway, cocking a brow like I’ll just vomit pieces of myself at his command? He must notice my reluctance because he steps in close, his hand twitching like he wants to reach out and cup my cheek. Or maybe that’s my imagination. Either way, he doesn’t, though. Thankfully.
“I’m not playing any angles to get information or trying to test your knowledge,” he says.
Obviously.I’mthe one doing that to him. “Right.”
“I’ve always been honest with you,” he continues.
I snort. “You’ve known me for two minutes.”
“And?” he replies with a wry grin. “What’s that gotta do with honesty?”
As I lick my lips, my gaze flits away from his.
He dips his head down and captures my stare again, lowering his voice. “I don’t have to know you to see the same thing in your eyes that lives in mine, and I get the distrust, and the walls, andthe being constantly on guard. I respect it. But I promise you don’t have to do that with me. Just be real, okay?”
My mouth parts, and my heart speeds at his words because he’s right. Idon’ttrust anyone, and the fact he called it out so plainly is a little shocking.
But I can’t give him what he wants.
