CHAPTER FORTY - SIX

NICK WALKER ©

I didn't go to work today. I took the day off because of the outing.

Everyone got home exhausted, and Avery's driver came to pick her up a few minutes later.

That left only Mira and me in the house.

“I hope you're studying for your exams too?” I asked as I stepped out of the bathroom.

“Of course. I have to work hard so I can get a scholarship to a good high school,” she replied.

I chuckled and bent down to ruffle her hair.

“It doesn't matter. You don't have to work so hard just to get a scholarship. When you get to high school, I'll take care of the school bills,” I told her.

She frowned and folded her arms.

“No. I want to work hard and be like you,” she said.

I smiled and nodded.

“Then you have to take your studies seriously and stop arguing so much with your elders,” I said as I walked over to the bed.

“But Avery isn't an adult. She's your age mate,” Mira said as she climbed onto the bed beside me.

“She is. She's older than you,” I replied.

“Was Avery talking about Enzo while we were on the roller coaster?” Mira asked.

I almost choked on my own spit.

I was definitely going to deal with Avery once we were alone.

“Ignore Avery,” I said, gently patting her back. “Just go to sleep.”

“Will I see Enzo again?” she asked, and I let out a tired sigh.

“Go to sleep, Mira,” I repeated.

I was already used to this.

She was always extra chatty whenever it was bedtime.

“But I want to see him again,” she mumbled.

I reached over and switched off the bedside lamp.

“Goodnight, Mira,” I said.

“Did you know Enzo has a tattoo behind his back?” she asked and I sighed.

“I've never noticed one before. Now go to sleep,” I told her.

Just then, my phone buzzed.

I switched on the bedside lamp and reached for it.

The moment I realized the message was from Enzo, my mood instantly lifted.

Professor Rude:

I didn't see you at Kyle's tonight. Is everything okay? Why didn't you come?

Another message came in.

Professor Rude:

Was it your injured hand? Do I need to come over?

He sounded so worried, and that bothered me.

Enzo kept talking about protecting me. He acted like something bad was going to happen to me.

I quickly typed him a reply.

Me:

My hands are fine. I went out with Avery and Mira today, so I took the day off.

Professor Rude:

I didn't get to check on you earlier today. I'm glad you're okay. Is Mira okay?

I glanced at Mira sleeping beside me and gently brushed a hand through her hair before replying.

Me:

She's asleep now. She wouldn't stop talking about how much she wants to see you again.

Wouldn't it feel weird to tell him that?

I waited for his reply for a while before I unknowingly drifted off to sleep.

∆∆

~ THE NEXT MORNING ~

The knock on the door grudgingly forced me out of bed.

Who would be knocking this early in the morning?

I dragged my feet to the door and opened it without even asking who it was.

“Buongiorno. {Good morning}.”

Enzo.

What the hell was he doing here?

I was about to shut the door the moment I saw him, but he stopped it with his foot.

He pushed the door open and walked in.

“What are you doing here?” I whispered, trying not to wake Mira.

“You didn't get my message?” he asked, his eyes wandering around the house.

“What message?” I asked.

Instead of answering, he walked towards me, leaning closer to my face.

“That I was coming to see Mira since she wanted to see me again,” he said.

“You did?” I asked.

He simply stared at me before giving me a small smile.

“Come here.”

He slipped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer, and kissed me.

I hadn't even brushed my teeth.

Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around him and held his shirt tight.

“Nick.” Someone called my name from inside the room.

I quickly pulled away.

Enzo walked over and sat on the old, worn-out couch before looking at me.

Wasn't he bothered by how shabby the house looked?

It was nothing like his mansion.

“Uncle Enzo?” Mira called, staring at the person sitting on the couch.

“I heard you wanted to see me,” he said and her face lit up at once.

She ran into his arms and hugged him tightly, giggling like a little child.

“Where have you been?” she asked. “Did Nick finally tell you I kept asking about you?”

“Well, I only found out last night,” he said.

“What do you want to eat? Nick is an amazing cook. Right, Nick?” Mira asked.

I could only stare at the two of them.

They'd only met again this morning, yet they were already chatting like old friends.

“No, I'm not.”

“Yes, he is.”

Enzo and I spoke at the same time and he looked up at me.

“We don't have anything great at home,” I said, and he raised an eyebrow.

“I'm fine with anything,” he replied.

“I want French fries and a hamburger!” Mira suddenly blurted out and I turned to look at her.

“What? Since wh…” Before I could finish, Enzo cut me off.

“Sure,” he said with a smile. “Let's get them.”

Mira's face lit up with excitement.

“Does that mean I get to ride in your car again? I love your car,” she suddenly asked.

Enzo let out a small chuckle and patted her head.

“So, you want to ride with me?” he asked and Mira's eyes lit up.

“Really? Can I really ride with you?” she asked excitedly.

“Wait... what's going on?” I asked, completely confused by what was happening between them.

“Go get dressed first,” Enzo said.

Mira instantly ran back into the room.

Then Enzo walked over to me.

Still confused, I watched him ruffle my hair before he leaned in.

“Looks like we need to work more on your kissing,” he teased before giving my lips a quick peck.

“What?”

He kissed my lips again, then once more, until I grabbed his shirt, pulled him closer, and kissed him back.

Yeah.

I had to admit it.

I really sucked at kissing.