Page 60 of King of the Bronx

He let out a sigh as if he was dreading this talk just as much as I was. “Before all this happened, I talked to Cole. I didn’t understand why you would want to keep working there when you didn’t have to anymore. I had enough money to take care of us forever, and even if we got divorced, which isn’t an option, you’d get half of everything.”

I opened my mouth, but he pressed a finger to my lips.

“Let me finish. You shouldn’t have to give up your entire life because I decided to step in and play Superman. It’s not fair to you. I put myself in dangerous situations everyday, so I can’t keep you from running the brothel if that’s what you really want to do. I would never keep you from that. All I ask is that you let me increase security and invest in the business. I need to feel like you’re safe because the clients are too scared to try anything stupid.”

His green eyes stared into mine, waiting for a response. I wasn’t sure what to say. I was ready to give up everything for Enzo, but he surprised me. Did I want to run the brothel? I thought about my life without it. My identity was more than just the owner of the brothel, but I enjoyed being around my girls. I wanted something to do during the day. I’d go mad sitting around Enzo’s apartment all the time.

“I want to run the business. I like being there, and you’re gone so much, I need something to entertain me. But I want you more. You’re the one who makes me happy.”

He nodded. “Then we just have to make sure you run it like a queen.”

“Me and you, taking over the Bronx.”

He smiled and kissed my forehead. “Baby, we already own the Bronx.”