Page 46 of Forgetting the Enemy
I sigh. “Now that’s the question of the day. My gut tells me they are close. We’ve beefed up security here on the compound, and I suggest you all place your families on a high-security alert, at least until Carmine and Armino are snuffed.” They nod in agreement, so I continue. “They’ve been lying low, but Vince has his men on watch. When they surface, we’ll know about it.”
We spend the rest of the meeting discussing our various business interests and how they are doing. The men are pleased with the profits they are reaping, and all agree to keep businesses going as usual.
We adjourn, and everyone prepares to leave. As we walk out the door, Pop, Alex, Vince, and I are the last to leave. We’re heading down the hall when Zaira greets us. She’s dressed in a pale-blue, floral-print sundress. I normally don’t notice such things, but seeing her in that dress reminds me of a breath of fresh air on a warm summer day.What the fuck?
“Domenic!” She kisses my father on the cheek. She then turns toward Vince. “And there’s my handsome brother! You’ve returned.” She gently kisses him on the cheek. She then turns toward my brother. “Alex!” she says, giving him a big hug. Okay, the greeting to my brother was a bit much. What kind of game is she playing?
Although I am surprised by her greetings to my father and her brother, nothing surprises me more than the greeting she gives me. “Michael!” She wraps her arms around me and kisses me on the lips. She then teases, saying, “Are you gentlemen up to no good today?”
Zaira still has her arms wrapped around me, and I don’t know what the hell kind of perfume she is wearing, but it is sending a message directly to my dick.
“Just finished a meeting,” Vince says. “I was just coming to find you.”
“Oh, how lovely!” She steps away from me, and I suddenly feel cold. Taking Vince’s arm, she says, “Let’s have a visit.”
He nods, and the two of them walk off, leaving Pop, Alex, and me alone in the hallway. They look at me curiously, and I can tell he has something to say about all this. I’m just not sure I want to hear it.
“What?” I ask incredulously.
They both laugh.
“What’s so funny?” I ask.
“That girl has got you so wrapped, Michael,” Pop says.
“She does not,” I say defiantly.
“Michael, you’ve had a soft spot for sweet Zaira ever since you were a little boy, and hell, who wouldn’t? She was the sweetest child, and now she has grown into an incredibly beautiful woman.”
“Pop!”
“What, do you think I’m too old to recognize a beautiful woman? I still find women attractive, son, but none as beautiful as your mother.” He smiles, and it is so obvious he is thinking about Mom. Like I said, an old romantic. “Anyway, a lot has happened between the families since you both were children. The merger of the families is one thing, but a merger between you and Zaira… I’m not sure you are handling this the right way.”
“I know. You’ve told me over and over again,” I say. “But you know I’m gonna do it my way. I always do.
“I know, but I can’t help it. I will keep repeating it until it sinks into that head of yours.” He pauses. “You’ve told her she is to be your wife. From what I can see, she wants to be your wife, but I think she always did. But something is going on, and she is avoiding you for the most part. When she does encounter you, she puts on this grand show as the happy fiancée, and I believe she is trying to taunt you.”
“How?”
“Michael, I wasn’t born yesterday. You’re denying her, and she’s making a point to show you what you’re missing. Are you really that oblivious to what she’s doing?”
I lean against the wall and shake my head. “I don’t know, Pop. I want her, and I know she wants me.”
“Then what’s the problem, son?”
“Because it’s all based on a lie. And frankly, I feel that if I give in to her physically, I will lose what little sense of self-worth I have left where she is concerned. I’ve backed myself into a corner with Zaira because of my want for her, and now I don’t know how to get out without her hating me.”
“So you’ve had no physical contact with Zaira?” he asks.
I shake my head. “No.” Well, it’s not entirely true. I haven’t slept with her though, and I am sure that’s what he’s asking.
“Don’t lie to me. You know I will always know the truth.” He runs his hands through his hair. “Look, I don’t need to know the details of your relationship with her, but I know for a fact that the heart wants what the heart wants. I’m just saying be careful. I’d hate to see yours broken.”
I nod. “I will, Pop, thanks. I know you mean well. I’ll be okay.”
