ISABELLA GARCIA I was losing my mind but Enzo’s kiss brought me to peace. I felt it in an instant. The goosebumps traveled from my neck to my back. His hands cupped my face and his chest pressed down on my breasts. It was wrong for a kiss to feel this good. It was wrong for Enzo Moretti to kiss me and bring me to my knees. The kiss didn't last forever. It didn't even come close though I would have preferred that. “You said you wouldn't hurt me,” I said as my forehead touched Enzo’s. I had to be away from this man and yet, touching him felt divine. I found myself closing my eyes and recalling the beautiful parts of last night. His thick musk of cologne. I touched his jaw and it was sharp against my fingers. So sharp it felt like I had been cut. “And I meant it,” Enzo said in the calm voice only he could muster. I envied him for that. I also feared him for that. How can the thing you love about someone be the same thing that gets you scared of them? How ca
ENZO MORETTII was standing outside Ethan’s room, watching Isa tell him good night. The day had come to an end. Everything and everyone had turned out fine. Isa and Ethan had dinner a while ago. Now Ethan was about to fall into a sound slumber.Isa had spent the better part of her afternoon playing with her son. I had decided that giving them some space would be the best thing for them.I wanted Isa and Ethan to settle into my home. For them to be comfortable. But now, I couldn't help but miss her.Isa kissed Ethan’s forehead and turned off the bedside lamp. She was going to turn around soon and I still stood where I was. Isa soon whirled around. The room was dark so I couldn't see her well but she paused and it was too obvious to miss. Fear. Isa was still scared of me.That should have made me happy. Actually, that was the typical most fulfilling thing for Enzo Moretti. But when it came to Isa, I was a different version of myself. I wasn't the kingpin who terrorized gangs an
ISABELLA GARCIA I was getting used to holding the gun. But I still didn't know how to use it. “Who taught you how to shoot?” I asked Enzo as I turned the cold metal in my hands. We had taken a new exit. It led us to the backyard of his house. There was a range at the south corner of the grounds. “Uncle Emilio. Marco’s dad,” Enzo simply said. “How old were you?” I asked. I wanted to get to know him better. Enzo shifted from behind me. He would study the target, then shift his eyes back to me. “Ten,” Enzo answered curtly. He brought his hands to his waist and walked back to me. “Let me see what you can do?” Enzo said. I could feel his body behind me. Too damn close. “I can't…” I started stammering. I couldn't just shoot a gun. He had to teach me something for me to know anything. “I don’t even know what to do,” I said and wiped my face. The moon was out, the temperature was moderately chill. Yet, I was sweating. Enzo was surprised. “Haven’t you se
MARCO MARTINS The slim blonde at the counter eyed the bottle in my hand. “Is that all?” She asked, judging me with her eyes. She wrinkled her nose in distaste. “Judging a man for alcohol?” I questioned her. I held the bottle and checked the price tag. Sixty nine dollars and ninety nine cents. “I’m not,” she said. “But its ten o’clock in the morning,” she said like it was nothing. The blonde haired took my bottle and the computer beeped. Bright eyed, she turned to me. “Sixty nine dollars and ninety nine cents.” I pulled out a hundred dollar note and paid. From the corner of my eyes, someone got my attention. She looked slightly different but I couldn't make a mistake of who she was. It was Cleo Garcia. Her hair was parked in a bun. Her sharp chin leaned forward. “Keep the change,” I said and walked out of the line. “I need to put that in a ba—” The blonde called out to me. She stopped and sighed, accepting that I didn't need a bag. I heard her acknowledge the n
CLEO GARCIA I got an email from Human Resources when I was at the office. Dannie was walking over to me. He was a friend from work. We were also seeing each other romantically and sexually. “Is it me or you've been so distant?” Dannie said when he got to my desk. He pulled out a chair and sat on it. He twirled and I found the strength to come clean with me. If there was anyone that deserved to know of this, it was him. “I don't know which one it has been, to be honest,” I said and closed my computer. It was lunch break so a few people had gone out to eat. Those who had finished their tasks for the day were packing up to leave. “That sounds like a yes to me.” Dannie pulled out two servings of ramen noodles and a pack of chips. “I brought lunch,” he announced. “Tell me you're hungry, please.” I laughed, pushing one of the noodles to me. “You know me, Dannie. I'm always hungry.” Dannie laughed with me as he opened his meal. We toasted with our forks before we started eating.
ENZO MORETTI Bobby was driving, and Silvio was in the passengers seat. Marco and I were in the back seat and my fingers tapped my leg impatiently. The road was rocky, having a lot of bumps and breaks that caused the car ride to be unsmooth. I could feel my stomach turning because of all the dust. I've always found it funny that I would forever be a car sick person. “How close are we?” I asked Bobby. “Thirty minutes, sir.” “Thirty damn minutes,” I grumbled. “Why thirty minutes? Step on the accelerator if you have to.” Marco turned to me. He faced me while he gave an order to Bobby. “The speed we’re going at is okay, Bobby.” “Yes, sir,” Bobby said as he adjusted his rearview mirror. I brought down the window and pushed my face outside. I wanted it to make me feel better but who was I kidding? It did absolutely nothing. “Should I get a plastic bag?” Marco teased me. Our eyes met, and then he started laughing. His chest vibrated and he threw his head back.
ISABELLA GARCIA “Come on, Ethan. This is the most I can do for you,” I said to my son. Ethan and I were out at the park. Something that we haven't been able to do in ages. Enzo made it possible. “No. Tell Enzo I want to play with my agemates. Mum, please,” Ethan whined. We had two guards with us, Marcello and Scarface, along with two nurses. Nurse Kim and Nurse Peterson. Last night, during dinner, Enzo asked Ethan what he wanted to do and Ethan said he missed the park. We had not gone in months because of Ethan’s sickness. Ethan was so sick and weak that he could easily catch illnesses. His body lacked a functioning immune system. If someone has a cold and he was exposed to that person, Ethan would have a cold. And the worst part was something as small as a simple cold would destabilize him. Something as small as a cough or a runny nose could take his life. So in a way of keeping him safe, I've kept him away from activities as simple as playtime at the park. “If you’re
CLEO GARCIA Enzo turned around as soon as Isa said what she said. "Baby, Marco explained it wrongly," Enzo said, explaining himself. He tried to sit down beside Isa but she was already getting up. "I need to use the bathroom," Isa said and got up.She was visibly offended. "Fuck you, Marco," Enzo found the time to say before he chased after Isa.r "babe, come on. Let me explain it,” Enzo called after her. Enzo's voice travelled up the stairs until we wren't hearing him again. I was a little offended and uncomfortable. I didn't like that I just witnessed their couples fight, or whatever that was. And Isa had just left like that. It was a bit too much for me. She wasn't over reacting. I would do worse if my man came home and his friend was making jokes about a wife that was given to him. His friend... Marco was still seated. His water bottle was on the side stool close to him. "They left us to be alone," Marco said when i looked up. "Yup." I counter to three, tapping my hee
ISABELLA GARCIA “Did you mean what you said last night?” Enzo asked as soon as he killed the engine. He had an event to attend and had asked me to come with him. He asked a week ago, and I promised I would go. After everything that had happened yesterday, I wished I could back out, but I had given him my word. My presence in his life had disrupted things for him, no matter how humble he was about it. The least I could do was try to fix what I could while I was still here. But I knew we were finally going to have this conversation about what I said. With Bobby’s situation, there was no time last night. He was doing better now, thank God. Still in recovery though which was why Enzo was driving. He didn't want to give his job to any other person. I think he didn't trust any other person. “Going to my mum’s? Yes. I meant it, and I’m sure you understand why. Ethan… he can’t handle something like that, physically or mentally,” I said all at once. I was in the passenger seat, wearing
ENZO MORETTI I stood by the door as Isa put Ethan to sleep. It wasn’t much of a bedtime story tonight. Ethan talked about what his dad’s death meant, and Isa held him close. I didn’t want to disrupt them. If it were up to me, I would have waited outside, but Isa asked me to stay. She wanted me here. “If you want me to stay with you tonight, I can do that,” Isa offered as she tucked the blanket around Ethan. Ethan clutched his pillow, lying on his side as Isa brushed his forehead gently. “No, thank you,” Ethan murmured. Isa bent down and kissed his forehead. She lingered there, pressing her cheek against his for a moment. “I love you,” Isa whispered, so softly that I barely caught the words. “Call me if you need anything.” Isa said and straightened. “Goodnight,” Ethan told her. Isa watched him for a few seconds, then let out a quiet sigh and stepped back. She turned off the lamp which was the last source of light in the room. Even the blinds were shut. My eyes adjusted to t
ISABELLA GARCIA “This is so crazy, babe. Are you okay?” I rushed out to Enzo, flinging my bag onto our bed. Enzo sat at the edge of the bed, taking off his shoes. He was shirtless, his back carved into beautiful chunks of muscle that flexed as he moved. He turned to face me, his neck craning. I hurried across the room. I wanted to stop and take off my shoes too, but I needed to be beside him already. Enzo had called me while I was still with Cleo to tell me what Edwina did. Edwina was Terry’s mom. I hadn’t heard from her in months. She never really cared about Ethan and me, but she loved Terry. “I got dragged for answers. I wasn’t beat up,” Enzo assured me as I sat beside him. He held my chin, and I sighed, feeling safe in his warmth. “This is all my fault,” I breathed out. “If I wasn’t with you, you wouldn’t be dragged into this.” Enzo shook his head, his fingers sliding to the back of my head. “This is happening not just because I’m with you, but because of me.” H
ENZO MORETTI Nothing and nowhere is safe. Marco used to say that a lot. He never understood why we were even doing the press meets. To him, it was all fake, and the public could see right through it. “You sat there and spoke about a man you didn’t know, and you think that’s enough? We have to do more,” Marco said, his frustration clear. We finished the press conference at noon today. Normally, that would have been the end of our work for the day, but we still had meetings to handle at the office. It felt like everything was slowly falling apart. Every time we thought we were done, a new issue would come up, forcing us to sit and talk it through. The truth is, I am exhausted. But giving up and complaining would only make things worse. “Politicians are some of the fakest people on earth, but guess who votes for them? The masses.” I made my point with that statement and pulled my phone from my pocket. Isa had texted, saying she was okay. She also asked how the press meet went.
ISABELLA GARCIA Cleo crouched beside me, holding a glass of water. She lifted it to my lips, but I turned my head away, pushing it aside. A few drops spilled onto my chest, cool against my skin, but I didn’t care. My focus was locked on the unfamiliar face before me. I didn't mind the water at that moment. I had my tear-stained eyes on the face I didn't know. “I’m Debbie,” The woman said as an explanation. “We work together. Cleo and I.” Debbie spoke as if introducing herself could fix things. As though knowing her name would make having her here easier. But it wouldn’t. It only made things worse and knowing her name didn't mean I knew her Silence rang out and Debbie stood in the middle of the kitchen as the awkwardness choked every one of us. Cleo moved first. She reached for my hands, and this time, I let her help me up. Debbie hesitated, then stepped back, instinctively giving us space. She had to already know she wasn’t meant to be part of this moment. It wasn't
ISABELLA GARCIA I can get another car. Let Bobby wait with you,” Enzo said firmly. He was adamant about not leaving me alone at Cleo’s house, a place that had once been my home too. He had been so worried about me lately. It was sweet. I loved the feeling of being taken care of, of knowing that I was his priority. But I didn’t want to throw his entire day off just because of my presence. He and Marco had a packed schedule. They had a conference appearance to make and a board meeting to attend. If Enzo waited for another ride, he would be late. “We don’t know who has their eyes on you,” he said, stepping closer. His hands slid to my lower waist, pulling m body against his. I sucked in a breath, my body reacting instantly. Goosebumps rose along my arms and a fluttering warmth spread in my stomach. “She let me in,” I murmured to Enzo, lifting the key above my head to show him. His eyes flicked to it, but the sight barely softened his stance. He was still guarded, his expressio
CLEO GARCIA “It was the worst time of my life,” Debbie said, lifting the bottle to her lips. She took a slow, deliberate sip of water before continuing. “I was just a little girl on the school bus, and people loved to mess with the little girl. I sat at the back, kept quiet, and avoided eye contact. Until…” She raised her fingers slightly. There was a memory playing behind her eyelids. I could just tell in the silence of the pause. I reached for the bottle, and Debbie wordlessly pushed it into my palm. The early morning air was crisp as we walked, the quiet streets a stark contrast to the long, exhausting night we had spent clearing our work schedules. A colleague had celebrated his birthday, inviting a few of us from the office out for drinks. Debbie had brought me along, and afterward, I asked her to come over so we could wrap up some unfinished work. I was ready to make friends with her. We hadn’t spent the night exchanging stories or deepening what we knew about each other.
ENZO MORETTI I was in a hurry to return to my family in the living room. Isa and Ethan were waiting for me. It was Saturday night, our weekend movie night, and I had stepped into the kitchen to grab the popcorn and drinks. “Enzo?” Ethan called out. “Is it starting already?” I asked, raising my voice to be heard through the walls. I pulled open the fridge and grabbed three bottles of the homemade fruit juice Mary had prepared a few nights ago. “Almost,” Ethan replied, his voice quieter this time. “The commercials are done rolling,” Isa added. “Should I come help you?” I shook my head, though neither of them could see me. Carefully balancing everything in my hands, I steadied myself. “Don’t worry, my love. I’m done,” I assured them. The popcorn was tucked close to my stomach, wrapped in my right arm. I grabbed the juice bottles, adjusted my grip to secure them, and used my foot to nudge the fridge door shut. With everything in hand, I hurried back to the living room, where the
CLEO GARCIA Marco stood behind me, guiding me through the basics of snooker. I held my cue stick, resting the tip under my chin as I listened. “It’s a straightforward game,” he explained. “Each player tries to sink their balls into the table pockets. Once all their balls are in, they go for the black ball. Whoever sinks it first wins.” He walked around the rectangular table, stopping on the opposite side. “Some important rules to remember,” he continued. “You can’t claim a set, striped or solid until you sink one of its kind. And if you pocket the black ball before clearing all your balls, you lose instantly.” I glanced at the table. The balls were racked together in a tight triangle. “What if it was an accident?” I asked. “Mistakes have consequences, Chula,” Marco said, bending down to take his first shot. “I’ll go first. If I sink a ball, I keep playing until I miss.” I rolled my eyes. This wasn’t a fair game. Marco was going to beat me easily. Honestly, it was a scam that he