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Rose
“What do you think about this one?” Gabriella points at another glider.
I shake my head, giving the colored trim a single look over. “No.”
Gabriella sighs and turns toward me. “Rose, this is the fifth glider you’ve said no to, and you’re not even looking at them. Where is your head at?”
I can’t very well tell her the truth. That I’m deeply terrified someone will recognize me here in this baby boutique store, putting Michael and his family in immediate danger.
“I’m sorry.” I study one of the glider chair tags, reading over the safety stats and details. From the corner of my eye, I wait for Gabriella to move on, but she stands there staring at me instead. I drop the plastic tag and meet her eyes. “What?”
“Did I push you to come out with me too soon?”
Yes. “No. You were right. I need to choose some things in person for Liam. I’m just distracted.” I smile at her before dropping her gaze, focusing back on the glider.
“Okay. But if you’re worried about anything, don’t be. Enzo’s with us, and he won’t let anything happen.”
I peer over my shoulder at our “bodyguard.” When Michael couldn’t join us, he sent Enzo instead, and I think the Viking wannabe regrets his eagerness to come now. Watching Enzo attempt to navigate the cramped aisles distracts me from glancing endlessly at the front door every time the bell chimes.
“This one looks nice.” I point at a light gray and white glider with a matching ottoman. Sitting down, I glide back and forth a handful of times, just to appease Gabriella more than anything. “I like it.”
Enzo grabs a huge box from under the display with ease, like it weighs lighter than a feather, and takes it to the front counter for us.
“How are things going with my brother?” Gabriella asks, following me as I grab more diapers and wipes.
"It’s been going really well.”
We’ve been in our own little world since our date a few days ago and can hardly keep our hands off each other. So much so that we were recovering earlier this morning from the most delectable wake-up call when Gabriella surprised us by arriving unannounced. Michael quickly threw on some sweatpants, then politely advised his sister to text before coming over next time. As soon as Gabriella saw me in panties and an inside-out shirt with sex-tousled hair, she understood.
As if she’s remembering the same thing, Gabriella tosses me a knowing smirk over her shoulder. “Mm-hmm. How about the family dinner tomorrow?”
I pause, my hand hovering over a cutewinter coat. Michael only told me about this dinner last night, after ensuring I was so utterly spent from several orgasms that my only answer could be yes. To say my anxiety is high would be an understatement. It’s so high that bitch has jumped into the next galaxy.
“I’m nervous.”
Gabriella snorts. “I’d be surprised if you weren’t. But don’t worry, our parents are great. They’re going to love you.”
“I hope so,” I admit. I’m still uneasy about meeting them. The more people I lie to, the more people at risk from my father.
“And they’re not going to judge you about what happened, okay?” Gabriella adds, reminding me that Michael told them about my ordeal in Italy - being kidnapped, sold, and eventually rescued by him. Lies aside, what happened to me doesn’t say much for first impressions.
“Are you sure you’re okay watching Liam? Again?” I ask, changing the subject.
Gabriella nods. “Of course. I love that little boy. And if babysitting gets me out of family dinner, I love him even more.”
I toss a baby blanket at her face, which she catches with a laugh. “Traitor.”
We’re checking out when I notice a woman watching us from the corner of an aisle. I don’t recognize her, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t know me. As soon as she notices me looking at her, she quickly turns away, focusing on Enzo instead. To be fair, he does stand out in the cute shop, his tattoos a startling contrast to the pastel colors of the boutique. The lady was probably just shocked by his appearance and was wondering what the hell he was doing in the store in the first place. Still, my heart races and stays like that until she finally leaves the store. Only after she disappears do I take a deep breath, struggling to calm my pounding heart and thoughts.
We’re loading our haul in the back of the Rover, when a gust of wind sends a chill down my spine and makes the nearby palm trees rustle ominously. I can’t help but feel like I’m being watched, causing the little hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end at the eerie feeling. I don’t see anyone, but it leaves me wondering if it’s a sign of something far worse to come.
Michael’s family’s home is impressive and a little overwhelming. I know Michael’s wealthy, given his state-of-the-art penthouse, but it never occurred to me that his parents are too. The security cameras and the number of guards patrolling the property catch my attention as we drive through the iron gates. My gaze cuts to Michael, wondering if there is something more about him I missed. Like illegal more.
Michael mistakes my apprehension for fright and squeezes my hand. “Dad likes his privacy, and the excess security comes with that. Don’t be scared, though. You won’t even notice they’re here.”
I most definitely will, but I appreciate his effort. “Will you give me a tour later?”
“I’d love to.” Michael kisses our clasped hands as he parks the car on the circular driveway. “Ready?”
