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Running my fingers over the pearl buttons that bring the bodice together, I ask, “So, it’s this one, right?”
“You agree?” he asks as he reaches out to me.
I take his hand, and he pulls me to him, our bodies way too close. He begins moving back and forth in a slow dance. “Can you move freely in it?”
“Yes.” I can’t breathe, not because the dress is constricting me, but because he’s so close, so handsome, and such a good dancer.
He bends me over backward, smiling at me. “This is the dress.” Pulling me back upright, he lets me go abruptly. “Thank you, Isabelle.”
My skin pebbles, missing his touch. And I know that’s so wrong. “I’ll go hang it back up.”
Turning his back to me, he takes out his phone as I hurry away to change into my clothes. And I silently bitch myself out about my inappropriate thoughts of a man who is engaged to another woman.
Back in the dressing room, I ask the woman who’s been helping me, “How come no one knows the woman your boss is marrying?”
“You shouldn’t ask things like that. We’re taught not to ask questions about things that aren’t our business.” She’s as tightlipped as everyone else around here.
But my curiosity knows no bounds. “You all are so well-behaved. Not that I’ve been in a mansion before or mingled with the staff who care for the mansion and the people who live it, but I can’t imagine that you all behave so appropriately at all times.”
“It’s what’s expected of us. If we want to keep our jobs, we do as we’re told.” Hanging the dress back up, she turns to ask, “Will there be anything else I can help you with?”
“No. You can go,” I say, sensing her desire to leave.
Going back to the ballroom, I find Carlo on his phone, tapping away. Waiting until he’s done, I then ask, “Is there anything else you need me to do tonight? If not, I think I’ll head home now.”
Raising his head, he looks at me without any expression at all. “John took your car today. I’ll have one of my men drive you home.”
I had no idea John had even been at the mansion. “Why did he take my car?” I ask.
He shakes his head and doesn’t seem to think it’s something I should be concerned about. His attitude is nonchalant. “He had his reasons, I suppose. He asked me to give you a car and driver while you’re working on the wedding. Also, I don’t want you going out to buy anything. You can put in orders, and I’ll have them picked up.”
“Why is that?” I sense something odd but can’t put my finger on it.
“Because that’s what I want, Isabella. I will see you in the morning when my driver brings you back here.” He diverts his attention back to his phone and begins walking away from me. “Have a nice night.”
I know the people who work for Carlo aren’t supposed to ask questions, but I can’t help myself. I want to know so much more than anyone here will tell me. “Carlo?”
Stopping, he turns to me. “Yes?”
Licking my lips, I suddenly feel very nervous. But I have to know. “When will I get to meet your fiancé?”
With a shrug, he turns and walks out of the ballroom, leaving me wondering why everything has to be so secretive. Something else pops into my head, and I brace myself, leaning against the wall to keep my feet underneath me.
Am I in a dangerous situation here?
Chapter 5
Carlo
Seeing Isabella in the wedding dresses pleased me in ways I didn’t understand. I saw my future in her gorgeous eyes. I saw our future children in her eyes. I saw the woman I’m going to be with for the rest of my life, and I was happy with the idea of spending our lives together.
We have amazing chemistry. Not that I can act on that yet. Soon, the time will come when we can be together. I just hope the lies she’s been told so far don’t get in the way of what we have.
My cell vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out to see John is calling me. With a quick swipe, I ask, “What ya got?”
“You haven’t sent Bella home yet, have you?”
“She’s still here.” I have the gut feeling that something’s happened.
