"Why don't you face it? Why do you always run away from it?"
I finally asked him, I couldn't take this anymore. He always pretended like he was an emotionless monster without feelings. But at times, when I sneaked through his cold mask, he wasn't what he pretended to be. He was a different Enzo, who cared for people, he was ought to protect and sometimes even nervous, when things weren't going well for him. He declined to show this, but I have been close to him, enough to know about actual Enzo. I think that's why he preferred to live alone. He was afraid that people might know that he was capable to feel. But he didn't have to pretend that he was emotionless, just to show the world. He was still Enzo, the treacherous capo of southern Italy and a man who was capable of being a gentleman and a ruthless capo as well.
"What are you talking about?"
He asked but he knew what I meant.
"Why are you afraid of showing your feeling?"
I asked anyway.
"I am not afraid of anything Valerie. I don't feel thing easily. I am past that phase."
He said, but that wasn't the truth. There was no person, who couldn't feel. Not even Enzo.
"Some day you will, feel it right there and at that time, you won't be afraid of showing it. Rather you'll do your best to express your feelings for that person and I will be happy for you that day."
I said placing a hand on Enzo's chest, above his heart. He tensed a bit because, he wasn't much used to physical contacts, with me especially and at a time like this, when we were having serious conversation. I knew a day would come when he would finally realise that he was capable of feeling and I wasn't sure what kind of feeling would it be. It could be anything, happiness, sorrow, anticipation, loneliness, jealousy or...even love.
"I don't think so."
He said, moving out of the car as he parked the car in the underground parking of Rexivo. I hadn't realised we have reached, until he got out from the car. And again, Enzo managed to escape. There wasn't much rush, it was late in the night and people were probably sleeping in their suites or having party inside. Benjamin's and my car soon entered the parking lot and packed beside Enzo's Porsche.
"Hmm.. I like the exteriors of you hotel."
Benjamin complimented and Enzo described about some stuff that was kept in mind while designing the hotel's model. I just smiled throughout. Chloe was standing, formally straight and I couldn't believe this girl was so determined to look formal when she was actually so exhausted of what all happened today. We all were tired and I wish I could go to grab some sleep, early.
"Come let's go in."
Enzo said as he led the way. We went to the top most floor, where I had decided to arrange for Benjamin's stay. I had reserved our most prominent and luxurious suite for him and his manager, who was also his right hand. I had thought they would be bringing some bodyguards with them as well but he came only with his right hand and a single bodyguard. Maybe, he trusted us.
"The interior of your hotel is worth pondering too. I like it."
He said taking in every details he could.
"We have focused on all the aesthetic details and the ethnicity of our place."
Enzo told. And Benjamin finally entered his suite. Enzo and I waited outside.
"Hmm... It's good, I think I am gonna have a nice and comfortable stay."
He smiled, for the first time. And I was so glad that he liked it, Enzo gave me a well-done smile and I felt confident in myself.
"So, we would take our leave now. It's late and you would like to rest... "
Enzo said and Benjamin nodded. Finally I would get some rest as well. After talking to Chloe and explaining staff to function properly for Benjamin, we left for home. Duke had finally left with my car, he would have left the apartment also, by now. After a long day, Chloe left and I and Enzo went home.
I went straight to my bedroom as soon as we reached the mansion. I didn't bother talking to Enzo or anything else. I only removed my heels and blazer and slept in the tank top and trousers, I should have removed make up but there was no energy left in me.
Next day I didn't wake and I was knowing that Enzo was practically banging the door. I was too exhausted to workout today. I wanted to sleep as long as I could. I hired Enzo's banging and put ear buds on. He would be really angry and I couldn't bother least, now.
I woke up after an hour, it was thirty minutes past eight,now. I tied my hairs into a bun and my skin felt dry and dehydrated. I promised to myself that I would never ever sleep with makeup on, again. My trousers were shrank too. I dragged myself to bathroom and washed my face with utmost care. I would need a mask to hydrate my skin and thankfully I knew some DIY masks that could work. After the long skin care session I took a shower and my skin was feeling light and subtle. I decided to wear other than blazer today and decided to go with a black dress that looked classy. Enzo has put the best outfits in my closet. They suited every mood.
Once I checked my reflection for the last time in the mirror, I left the room and it was already ten. I knew I would have to face Enzo but not right as I open the door. He was standing standing with his arms crossed over his chest and was glaring me. I couldn't do anything but just apologize for ignoring him.
"Come on Enzo, you know I was tired after yesterday."
I tried to convince him.
"So what, you couldn't ditch your training in any case."
He stated.
"I won't do it ever again."
I promised and I meant it.
"Just let go this once... Please."
I pleaded and his eyes softened as I put extra concern on please, trying to sound cute and I think I succeeded.
"Just this once, and you'll never ignore me like this ever again."
He said. Was he more unhappy because I ignored him, not because I ditched the practice? It made me happy for some twisted reasons.
"I promise."
I said.
As I reached Rexivo, I was informed that Benjamin was having his breakfast on the dining room near swimming pool. I thought he would like to have his food at his suite, that's why I even arranged a small dining table for him in the main room of his suite.
"Okay I'll go there and check."
I told to the staff, who informed me about it.
I went to the area, it was crowded, some people were having, fun in the pool,while someone enjoying theirs drinks, sitting on the counter near the pool. I walked past them and there were tables decorated for breakfast and buffet was being served. I spotted Benjamin with his bodyguard and right hand, sitting on the corner most table.
"Good morning Mr Williams."
I greeted him.
"Oh! Valerie, would you like to join us?"
He asked while taking a bite of his omelette.
"Thanks, I am good."
I was hungry but I wasn't sure, eating with Benjamin would be a good idea or not.
"Come on, don't be so formal. I am pretty sure you haven't had your lunch yet.. "
He said reading my face...do I look that hungry? I sat down across Benjamin and his two men were settled on the either side of us. The waitress approached me as soon as she saw me sitting.
"A bacon and a coffee,please."
I said before she could ask for my order. She smiled and left.
"So how was your night, did you get proper rest? Did you like your suite?"
Maybe I sounded a bit desperate, then should have been. But he didn't seem to bother.
"Yeah, actually I slept well and the suite is fine."
He said and I could just wonder if his 'fine' meant 'just fine' or 'actually fine'.
"I am glad to hear that."
I admitted. My food came and I consciously took every bite, not wanting to embarrass myself in front of my first customers from mafia world.
"So I have planned to organize our meeting tomorrow, hope you'll make arrangements for it... "
Benjamin said, once we were done eating.
"I have already arranged for our meeting, in the hall next to your suite. Enzo and I would be present there at whatever time to you will say."
I stated.
"I think, tomorrow evening, five would be good."
He said.
"Yeah five is good."
I agreed and he left the hotel, for the purpose for which he came to Italy and we still weren't aware of it. But I was glad he wasn't in the hotel to judge my work. He hasn't judged me so far, which I had thought he would do, as I was a woman handling the business, after all. But he hasn't commented on it and he didn't comment on my relation with Enzo and Alantino. I was glad for it. Maybe he didn't knew about our relations or he didn't care about that. Both the case were good for me as soon as it meant not involving personal life in business.