Chapter 2 2

Sophia's breath hitched at his words, but she fought to keep her composure. "Anything," she said, the word leaving her lips before she had a chance to weigh its full meaning.

Enzo's sharp gaze flickered with amusement, as though he'd expected the answer all along. He moved to the bar on the far side of the room, pouring himself a glass of dark amber liquid. The silence stretched as he swirled the drink, taking his time before responding.

"That's a dangerous word," he said finally, his voice low and measured. "Anything."

Sophia gritted her teeth, her hands clenched into fists. "Just tell me what you want. I'm not afraid of you."

Enzo chuckled softly, the sound like a dark melody. "Brave words. Though I suspect they're more for your benefit than mine."

He turned to face her, the glass balanced elegantly in his hand. "Your brother has a habit of making promises he can't keep. Debts he can't pay. And now, the weight of his mistakes falls on you."

Sophia leaned forward, her voice sharp. "If you're here to lecture me about Mateo's faults, save it. I already know he's reckless. Tell me what you want from me so I can get him out of this mess."

Enzo's expression didn't waver. He set his glass down and crossed the room, stopping just short of invading her space. His presence was suffocating, and yet she refused to back down.

"I need leverage," he said simply.

"Leverage?"

"To neutralize an enemy," he continued, his tone casual, as though he were discussing the weather. "Marcella Vargas."

The name sent a ripple of recognition through Sophia. She'd heard whispers of Marcella in the streets-rumors of a woman as ruthless as any man in the criminal underworld. The Vargas cartel had been losing ground for years, but Marcella's recent moves had sparked rumors of a resurgence.

"What does that have to do with me?" Sophia asked cautiously.

Enzo's lips curved into a slow smile, one that sent a chill racing down her spine. "Marcella is perceptive, but like everyone else, she has weaknesses. One of them is her inability to resist a good deception."

Sophia narrowed her eyes. "What kind of deception?"

Enzo tilted his head, his gaze sweeping over her as if appraising her for a role she hadn't agreed to play. "You'll pose as my fiancée."

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Sophia stared at him, certain she'd misheard. "Excuse me?"

"It's simple," Enzo said smoothly. "You'll stay by my side, attend events, make it look like I've finally settled down. Marcella will see you as a distraction, an opportunity to exploit. While she's busy trying to unravel the story, I'll have the upper hand."

Sophia's heart pounded in her chest. "You want me to pretend to be your fiancée? That's insane."

"What's insane," Enzo countered, his voice hardening, "is thinking your brother will walk away from this alive without my protection. You're out of options, Sophia. I'm giving you a way to save him."

Her mind raced, trying to grasp the magnitude of what he was asking. "And if I agree? If I play along?"

"Your brother's debt disappears," Enzo said, his voice calm, as though the matter were already settled. "He'll be free to make whatever poor decisions he wants in the future, though I imagine you'll want to keep a closer eye on him."

Sophia stared at him, torn between anger and desperation. She wanted to scream, to lash out, but none of that would change the reality of her situation. Mateo had dug them both into a hole, and this was the only lifeline being offered.

"And if I refuse?" she asked quietly.

Enzo's eyes darkened, his tone turning cold. "I don't make idle threats, Sophia. If you refuse, I'll collect what I'm owed another way. And trust me-you won't like the alternatives."

A shiver ran down her spine at the unspoken threat in his words. She had no choice. Not really.

"How long?" she asked finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Until Marcella is dealt with," Enzo said. "A few weeks, maybe longer. It depends on how quickly she takes the bait."

Sophia looked away, her mind reeling. She didn't trust him, not for a second, but she trusted herself even less to find another solution. Mateo's face flashed in her mind again, his cocky grin and carefree laugh. He didn't deserve this, but then again, neither did she.

"Fine," she said, the word heavy on her tongue. "I'll do it."

Enzo's smile returned, sharp and triumphant. "Good choice."

He stepped back, giving her a moment to collect herself. "Luca will take you home tonight. Pack your things. You'll move into the villa tomorrow morning."

Sophia's head snapped up. "Move in? That wasn't part of the deal-"

"You're my fiancée now," Enzo interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We don't do things halfway, Sophia. If you're going to play this role, you'll play it convincingly. That means living here, attending events, and following my lead."

Her stomach twisted, but she nodded, knowing she had no leverage to argue.

"Good," Enzo said, his tone softening slightly. "Then we'll begin tomorrow."

Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving her alone with her thoughts-and the sinking realization of what she'd just agreed to.