Page 66 of The Bonventi Secret
"Like this disheveled mess?" I tease.
"Always," he replies.
I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks and quickly grab my robe, wrapping it around myself. "Shower?" I ask, heading towards the bathroom.
"You go ahead," Enzo says, finally getting out of bed. "I'll join you in a minute."
As I step into the shower, letting the hot water relax me, I can't help but marvel at how much has changed. Three weeks ago, I was still battling with my feelings for Enzo, still trying to process him, and what my world would look like. Now, I wake up in his arms every morning, feeling safer and more content than I ever have with the man I'm falling for.
Finally, Enzo joins me in the shower, his strong arms wrapping around my waist from behind. He presses a kiss to my shoulder, then reaches for the shampoo. It's become our little ritual—he washes my hair, his fingers massaging my scalp, while I lean back against his chest, enjoying his touch.
After we're done, we dress in comfortable silence. I choose a simple white v-neck tee with black pants and flats, while Enzo opts for his usual tailored fancy suit. As I'm applying a light touch of makeup, I catch Enzo's reflection in the mirror. He's watching me with a soft expression I've come to recognize as one he reserves only for me.
"Ready?" he asks, offering his hand.
I take it, wrapping our fingers together. "Ready."
We make our way downstairs, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and bacon filling the dining room. The table is laden with an array of breakfast foods—fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a steaming pot of coffee.
"Good morning, Sir, Ma'am," Antonio greets us with a warm smile.
As we settle into our seats, Enzo pours coffee for both of us, adding a splash of cream to mine just the way I like it.
"Any plans for today?" Enzo asks, taking a bite of his bacon.
I nod, swallowing my mouthful of pancake. "I'm heading to the university library. There's a collection of Victorian-era letters I want to look at for my dissertation."
"Ah, yes. Alex will accompany you, of course."
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Even after all our days of domestic bliss, some things haven't changed. Enzo's protectiveness is still very much present, though I've learned to accept it as part of the package.
"Of course," I agree, reaching for my coffee. "What about you? Countless meetings, I take it?"
Enzo's expression darkens slightly, but he quickly masks it with a smile. "Yes. How lucky am I?"
I know there's more he's not telling me about these meetings, but I've learned not to push. Instead, I change the subject, telling him about the latest breakthrough in my research. His eyes light up as he listens, asking questions and offering insights. It's moments like these that make me fall for him even more, the way he genuinely engages with my passions, the depth of his knowledge, the intensity of his focus when I speak.
As we finish our breakfast, I relish the routine we've established—the quiet moments we share—they've all become the anchor in the chaos.
And then, the guilt churns in my stomach. There's been something I haven't told him about.
The diary.
I just haven't found the time. I mean, things have been so great, I just didn't think it would be wise to tell him. Hell, does he even need to know?
I'm so confused over it. What I'm experiencing is times like these where I retreat back into myself, wondering if I should tell him, let him know what I found, and find out if Valentina's worries were correct.
"Everything alright?" he asks, a hint of concern in his voice.
I force a smile. "Just thinking about my research," I lie smoothly. The guilt intensifies, but like always, I push it down. "There's so much to uncover in those Victorian letters."
"I was thinking," Enzo's voice breaks through my thoughts, "Maybe we can find some time between your work to fly to Sicily for a week. I can introduce you to some of my family I have out there. Show you where the Bonventi name came from."
My heart skips a beat at the question. "Really? I'd love that," I reply, my voice a little more excited than I intended.
"Good. We'll discuss it over dinner. Think of when you could do the trip, and we'll take it from there," Enzo says and stands. "I must go. Have a great day, and I will see you for dinner."
I smile. "You too," I say before he kisses me.
