Page 29 of The Don
“Because I’m not particularly fond of many people.” His beautiful face erupts into a cheeky grin. “Now, when did you say your birthday was?”
“I didn’t.” The hard stare is meant to intimidate me into telling him, but I’m not going to. “I forgot.”
Ruben breaks out of his harshness and chuckles. He nods his head, staring at me. “Okay, then.” Wow, that was easy, I was expecting more from him. Some kind of pushback, maybe even a threat. God knows if Adrian wanted to get information, he’d beat me first, then ask. Or he’d try to drown me, burn me, or do something else horrific. “Do you want to have breakfast first before I take you to buy clothes?”
“I really don’t need anything.”
“The men will be back today to finish your library.”
Oh, that’s why he’s trying to get me out of the house. So I don’t have another panic attack. “I won’t lock myself in a cupboard again, Ruben. I’m okay. I’ll stay out here.”
He stands to his feet. “Good to hear. Be ready in an hour.” He turns and briskly walks into the house. Looks like we’re going shopping for clothes.
There are three cars waiting for us outside Ruben’s massive mansion. Dante is standing by the middle car, the back door open. My steps are hesitant, and I turn to face Ruben. “I really don’t need anything.” I chew on the inside of my cheek and wring my hands together. Storm nudges me with his nose and sits beside me when I look at him.
“Come on,” Ruben replies as he guides me with his hand on the small of my back over toward the middle car. “Storm.” He snaps his fingers and points in the car, where Storm jumps in and lies on the seat.
My stomach twists with nervousness, but I slide into the back seat and instantly place my hand on Storm. This is ridiculous. Why am I so damned nervous? Ruben sits beside me, his leg touching mine. A welcoming warmth floods my body. His touch is comforting.
Dante climbs into the front passenger seat, turns and glances at the three of us. He lifts his hand and says, “On the move.” It’s then I notice he’s wearing communication devices on his wrist and in his ear.
The first car pulls away, and we follow close behind it. I worry my lip between my teeth, feeling like a total drama queen. “We really don’t need to go,” I whisper to Ruben.
He arches a brow and shakes his head. “We’re going.”
This is all too much. Two cars with bodyguards. One for me, Storm, and Ruben. “Don’t you have other things to do?”
Ruben narrows his eyes, and a small thrill flutters through me. “We’re going,” he repeats in a darker tone that slides over my skin.
I take a sharp breath and finally nod once before turning to look out the window. The way Ruben looks at me is so different to the way he did. Ruben is protective, and gentle. He was never any of those things.
The drive into town is filled with silence, which means my mind is crowded with every negative scenario possible.
Is he waiting in the shadows ready to pounce and take me?
Will he kill me? Will he hurt Ruben? I can’t let that happen. I’ll beg and plead for him to leave Ruben alone. I’ll do anything he wants just to spare Ruben’s life.
Maybe he has other cruel plans for me.
“Amorina,” Ruben’s sensual voice drags me out of my heavy thoughts. I look over to find him standing outside the car, his hand extended.
We’re here already? “Oh,” I whisper and look around. Although I don’t want to be here, I push through the dread and slide over to take Ruben’s hand. “Thank you.” The lump in my throat is massive, and I feel like I’m about to be sick.
“This store has nearly everything you need.” He points to an upmarket boutique.
“Um.” I crinkle my brows and glance inside the windows as we approach. “Are you sure? It’s not too late for us to leave.”
“Yes.” Dante opens the door to the boutique and waits for us to enter before giving instructions to his men and turning to guard the door.
“Mr. Sacco, it’s nice to see you again. If you had called ahead, we could’ve shut the store down for you.” The most beautiful woman approaches us. Her long, blonde hair falls softly over her shoulders, while her skirt and blouse both hug her hourglass figure. “Hello,” she says to me. “My name is Amanda.” She holds her hand out.
“Eliza,” I say and find myself stepping backward. I don’t belong in a place like this. It’s too beautiful for someone like me.
“Amanda will take care of you, Amorina.” Ruben gently runs his hand down my bare arm, leaving a trail of goose bumps. “I’ll be here.” He looks to Storm and commands, “Rimanere.” Storm sits and watches as I hesitantly walk with Amanda.
“Is there anything in particular you’re looking for?” She smiles to me as she leads me toward the back of the long store.
“No. I just need some basic clothes,” I say in a small voice.