Chapter 5 THE DEVIL's CONTRACT

Enzo's POV

At least, I told myself over the years that my shoulders never actually carried the weight of the world. Strength came easily; control seemed like an old friend I could depend on when all else failed. Still, it was unique in another respect. Something that crept under my notice and bothered me.

Sitting on the brink of my king-sized apartment's bed, I watched the whiskey glass in my palm spin with the smallest of finger gestures. Though all I could see in the city below was Isabella's face, the jumble of lights and shadows. My man. My beautiful yet quiet, rebellious wife is shy.

I reasoned she would behave like any other woman when I consented to this arrangement. Made sense. Terrorized. Bella showed none of this as a piece in the game of men. She was internally burning, and every time we shared a room, it flashed dangerously. And the flames were starting to make me alive.

My phone vibrated on the nightstand, which took me off-target from hers. I looked at the TV. Sofia left me a note.

Sofia: "Ren is choosing his road map. I'm on it; we should chat though.

Ren.; The bastard had been prowling me for months searching for a weakness. Now Bella is in my life, I feel as though I have given him one.

I grabbed my jacket and chugged the whiskey one swallow. The apartment was uneasily packed tonight. I needed air, distance, anything to help me to relax.

I stopped at Bella's door even though the corridor outside my room was silent. Inside, I could sense motion. Quiet and delicate, yet obviously strong. She was walking now.

A part of me yearned to plunge in and face whatever it was about her that had so profoundly upset me. I wasn't ready for it, though. Not exactly right tonight.

Instead, I turned and started for the elevator, every step stranding my breast.

The chilly night air slapped my face as I emerged from the rooftop garden. This was my haven-the one spot in the city where I could think straight. Bella's presence seemed like a ghost haunting my thoughts even here, with the wind biting through the night.

About her, what did you know? I have prior experience with ladies. Thousands, maybe more. None of them, though, capture this kind of attitude. Like I was losing authority.

Perched on the railing, I peered down at the city. The eternally spreading lights of New York create a network of power and anarchy. Like throughout my life. Like the planet Bella just found.

She still did not understand. She was a part of my reality, right here now. Whether or if she thought it pleasing.

She was not the only one yet lacking understanding. I neither found her appealing. There always was trouble when we were by ourselves. Underneath the surface something gently boils. And ignoring became harder by the day.

I turned to find out who it was and heard footsteps behind me.

"Sofi." I responded softly even though I could see the wrath building inside her eyes.

Her high heels hammering on the rooftop's stone floor, she walked with the same assurance she usually possessed. For years Sofia has been my right hand, a consistent friend in this cutthroat environment. But I believe I have lately observed something more about her. Perhaps jealousy here. Otherwise, something darker.

"Ren's planning something," she replied, not hyperbolic. He corresponds with the Bellinis. Reports state they will pick up a load tonight.

I started to bite tightly. Where?

"Harbour area." Men are on it; Ren is growing more fearless. He is developing quicker than we had projected.

Angry, I ran a hand through my hair. For months Ren has been a thorn in my side. And today, Bella on the scene, I couldn't afford to screw-up.

I went on in a low, menacing voice, "I'll deal with Ren when the time comes." Still, we have to tamper with him first. One he won't let go.

Sofia grinned, the usual spark of danger lighting her gaze. "I already have an idea."

She came up and for a little glance I could see something more in her eye. Something bothered me. She had always been loyal, but I sometimes questioned the scope of that dedication. designed with Bella in mind.

And on Bella? Sofia asked in a laid-back manner, yet her voice sounded to have edges.

"What about her?"

She is sophisticated. Sofia's lips slightly opened in a smile. "Enzo, I don't believe her." You should not also. She does not share our tastes.

I stared with narrow eyes, concentrated. Bella is my husband. She is under my guard.

Sofia leaned forward to briefly look at me. "Just keep in mind, you cannot shield someone who resists being rescued."

She turned and left, leaving her ideas alone with me.

Still on edge from my meeting with Sofia, one hour later I went back to the penthouse. Ren obviously experienced difficulties. But there was another, more deep thing chewing on me. Bella.?

I owe her for seeing. to con her. To understand whatever was happening between us.

Her door opened just as I got there. I pushed it softly open and walked in. The room was dark, the moon softly illuminating the huge windows. Bella was standing at the window, back to me, arms encircling her as though she were attempting to gather herself.

Bella, I replied, my voice low.

She tensed but turned not around. "What are you trying for, Enzo?"

I moved forward, the tension between us still hanging about. We must discuss.

She laughed fiercely and at last turned to face me. Her eyes were crimson and her cheeks flushed with rage. About what? You confined me here as though I were a prisoner. Alternatively, maybe in relation to the fact you perceive me as simply another object in your empire instead of a person?

Her comments spoke to me personally, but I stayed cool. Bella, you are not behind bars.

She sniffed. Indeed not. So, Enzo, what then am I? Who is your friend? This is your stuff. The toy your pet owns?

I moved ahead, bringing us just here. Bella, right here is my wife. And I guard what is personal.

She shot at me, her chest rising and falling with every inhale. "I need not your protection."

I touched her cheek without fingertips. She stammered but did not move away. Not quite sure. You still understand it.

We both stopped for a minute not saying anything. Between us, anger, fear, and something else-something I didn't want to admit-charged the atmosphere. target.

"Why are you doing this?" She spoke softly, almost sensually vulnerable.

I said subdued "Because I have no choice." Bella, we live in this world. You are among it right now. Whether your desire is to be or not.

Her eyes softened momentarily, and I caught something flickering in them. unpleasantness. A panic. conundrum. She turned it off fast and pulled away.

Her voice turned frigid once again. "I'll never be like you, Enzo," she said. "I will never be part of this world."

Announced, frustrated, I closed my fists. Bella, in this case you have no option. You are at home. And the simpler it will be the sooner you come to see this.

She turned around and started once again approaching the window. You misunderstood. You are never going to get it.

I looked at her for a minute, the quiet between us laden with unresolved conflict. I turned and exited the room then, without saying anything further, the door clicked closed behind me.

As I moved down the corridor, the weight of what had just transpired weighed in my chest. Bella was accurate once more. To me she seemed to be incomprehensible. And that drove me nuts.

Spending more time with her let me know I was no longer in charge.

She was.