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I chuckle lightly. "It'll be over soon enough. Take care, Isabella."
"Thank you, Giovanni. Goodbye." She hangs up, and I find myself feeling oddly relieved.
Rising from my chair, I make my way towards Lulu's rooms, determined to follow through with this plan. The thought of giving her something positive is strangely satisfying, and I hope that it might help ease the chaos that has become our lives.
"Positive attention," I whisper under my breath, steeling myself for what's to come. "Let's see how this plays out."
* * *
As I stand outside Lulu's door, my hand raised to push open the door, Teddy's words echo in my mind.
Positive attention.
It goes against my instincts, but maybe it's time to try something new. So instead of barging in as usual, I rap my knuckles gently against the door.
"Coming!" Lulu's voice drifts through the wood, and a moment later, the door swings open. Her eyes widen in surprise when she sees me. "Giovanni...?" The chipper tone she had just a second ago vanishes, replaced by irritation. "What do you want?"
I swallow my pride and force a smile. "I wanted to give you something to look forward to. I've scheduled a brunch date for you."
Her lips part as if she's about to argue. I cut her off before she can start. "Just try to have fun, okay?"
My gaze shifts to the cart of shoes nearby, and an idea forms. "It'll give you an excuse to wear one of those fancy pairs you bought. Be the envy of everyone there."
Lulu's eyes flicker to the shoes, and the corners of her mouth lift into a small smile. "Fine," she says, more amiable than before. "When is it?"
"Tomorrow. I can drop you off on my way to the office." I don't know why I'm offering this, but it feels like the right thing to do.
"Who's going with me?" she asks, curiosity lacing her tone.
"Primo's wife, Isabella, and her sister. They do brunch every Sunday."
"Okay." She nods, seemingly satisfied with the arrangement. As I turn to leave, her voice stops me. "Thank you, Giovanni. For thinking of me."
Those simple words soften my heart, just a little. But as I walk away, I remind myself not to be fooled by her. Lulu's far more dangerous than she appears, and I can't afford to forget that.
ChapterTwenty-Two
Giovanni knocks on my door for the second time this weekend. I'm not sure why he's had such a change in heart – he went from telling me to shut up and choke on his cock to actually seeming like he might be respectful of boundaries, even a small one like knocking.
"Just a minute!" I shout, as I finish strapping the buckle on the first pair of shoes I decided to wear from my shopping spree.
The shoes are a stunning work of art: black stiletto pumps with delicate lace overlay, and a soft satin ribbon tied around the ankle. The heels are sleek, slender, and at least four inches tall, giving an air of elegance and seduction. They perfectly complement the body-hugging red dress I chose, its fabric clinging to every curve while leaving just enough to the imagination. The neckline is daring but tasteful, and the length flirts with the line between sophistication and scandal.
I look at myself in the mirror, and for the first time in a long while, I feel really good about myself. My hair falls in loose waves around my shoulders, framing my face just so. I'm excited for Giovanni to see me like this, but then I realize that I shouldn't be thinking things like that about him.
I walk to the door and open it, and Giovanni surveys me up and down. I shiver under his gaze. I like the way he looks at me, but I hate admitting that. Every time he looks at me with those piercing hazel eyes of his, it makes me think back to what happened between us, and I'm not sure how to feel about it, but I know that I feel aroused.
"You look lovely," he says, his voice low and smooth. "Especially the shoes."
I smile at the compliment, and then he asks if I'm ready to go.
"Yes," I reply, my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach.
We walk in silence to the garage where his car is charging. The drive into the city is mostly silent. My curiosity gets the better of me, and I ask about Isabella, remarking that I think I've run into her once before in the mansion.
"Isabella is Primo's wife," Giovanni replies, his eyes focused on the road ahead. "She was his lawyer when he was on trial for murder. You probably saw her during one of her visits to the mansion."
I nod, taking in this new information about the woman I am about to meet.
