“We’re all done.”
At Danielle’s voice, I looked up. Lili stood there. She wore a cream-colored dress, made from a chunky fabric. It looked like an oversized sweater, but hugged her dips and curves. She wore cute little ankle boots with it.
“What do you think?”
“It looks fine.”
Her smile faltered. “I got a few outfits.”
“Good. Good. Let me pay and we’ll find something to eat.”
I wouldnotthink of taking that damn dress off Lili. I pulled out my wallet and paid. Then I grabbed the bags Danielle held out to me and hustled out of there.
Lili looked in the windows of the other stores as we walked. I noted she slowed down at a jewelry store, taking an interest in the window.
“You like jewelry?”
“Doesn’t everyone?” Her gaze flicked to the heavy, bronze ring I wore, then to my earring. It was a small chunk of silver.
The ring had belonged to Ramirez, and the earring had been Green’s. Zillman had given them shit about wearing jewelry, but they hadn’t cared. I wore them now in their honor. “You don’t wear any.”
She laughed. “Because I can’t afford it.” She lifted a shoulder. “I do make some. Just with cheap beads and metals. It’s my hobby.” She looked back at the window. “I like to get inspiration from what I see in the stores.”
“You make your own jewelry?”
She nodded. “I’ve sold a few things at local markets. I don’t get much time to do it, and the good beads and metal can get expensive.”
“That’s a pretty cool hobby, Lili.” I didn’t make anything. I was better at destroying things than creating them.
“One day, I’ll have the time and money to make all the jewelry I want. Maybe even open my own little store.”
I could see her doing that.
“You need to eat something. Anything you feel like?”
“Not really.” She pressed hand to her stomach.
I decided to take her to the food court, rather than get a table at one of the restaurants. The space was busy. The tables were filled with people chatting and eating.
Her eyes lit up. “I think I could eat a hot dog.”
“A hot dog it is.”
I ordered for us, and we found a bench to sit on. Lili delicately nibbled on her hot dog while I ate mine in three bites.
She smiled. “I think this is the best hot dog I’ve ever eaten.”
“Bastian demands the best, even in the food court. Guy likes his food.”
She took another bite, then licked ketchup off her fingers.
My gut tightened. I watched her little pink tongue dart out, and desire shot right to my cock. I was hard in a second.
Fuck. I couldn’t even watch her lick her damn fingers. I looked away and took a pull of my soda. I needed to get a grip on this.
I was not laying a finger on Lili. I had my very long list of reasons. I sure as hell wasn’t going to be another asshole in her life.
She needed to find her feet, spread her wings. She needed some young guy her age with no baggage. Who didn’t beat people up, or kill with few regrets, and could actually smile without making an effort.
