Accidentally Yours (Merffy Kizzmet) novel Chapter 156

Chapter 156

Enzo brushed at her tears with his thumb, helpless, his rough hands trembling slightly. “Don’t cry, diavoletta.”

She sobbed harder. “You gave him clothes!”

“Of course I did,” he muttered, like it was obvious. “He’s got more outfits than I do.”

The door opened. Dom and Gino stepped in mid–scene, froze at the sight of Lola in bed, clutching a duck, tears streaming down her battered face.

“What the fuck happened?” Dom whispered, horrified.

“She finally snapped,” Gino deadpanned, leaning against the doorframe.

“Shut up!” Lola wailed, clutching the duck tighter. “This is the best thing anyone’s ever given me, you assholes!”

Enzo pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering in Italian [Italian], but the corner of his mouth betrayed him, tugging upward.

Dom’s gaze darted between her blotchy tear–streaked face and Enzo’s half–smirk. “Wait–hold on. She’s sobbing like someone died. What the fuck is going on? Why is she holding… is that-” He squinted. “Is that a stuffed duck?”

Lola hiccuped, nodding so hard her ribs screamed. “He-” she jabbed a finger at Enzo like he was on trial, “-made it for me. Clothes and everything. And–and-” her voice cracked into fresh tears, “it has a recording inside!”

Dom froze. Then slowly, painfully, his face split into pure disbelief. “You’re telling me Enzo Maraschi–the man who once stabbed a guy with his own belt buckle–went to Build–A–Bear?”

“It’s a duck,” Enzo corrected, flat as stone. The twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed him anyway.

Gino exploded, laughter echoing off the walls. “Holy shit. What’s next, boss? You taking her to Justice for matching pajamas? Claire’s for friendship bracelets?”

Dom leaned back in his chair, smirking wide. “Nah, bro. Picture it: Enzo at the park with a stroller. Duck strapped in, Glock tucked in the cup holder, bulletproof diaper bag slung over his shoulder.”

Nico shook his head, chuckling low. “Forget the blood, forget the bullets–this right here? This is the most dangerous thing he’s ever done. He walked into a mall full of teenage girls and came out with that thing.” He whistled. “Respect.”

Gino doubled over, wiping tears. “Bet he kissed the little heart before they stuffed it.”

Enzo finally lifted his head, dark eyes sharp as knives. “We’re done talking about the fucking duck.”

Silence. A full beat of it.

Then Lola, eyes blazing even through fresh tears, clutched her duck to her chest and sat up straighter. Her voice cracked but came out strong as a war cry:

“You listen to me. His name is Lord Archibald Featherstone Quackston III, Supreme Commander of the Bathtub Brigade–and you will put some respec on it.”

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14:32 Wed, Oct 8

Chapter 156

The rown went dead quiet.

D:.

Down’s mouth opened. Closed. Then, deadpan: “Yes ma’ain.”

Ging wheezed so hard be nearly choked. Nico slapped a hand over his face to muffle the laugh tearing out of him.

And Lola, cheeks wet and chest heaving, finally broke into helpless giggles–clutching her ridiculous duck like it was her crown jewel:

She glanced sideways through the blut of tears and laughter and caught Enzo. He hadn’t joined in–not even close. His jaw was tight, eyes narrowed on the others, the weight of his glare sharp enough to slice the air. But when his gaze shifted back to her, it cracked. Just for her. His shoulders dropped, his mouth curved the smallest bit, and she felt it–that secret softness he didn’t show anyone else.

Lola sniffed hard, hugging the duck tighter like it could shield her from the roasts still hanging in the air. “That’s right,” she said, chin lifting. “You laugh all you want, but Lord Archibald Featherstone Quackston III will outlive every single one of you. And I’ll make sure of

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