Chapter 40: Ribs & Rage

~Nicole~

“You look like a mess,” I muttered the moment we slammed Enzo’s car door shut.

He flinched slightly. “Just help me check… here.” He lifted his shirt a little, grimacing, and I froze mid-step.

“Fucks… that’s bad. What happened?” I asked, my fingers brushing over the fabric.

“Long story,” he said, jaw tight, face scrunched as I pressed against it, trying to see.

“And what happened to you?” He tilted his head at Lulu, who sat quietly in the back, arms crossed, eyes sharp. Not a single flicker of interest in the drama at the front seat.

“Don’t ask,” she said flatly, folding her hands, almost smug.

I chuckled. “She had a little heartbreak meltdown earlier,” I teased.

“Oi, tell me more,” Enzo said, leaning slightly toward me, voice low and teasing.

I stole a glance in the rearview mirror…Lulu’s stare could have killed me in seconds. But, whatever, I had to talk.

“C’mon, I can't keep it to myself,” I said, ignoring her glare.

“Guess who we ran into a few minutes ago?” I started.

“I