Standing in front of her was a man who was tall and muscular. He looks like he has hit the gym regularly in the last few years. With his black leather jacket and high boots, he gave off a thrilling vibe.
He had long hair at the front which was neatly curled and his beard styled fashionably. He looked like a bad boy riding his motorcycle breaking all the speed limits. Gone was the sweet, gentle boy and here stood a dark and notorious man.
"Happy birthday Hazel," Enzo said as he handed her a flower bouquet.
Hazel had stammered and received the flowers. He had asked her a few questions and then someone had called her from the crowd. Enzo had told her to go meet her guests, as all wanted to have a glance at the birthday girl, and they could talk later.
Hazel was so busy with her guests that she could not have a chat with Enzo, but she stole glances at him the whole time. There was always a group of people around Enzo who were trying to get his attention or impress him, and most of them were women.
He radiated an air of arrogance which was attractive, he would sip his drink while listening silently. Once in a while he would say something and everyone around him would burst into laughter. She wanted to know what was so funny, and for a second she felt like Enzo should talk only to her, and no one else as he was her best friend.
Then Enzo 's father Dimitri introduced him to his business associates and Enzo's expression turned serious. He looked like he was having business talk. That time she understood the difference between them, they cannot act like how they were in the past.
She was in high school whereas he was about to take over his father's business. What did they have in common? Obviously she cannot talk about her boy crushes, new fashion trends or who was dating who.
During dinner Enzo came to sit next to her and she had been so nervous that she spilled the soup on his coat. His gaze had been so sharp that she could not think straight around him.
Enzo was kind enough, telling her it was not a big issue when she had apologized continuously. In her embarrassment, she had gone to sit with Aria while he went to sit with her brother Travis.
She did not dare to admit it out loud, but she thought Enzo was the most handsome man in her entire party.He was better than all the actors that she and her friends were crushing on.
Later that night, while opening her gifts she found he had gifted her a customized diamond watch with her initials HA (Hazel Ambrosio) on the back. She had carefully kept the watch since then and would only wear it on special occasions.
After that day, she did not see him for a few months and the next time she saw him was when she had gone to her father's office where Uncle Dimitri and Enzo had been there.
Enzo had now handled the Santoris empire and his father was guiding him from behind the scenes. His look had completely changed as he wore dark color suits, his hair was completely trimmed and had a stubble beard.
She had peeked from outside the conference room and saw him predicting the exact share value just by looking at a few charts. He had an air of authority, and people double his age were shivering while giving their presentation.
He did not say much but his words were harsh and cold. That time she saw the upcoming ruler of Santoris who was more cruel and stubborn than his father.
She was sitting on the sofa and playing games on her mobile when he came out of the conference room. He looked like he was surprised to find her, so he gave her a small nod as he walked away, claiming he was in a hurry.
After that day, she rarely saw him, as both of them were busy in their own lives. Occasionally she would meet him at parties, or Sunday brunch where he never uttered more than a word or two.
He was dominating, aloof and the way he carried himself made people bow to him. He always evoked a feeling of fear in her, even though it was not his intention.
At the dining table, Enzo and Aurora were sitting side by side while Hazel and Esther were sitting opposite to them.
"Where is Logan? Why don't you bring him with you?" Aurora asked.
"There was some emergency, so I sent him to the office early," Enzo lied. He knew Logan did not come home last night and had stayed at one of the girl's places whom he met at yesterday's party. His mother was already stressed about Logan's playful behavior, so he decided not to tell her the truth and get her more worried.
"Don't make him work too much, he is your younger brother, make sure he does not skip his meals," Aurora instructed.
"Of course," Enzo agreed. He cared about his brother a lot and only gave him harsh treatment when he refused to listen. Sometimes Logan did not bend for the carrot and only stuck to the method that was fit for him.
Hazel was eating pancakes and since she had poured a lot of honey, some of it dripped from her lips. Enzo was sitting opposite her and was watching her every move. When the honey dripped on her red lips, she slowly stuck her tongue out and wiped her lower lips.
He gulped and tightened his hold on the fork, he wanted to be the one to lick off that honey. Her lips looked so soft and plump, it probably tasted sweet already, but if it was combined with honey, he could just imagine how much sweeter it would be.
Hazel was in her own world and continued to lick the honey which now had fallen on index finger. Something in him stirred and clenched his teeth so that he would not say anything.
He wanted to scream at her to stop her actions. Does she even know that her simplest actions were setting a fire in his lower belly? God it was torture for him to watch herand not be able to do anything.
When Enzo fork's touched his plate making some sound, Hazel looked up to see the desire in his eyes. She felt uncomfortable so she lowered her eyes but could still feel his gaze on her.
"Hazel, have some fruit," Esther said, which distracted Hazel. She put a strand of hair behind her hair and silently continued eating.
Enzo took a glass of juice and started sipping it while looking at Hazel. His gaze went down for her eyes, lips, throat and then landed at her breasts. After a few seconds he placed the glass down on the table. He was using it to cover his intentions and took a deep breath so that no one would notice any changes in him.
After breakfast Hazel and Esther went back upstairs while Enzo was not in a hurry and sat in the living room reading a newspaper.
"Are you free, or have you decided to take a break from work," Aurora was amused seeing her son sitting so leisurely.
"Something like that," Enzo replied in a bored tone.
Hazel came down holding a few books and announced she was leaving, "Bye Aunty, I will leave now."Aurora smiled and told her to tell Ava not to miss the next kitty party on the weekend.
As soon as Hazel walked out of the door, Enzo checked his phone and said it was a call from his office, so he needs to go.
His mother reminded him to visit frequently and to remember to bring Logan along with him next time.