Page 27 of Forgetting the Enemy
“Like I said, Zaira, we’ve known each other since we were children. It was always hoped that you and I would marry, and to the pleasant surprise of both our families, we fell in love.” I know I am probably going against Dr. Siegel’s orders, but what harm could this do?
“So that is why I am living here?”
“Well, your brother and I thought it best you stay here with me. I can protect you better here, and your safety is our number-one priority.”
“Why would either of you be concerned with my safety?”
“Because of how you were hurt.”
“Oh, yeah. I almost forgot about that.” She reaches up to touch the bandage on the side of her head. “Can you tell me what happened?”
Yeah, I can tell her, and it won’t go over very well. I can see it now.Of course I can tell you, Zaira. You see, I killed your father and your true fiancé two days ago. You were running to safety, then fell and hit your head. I rescued you and took you to my house where I’ve decided to lie to you and tell you we are engaged and to keep you here until you fall in love with me.
Oh, yeah. It will go over really well. I’m totally fucked.
“We were at your family’s house two days ago for a party. There was a disruption, and people at the party began to panic. You were trying to get to me when you tripped and fell and hit your head.” And now we add another lie to the story. At least this lie is partially true.
“What was the party for?” she asks.
“It was our engagement party,” I reply. Another half-truth.
“So we’re in love?”
“Well, Zaira, that’s up to you. I know how I feel about you, but I will not force you to feel the same about me. You don’t remember me; therefore, you don’t remember that you love me. So when you ask if we’re in love, it’s for you to decide. It comes down to how you feel.”
She begins to speak, but I hold up my hand. “No. Don’t answer me now. You need time to adjust and get to know me all over again. I don’t expect nor do I want you to profess any feelings for me now.” I make myself sound like a fucking saint. I really can’t believe I am doing this. It’s gonna blow up in my face. “You know what? It’s getting late. Why don’t you get some rest, and we’ll talk some more tomorrow.”
“I am getting a little tired.” She stands and turns toward me and says, “Thank you, Michael.” She walks over to me and gives me a hug. Now that, I didn’t expect.
“Before I forget, I wanted to let you know that Vince is coming tomorrow to see you.”
“Vince?” she asks.
“Yes, your brother,” I reply.
“Oh, okay. Will you be there too?”
“Only if you want me to.”
“I think I would like that,” she says.
I doubt your brother would, but his opinion really doesn’t matter here. Oh, fuck. I’m gonna have to break thehappynews to him about our engagement. He’s gonna be so fucking pissed off.
Zaira gets up onto her tiptoes and kisses me on the cheek. “Would you mind showing me to my room? I can’t remember how to get back, and I really don’t want to be roaming around the house and disturb your family.”
“Of course I will.” Her kiss stirs something in me, making me want more. Fuck, it was just a kiss on the cheek, but the intimacy it implies… This has got to work. If it doesn’t, she will hate me, and I’ll have nothing.
We get to her door, and she turns to face me. “Michael, I’m sorry I don’t remember you. It must be hard for you,” she says.
If you only knew, I think to myself. I lean in and kiss her cheek this time, getting dangerously close to that sensitive spot I know is behind her ear. I see the goose bumps appear on her neck, and now all I can think about is pushing her into her room and claiming her. I check myself and step back. “You will. We both need to be patient,” I reply.
“Goodnight, Michael,” she says.
“Sogni d’ oro, Zaira,” I say in Italian, testing the waters to see what she knows.
“Sweet dreams to you too,” she says. So she understands Italian. I guess language falls under the learned behaviors.
“Oh, before I forget, breakfast is usually a continental-type spread in the dining room where we had dinner. Feel free to join us.”
“I’d like that,” she says. She lingers in the doorway, and I get the feeling she is stalling. Well hell, so am I. The last thing I want to do is leave her alone. I’d rather follow her inside and spend the remainder of the night buried deep inside her.
“You are free to roam about the house, so don’t feel you need to remain confined to your room.”
She steps inside and says, “Thank you, Michael.”
“Buona notte,” I say.
“Buona notte,” she replies and closes the door behind her.
I linger at her door. I want nothing more than to go in there with her, but I know I can’t.
