“Thanks for the new phone to go with my phone privileges,” I venture as he buzzes around his room. Our room.
“Don’t mention it. I’m glad you like it, and it’s the least I could do.”
“It means a lot that I can call my parents and Ava.”
“Good. We’ll have to sort out your schooling. Think about it, decide if you want to get your degree or work for the company full-time. I’m happy to pay all your expenses if you want to finish school. Either way, I’m here to help.” He slides on his Italian loafers. God, even his feet are perfect.
“I’ll think about it, thanks.”
“We also have to start making appearances at events. I’m donating money to your university, so there will be a photo and press conference later this week. That will probably be the first one.”
“Money? Really?” And then I realize our picture will be splashed everywhere and my parents still don’t know.
“Oh, yeah, I had planned on it since before I knew you went there. Meeting you that day was just coincidental,” he continues, putting a small wallet in his pocket and grabbing his cell phone. “Oh, and you need more clothes.”
“What? I have tons.”
“Not suitable for the events we’ll be going to. And you’ll have a personal driver, but if you want your own car, I can arrange that too.”
“Dante, I appreciate all this, but are you going to micromanage my entire life?”
He comes towards me as his eyes darken. “You are my fiancée and I promised to keep you safe. You will never go anywhere without an escort, is that understood?”
I meet his level gaze with my own.
“Yes, understood. I have no desire to be kidnapped again. Especially by Gio Conti.”
“Good.” He unexpectedly delivers a lingering kiss to my lips. It stirs the fires in my pussy, but I know we don’t have time.
A tiny moan escapes my lips, betraying my resolve to not give into his every demand.
“Do I look okay?” I ask as I turn around in a cotton dress that hits just below my knees.
The dress is from one of the designers Dante likes. It’s a light, sleeveless, black and white striped, belted number that cinches my waist perfectly, and the V-neck shows some cleavage, but not so much that it looks tacky.
Waiting for his response, I fiddle with the engagement ring. It’s new and unfamiliar and feels funny on my finger. I don’t really have any other jewelry other than the watch he gave me.
Dante casts an appraising eye over me and nods approvingly. “You’re beautiful, and stop fussing with the ring, it fits perfectly.” He comes over and touches the ring, lifting my hand to his lips and kissing it.
He looks happy, whether for himself or me, or both of us, I don’t know. Maybe the ice king is melting after all, though I’m not getting my hopes up that the thaw will come anytime soon.
“I’m sorry. Maybe I’m nervous.”
“Juliet, I know you. It takes a lot more than my family to make you nervous.” The look in his eyes tells me I’m not as fragile as I make myself out to be.
“Hmm.” I find it interesting he says that, considering how unsettling meeting Gio Conti was. The man was a total sleaze. I wouldn’t trust him further than I could throw him, and I worry about Dante and his men as they restart their business relationship, knowing how badly it went last time.
“Relax.” He drops a light kiss on my painted lips.
“Oh, wait, my purse,” I say as I pull away from him and dash into my room to retrieve my designer bag. As soon as I' have returned and am within arm’s length, he reaches for my hand and holds it as I walk carefully down the staircase due to the high heels.
“You look so Italian,” he chuckles.
“I am Italian.”
“I know, but now you dress Italian.” His soothing, deep baritone voice caresses my ears, and I melt under his compliment.
Riccardo is waiting for us in the round driveway made of Italian pavers in front of the mansion and all I need is a formal gown to make me feel like I’m going to a ball. I take it all in—the sound of the birds chirping in the trees that flank the house, the scent of the Tuscan jasmine covering the walls, the sight of the red and white petunias along the walkway by the front door.