Enzo’s eyes lock on my neck and shoulder where his release coats my skin, then he takes three steps backward before he continues to stare at me.
“Linda.” There’s a look of pure awe on his face. “You are exquisite. I thank all the gods that you’re mine.”
My mouth curves up into a smile, happy that I was able to give him pleasure.
Chapter 25
ENZO
Pride doesn’t begin to describe what I’m feeling for Jenna. Not because she got me off, but because she took a huge step toward healing.
While I show her how to make rissóis, she keeps stealing glances at me. “What’s on your mind,meu amor?”
She looks up at me, and as her lips part, she suddenly bursts out in tears.
“No! Why?” I quickly wipe my hands clean on a towel before I frame her face, worry pouring into my chest.
Did I push her too hard?
“I…I…” Jenna stammers through the sobs, then her eyes lock on mine, and she says, “I love you.” She wraps her arms around me and continues, “I’ve never been this happy before, and it’s overwhelming.”
Stunned, I stand frozen to the spot, unable to believe what she just said.
Jenna pulls away and tilts her head back, then her eyebrows draw together in confusion. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m…” I shake my head, overcome with so many emotions, they rattle me. “No one’s ever said that to me.”
Her bottom lip juts out, and her chin quivers. “I love you, Enzo. So much, it feels like it’s going to make my heart burst wide open.” She lifts her hand and places it on my jaw. “I thought I had to give up all my dreams, but then you came, and one by one you’re making them all come true.” Her hand moves to my chest. “To others, you might be the devil, but to me you’re a guardian angel.”
Gently taking hold of her chin, I lean down and kiss her, needing to taste the most perfect words I’ve ever heard. They wrap around me like a protective shroud, making me feel invincible and like I can conquer the world.
Pulling an inch back, I look deep into her blue and green eyes. “You own every inch of my heart, body, and soul,meu anjinho.”I pull my fingers through her silky strands while basking in the love written all over her face. “I had to claw my way out of hell, but if I knew a perfect angel was waiting here to show me what heaven was like, I would’ve come much sooner.”
“Oh, Enzo,” she breathes, tears still rolling down her cheeks. “I would’ve gone to hell for you.” She pushes herself up on her tiptoes and gives me a kiss that feels like a promise. I’m right because when she pulls back an inch, she vows, “I love you and will never leave your side, because it’s the only place I’m safe. You’ve given me a reason to live again.” A sob sputters from her. “It’s like you’re my own personal cure that’s healing me from all the trauma.”
I pull her against my chest, and as I hold the most precious being who’s all mine, I murmur, “I will worship at your feet until the day I die, and even then, I will raise hell to find you in the afterlife.”
For the longest moment, we hold each other while our confessions and promises weave a magical force field around us, binding us together for all eternity.
When we return to making rissóis, there’s a smile on Jenna’s face that lights up her eyes.
After we’re done frying the pastries, I hear the front door open, then Santiago calls out, “What smells so good?” He comes into the kitchen with his wife, Ciara. “Looks like we’re just in time.”
Before I can shake my head, Dominik and Grace come in, followed by Leo and Cassia, who says, “We brought steaks and salad. The men are grilling while the women are catching up on gossip.”
When Cassia lays eyes on Jenna, she stops dead in her tracks and surprise flutters over her face. “Oh my God, Jenna! You look beautiful. Is that a new outfit?” She comes toward my woman and pulls her into a hug. “I missed you the past week.”
Jenna just nods, and when she remains silent, I realize I forgot about her selective mutism because she’s fine talking to me now.
“Yes, it’s new. I took her shopping. That’s why you couldn’t come over,” I tell Cassia on Jenna’s behalf.
My little angel gives me a thankful look while she slips her hand into mine.
Leaning down, I ask her, “Will you be okay hanging out with the women, or do you want to stay with me?”
She stands on her tiptoes and by my ear she whispers, “Too many people. Can I spend a few minutes alone with Cassia, then I’ll come back to you?”
“Of course,meu amor.” I glance at everyone and say, “Let’s take this outside to the veranda so Jenna can have a moment alone with Cassia.” I press a kiss to Jenna’s forehead. “Come straight to me once you’re done.”
