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“The lady with Vi.”

“Oh, the Snow White beauty with the eyes?”

“Yes, that one.”

“She yours?”

I didn’t want to explain, so I took the easy road. “Yes. Why isn’t she picking anything?”

His voice dropped. “I think she is too overwhelmed.”

“Overwhelmed? Women love to shop.”

“She glanced at one price tag and froze.”

“Fuck,” I swore. “I should have told Vi to tell her there was a discount.”

“She tried. I heard Snowy say it was still out of her reach.”

“She’s seen things she likes?”

“Without a doubt. Those eyes of hers give her away. My God, if I were straight, I’d be all over that.” He paused. “No disrespect, boss.”

“None taken.”

“Once the injuries from her car accident heal, she’ll be stunning. I called Claire in the spa. She has healing oils that will help with the bruising. They’re headed there next.”

“Good. Anything she looks at and likes, send up to my suite. On my account.”

“Got it.”

I hung up, watching the screen again. I zoomed in as close as I could, focusing on Effie. Gerry was right. Her eyes gave her away. Even on camera, I could see when she liked something, no matter whether she was shaking her head no.

A throat clearing made me glance up. Aldo was watching me with a grin.

“Done your stalking?”

“I’m not stalking.”

“You’ve been staring at her for five minutes straight.”

I was about to protest when Effie’s headshaking caught my eye again. I stood, buttoning my jacket.

Aldo didn’t say anything but stood with me. We headed to the elevator and got in. He began to hum, and I glared at him. “What is that tune?”

He shrugged, his eyes dancing. “Just something in my head.”

“It’s annoying.”

He kept doing it.

We got out in the lobby, heading to the boutique. Gerry and Curt saw me, both men smiling. Vi noticed me. Effie was carefully looking at the marked-down rack at the back, still nothing in her hands. I resisted rolling my eyes. I saw the pile at the counter, and I knew Vi had no issue buying all those clothes, knowing I would pick up the tab to say thank you for being with Effie.

Effie held up a purple shirt, and I stood behind her. “Pretty,” I observed. “Matches your eyes.”

She jumped, turning my way. I leaned close. “You need clothes, Little Tiger. I own this place. Everything you’re touching, I pay for, so pick anything you want. The price is for customers, not you.”

She frowned, starting to open her mouth. I did the strangest thing. I leaned forward and pressed my lips to hers to silence her. “Pick anything you want. No arguing.”