| Initial Intention

 𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀

 Enzo narrowed his eyes as he glanced from me to James, and then down to where James' hand rested on my hip. I didn't know if it was just the tension and angst that currently swirled all around us, but I was pretty sure I saw Enzo's nostrils flare, his lips moving like he was biting the inside of his cheek. 

 Was he jealous? Of course not. The thought was completely absurd since Enzo Morello was incapable of feeling anything for anyone. And for him to be jealous would mean he had to feel something. Again, absurd. 

 Enzo looked back up at me and smiled maliciously. "I guess once you've experienced the thrill of breaking the rules, you'll always crave that exhilaration, won't you…little lamb?" 

 The moment those words came out of his mouth, it felt like every drop of blood drained from my body. Shudders wracked through me as my legs grew weak. If it weren't for James gripping me so tightly against him, I would have been flat on my ass on the floor. 

 Little lamb. Hearing him say those two words were more painful than I ever could have imagined. And the way he said it, the amusement in his tone, was like he was out to remind me how easy it was for him to trick me—to hurt me. 

 At that very moment, I was so consumed with hate, hurt, and disgust, that every ugly emotion this man had stirred inside me drove me to do the unthinkable. I loosened myself from James' grip and stepped right up to Enzo, keeping my gaze locked on his like I was somehow able to convey my hate for him simply by looking him in the eye. 

 That damn arrogant smirk remained on his wicked, cruel face, and all I could think about was how much I despised him. 

 "Why don't you do the world a favour, Enzo, and go fuck yourself." As if my words weren't enough, I slapped the son of a bitch right across the face. 

 Gasps erupted all around me as his face jerked to the side, but I didn't give a shit. I didn't care that I just bitch-slapped Enzo Morello. All I cared about was somehow letting him feel just a shred of the pain he had caused me so many years ago. 

 Enzo placed his palm over his cheek and glared back at me. The threat in his eyes was clear. I had stepped over the line, and there was no way he'd let that go unpunished. But I didn't even see it coming. It happened so fast—Enzo lifting his right hand and aiming at my face. 

 "Vanessa!" Antonio grabbed my elbow and pulled me back. 

 James lunged forward, grabbed Enzo's arm, and twisted it around his back before slamming him face-first against the wall. 

 The entire club had come to a standstill as they watched the chaos erupt. 

 Enzo's idiot squad all reached for their guns, but then Daniel, who appeared out of nowhere, and Antonio both pointed guns at them. Dear God, complete anarchy had broken out in a matter of minutes. Weapons were loaded and aimed, and James had Enzo's face pushed against a wall. 

 The music stopped abruptly, and all I could hear was my heart rampantly beating inside my chest. Everyone was looking at us, but no one dared to make a move, to challenge our family or the Morellos. This wasn't the kind of war anyone wanted to be a part of. 

 Enzo struggled against the grip James had on his arms, but James just pressed harder against him. My heart was a millisecond away from exploding. 

 James leaned closer to Enzo's face. "You listen to me, you worthless cocksucker. You better stay the fuck away from Vanessa, or you'll have me to deal with." 

 "Are you threatening me?" Enzo spat out with his cheek glued to the wall. 

 "You bet your ugly Italian fucking ass I am. If you value those tiny shrivelled balls of yours, you'll pretend this woman doesn't even exist. And if I suspect you're anywhere near her, I will cut out your testicles, shove them down your throat, and then piss on your goddamn forehead. You feel me?" 

 Oh, Jesus Christ. What the hell was James doing?

Daniel grabbed James by the shoulder and pulled him back but James didn't reduce the glare he sent at Enzo. About ten minutes ago, James was a very attractive detective. He actually is an incredibly sexy, hot-as-hell man who would cause my panties to hit the floor in record time. But right now, he was like an animal. What was it about men getting all protective and turning into alpha males over a woman who didn't give a shit or swoon over them? It was just surreal how these men behaved around me. Even my brothers. 

 Enzo dusted off his jacket and straightened his collar while the rest of his entourage flocked around him. Funny how a man with a crew of minions still got face planted against a wall by one very determined man. And by the way that Enzo glowered at James and then turned his stare of death on me, he knew he was about three seconds away from getting his ass handed to him. 

 Good news—now Enzo knew to be more careful about just tossing his arrogant comments around. Bad news—Enzo wouldn't let this go that easily. I was one hundred and sixteen per cent sure Enzo would want James' head on a stick by this time next week. 

 Shit. 

 Enzo's stare settled on me, and I could feel it slither over my body. "A detective, Vanessa? That's a new low, even for you." 

 James jerked forward, but Daniel kept a tight hold on him. All I could do was look back at Enzo without saying a word. It was my fault. I brought this all onto myself by falling for his lies years ago. Even though I'd like to, I couldn't put all the blame on Enzo. Yes, he was an asshole with no heart, but I had my damn stupidity to blame too. I guessed I should be thankful he hadn't used my past against me—yet. 

 Enzo let out a maniacal laugh before walking off. With his back toward me, I finally managed to take a breath. 

 When Daniel let go of James, I walked up to him. My initial intention wasn't to lash out at him. But the minute I got close and stared into his eyes, I couldn't help myself. I started poking my finger right in the middle of his chest as I stepped forward, forcing him to step back. "What the hell were you thinking? Do you have a goddamn death wish, Detective?" 

 "Are you kidding me?" James pointed in Enzo's direction. "That fucker was begging me to kick his ass." 

 "So what, you just go around kicking every arrogant prick's ass who happens to come your way?" 

 He paused and narrowed his eyes. "Is that a trick question?"