“Don’t you use a bank like everyone else?”
“This is boodle.”
“What?”
“Counterfeit,” he replied, before closing the door. “My contribution to my family’s business.”
He held out a tracking device. “For Newburg’s vehicle.”
“I should get ready,” she said. “Where can I change?”
He collected her overnight bag, brought her upstairs into a guest room. As he was about to leave, she said, “Stay.”
She unzipped the duffle, pulled out a folded pair of pants and noticed a tear in the seam. “I can’t wear these.”
“I got you.” He left the bedroom.
She slipped off her new designer shoes, removed her shirt and her pants. With her essentials bag in hand, she went into the bathroom. What she really wanted to do was go for a swim—unless Luciano had removed the indoor pool in the lower level—or go for a run on a treadmill—unless Luciano had taken out the gym. But she didn’t have time to fit in a workout and get to Carole Jean’s by six-thirty.
After brushing her teeth, she returned to the bedroom to find Luciano hanging up a pair of black pants and two shirts in the closet.
“Those are nice.”
“They’re from my design center. I thought you’d look beautiful in them.”
“I’ll wear something tonight, but I can’t accept them.”
“Simone, Simone,” he murmured. “The clothing is made to be worn.”
He did this special… for me.
“I’m sorry. You’re being generous and I’m feeling uncomfortable.”
“If you feel smothered or like I’m trying to control what you wear?—”
“It’s not that. I’m not used to someone being so generous.”
His wicked-handsome smile set his eyes alight. “It’s my pleasure.”
She leaned close, kissed him. “The clothing is beautiful. Thank you.” One more kiss before she eyed the items on the bed. “I’m going to wear the pink shirt with the black camisole and black skirt.”
After zipping into the skirt, she pulled on the camisole, shouldered into the pink shirt and zipped it halfway. “These are luxurious… and comfortable.” She stared at herself in the full-length mirror. “Form fitting without being too tight.”
“It’s a propriety blend of fabrics.”
She could see the pride in his eyes. He’d built his empire from nothing. Of course he would want to share his success with others.
“All these gifts, and I have nothing for you.”
The divot between his brows softened. “You bring me peace, you challenge me, you give me hope. Those are far greater gifts, and something I never expected.”
They came together in a hug, their connection so strong, she felt like she could melt into him. They shared a passionate kiss filled with love. It was real, it was happening, and she couldn’t stop it if she tried. For the first time in a long, long time, she would accept the joy.
“I’ve felt so guilty and sad for so long,” she murmured as she stared into his eyes, “it feels foreign to feel anything else.”
“I know. One step at a time.”
“One step at a time,together,” she said.
