Emilia's POV
The air between us seems like it could blow out. Enzo's jaw is firm, his eye fixed on mine with a force that causes my pulse to surge. I find myself unable to turn away. Not backing down. not right now.
"Tell me the truth, Enzo," I say, my voice cutting more precisely than I anticipated. "Everything."
He pauses and for a moment I perceive doubt—something I hadn't seen before. maybe even regret. But it disappears fast as well, replaced by the icy, unreadable mask he has mastered.
"Careful, Emilia," he adds in a low, cautious voice. Some facts are not meant for you.
I get closer, against his advice. "Maybe you ought to have considered that before you pulled me into your world, married me off like I'm some pawn in your game."
He closes his mouth and tightens his hands at h
