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Her lips press into a stubborn line, but I know she gets it. She continues to glare at me as she grabs her suitcase and storms out of the room.
“See you at dinner, sweetheart,” I call out after her.
“Fuck you!” she shouts without looking back.
I’m actually quite amused that she’s still bold enough to swear at me after that but she is a De Luca. I need a shower. Especially since having her pinned under me has effectively made me hard.
I blow out a soft breath, suddenly hating the way I acted.
Control.
A few words and it slipped from my grasp. Rosa De Luca might be a little dangerous, after all.
CHAPTER 8
Rosa
As far as I’m concerned, my entrenchment into the Russo house goes seamlessly. I think it has more to do with the fact that almost everyone is intent on ignoring me. We all eat together, breakfast and dinner. Enzo sits at the head of the table. I sit on his right, Jason on his left. Isabella sits beside the twins. And we all do our best to ignore each other. The only person who really talks is Jason. And while he does his best to pull us into conversation, it’s pretty clear no one’s interested.
Enzo’s still angry. On some level, I can understand my contribution to the way he acted. I pushed him until he lashed out. That’s on me. And I hate that I couldn’t keep my promise to myself to at least try to make things work but it’s not like I can do it alone. I’d like for him to make a real fucking effort as well.
A week passes by where I only see him at meals. He doesn’t even look at me. We’re nothing more than housemates at this point. At least Isabella makes sure to acknowledge me with a glare or a snide word or two. Enzo stays silent. He’s doing as I asked, but it’s really starting to piss me off.
We’re having breakfast when I clear my throat to draw his attention. His eyes flick over to me, as do everyone else’s at the table.
“Yes, Rosa?” he asks, tone perfectly pliant, light.
“I’d like to leave the house today. A friend of mine invited me to an auction and showcase.”
Enzo thinks about it for a moment before nodding. “Okay. Jason will go with you.”
“Actually, you asked me to oversee something on Long Island today, remember?” Jase asks.
“Right,” Enzo mutters.
“You can go with her if you’re worried,” his friend presses.
A sharp glare has him immediately clamping his mouth shut. My lips twitch when he even goes so far as to mime shutting it with a padlock and throwing away the key. He really is a dumbass. He kind of reminds me of Tony, and my heart aches at the thought of my family back home. It’s only been three weeks, but I miss them. Sure, they all call, but it’s not the same. At least I know I’ll see Elena at the auction today, since she was also invited.
“I’ll have a guard escort you,” Enzo announces.
I’m surprised when a small feminine voice speaks up. “What type of showcase is it?”
Maria is an adorable child with chubby cheeks, light brown eyes, and long black hair. She’s also much more forthcoming than her brother, who is incredibly shy. Sometimes I’m not sure if the kids don’t like me or if they’re just uncomfortable with a stranger. I’m leaning more toward the former, however, considering they treat their cousin more or less the same. The only person they’re really comfortable with is Isabella. And sometimes maybe Jase.
“It’s an art showcase,cara. I’ll get to see different paintings and sculpting’s and artworks,” I say warmly, glad she’s finally speaking to me.
Her brown eyes alight with interest. “Are you a painter? My mama says I’m a good painter.”
Her elusive mama, whom I have yet to see since moving into the house. She mostly stays locked in her room. The only people she sees to are her kids, and Enzo seems content to leave it that way.
“I’m sure you do. And yes, I do paint,” I tell her. “But I’m more into pottery.”
“Pottery?” she questions.
Her twin is completely silent beside her, more focused on his food than the conversation happening around him.
“Yes. It’s sculpting with clay. Don’t worry, I’ll show you sometime,” I assure her. “Or you could come with me today, if you want? I’m sure you’d love it.”
