Chapter 7 – The Charmer

RORY

The last thing I expected when the door opened was Enzo.

Mostly because, unlike the others, he didn’t come around unless he wanted something—or unless he was bored. And judging by the grin tugging at his mouth, he was definitely in the second category.

“Well, look who’s awake,” he said, strolling in like he owned the place. Which, technically, he did. “You’re a sight for sore eyes, princess.”

“I’ve been awake all morning,” I said, crossing my arms. “You just haven’t bothered to show up.”

He clutched his chest like I’d wounded him. “Ouch. And here I was thinking you’d be happy to see me.”

“Happy isn’t the word I’d use.”

He laughed—a warm, easy sound that made it far too easy to forget I was supposed to hate him. That was Enzo’s specialty. Where Kai’s cold precision and Jace’s games were like knives, Enzo was silk—soft, smooth, and dangerous in ways you didn’t see coming until it was too late.

“Don’t pretend you haven’t missed me,” he said, wandering toward the window. He glanced outside, then back at me. “You know, you’d be much better company if you weren’t constantly glaring at me like I stole your lunch money.”

“You kidnapped me.”

“Details.”

I shook my head. “You think this is some kind of joke?”

“I think life is short,” he said, stepping closer, “and you might as well enjoy the people you’re stuck with.”

I took a step back, and he noticed. His smile turned knowing. “Relax, princess. I’m not here to scare you. I’m here to… get to know you.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re interesting.” He stopped just close enough that I could smell his cologne—something light and clean, with an edge of spice. “And I like interesting.”

I tried to keep my voice steady. “And what happens if I’m not interesting?”

His grin widened, but his eyes didn’t match the warmth in it. “Then I make you interesting.”

I sat down on the bed, partly because standing made me feel like I was in some kind of staring contest I was destined to lose. “What do you want to know?”

“Everything.”

“That’s vague.”

“That’s intentional.” He perched on the edge of the bed without asking, leaning back on his hands like we were just two friends hanging out. “Let’s start with something easy. What’s your favorite drink?”

I narrowed my eyes. “Why?”

“Because if I ever decide to buy you a drink, I’d like to get it right.”

I almost laughed. “You planning to take me out? Is that how this works now?”

He smiled, slow and practiced. “Would you say yes?”

“No.”

“Then it’s a good thing I’m patient.”

We sat there for a few seconds, his gaze never leaving mine. Enzo had this way of looking at you like you were the only person in the world—and for just a heartbeat, you believed it. That was his weapon. He didn’t have to threaten you into giving him something. He made you want to.

“What about you?” I asked, if only to shift the focus. “What’s your favorite drink?”

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. “Whatever’s in your glass.”

I rolled my eyes, but he caught the edge of my smile before I could hide it.

“There it is,” he said softly. “A crack in the armor.”

“It’s not a crack. It’s disbelief that you think that line works.”

“Oh, it works,” he said, “just not right away.”

That was the thing about Enzo. He didn’t push like Jace or corner like Kai. He laid out bait and waited for you to take it.

“So,” he said, tapping his fingers against the mattress, “tell me about your father.”

My stomach tightened. “Why?”

“Because everything about you goes back to him. And if I’m going to understand you, I have to understand him.”

“You mean if you’re going to use me, you need to know how.”

He gave a little shrug. “Same difference.”

I stood up, suddenly needing distance. “I’m not talking about him.”

Enzo stayed seated, watching me with that infuriating calm. “You will. Not today, maybe not tomorrow. But eventually. Because talking to me will feel better than keeping it to yourself.”

“You sound awfully sure of yourself.”

He smiled. “That’s because I usually get what I want.”

We stayed like that for a while—him watching, me pretending not to care. The worst part was that I could feel him peeling back layers without me even noticing until they were gone.

Finally, he stood and walked to the door. “I’ll let you get back to… whatever it is you do in here. But just so you know, princess—” He glanced back at me, and for a moment, the warmth in his voice vanished, replaced by something cold and sharp. “Charm doesn’t mean mercy. Don’t forget that.”

He left before I could respond, the door clicking shut behind him.

I sat back down, replaying every word in my head. Enzo’s charm was like sugar—sweet at first, but dangerous if you had too much. And I had a feeling he planned on making sure I got more than I could handle.

I was still thinking about it when the door opened again.

This time, it wasn’t any of the four heirs.

And the person who stepped inside made my blood run cold.