Page 58 of Fatal Sloth

It's a short while later when Marie enters our bedroom, her quick footsteps announcing her arrival as she wheels in a garment rack loaded with an array of dresses and pant suits.

How the heck did she shop so fast?

Sebastiano acknowledges her with a brief nod and a fleeting smirk before his gaze settles on me.

"Pick whatever you want––you’ll look beautiful in anything you wear," he says casually, still seated by the window.

My eyes flicker with appreciation as I meet Sebastiano's gaze, and a lump forms in my throat. I didn’t expect this from him. It's the kindest thing he could have done. It’s probably the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me, and though I am truly grateful, I’m at a loss for words.

My heart skips a beat as I take in the sight before me. The variety of choices is overwhelming, and a mix of emotions swirl within me—mostly excitement and surprise at the effort he made to ease my distress. The gesture may be small to him, but it speaks volumes to me.

"Thank you," I murmur to both of them, stepping closer to the rack. My fingers trace the delicate fabric of the gown closest to me, looking it over before I gingerly run my fingers over each item, trying to pick out the perfect dress to wear. Lost in the array of choices, I don't realize when Sebastiano stands up and walks behind me. His warm breath skates over my neck as he places a gentle kiss on my shoulder.

“I’ll be in my office. Let me know if there is anything else I can rip off your body,” Sebastiano quips playfully before walking out of the bedroom, leaving Marie and me alone to decide.

“If I may,” Marie starts, picking up a light blue Gucci dress, “I think this would look lovely on you, Mia Cara.”

Marie removes the dress from the rack, passing it to me. Holding it against myself, I'm struck by the softness of the blue fabric, which shimmers under the bedroom light. As I look closer, I notice the intricate lace details that adorn the bodice of the dress. Delicate floral patterns intertwine along the neckline and sleeves. And beneath the lace-adorned bodice, the skirt flows just above the knees.

This dress is perfect, as long as it fits.

With a mixture of excitement and a little nervousness, I unzip the back and carefully slip into the dress, feeling the fabric envelop me like a warm embrace.

"Allow me," Marie gestures, stepping behind me to zip up the dress with ease. I exhale a sigh of relief as the zipper glides smoothly, securing the dress in place.

"It fits perfectly," I say, turning to face Marie with a huge smile. “How did you know my size?”

She gives me a warm smile in return, a smile that reaches her eyes, but she remains silent, choosing not to answer my question. Instead, she rummages in one of the bags she brought in and pulls out a pair of nude heels adorned with a delicate light blue flower on the ankle strap.

The soft blue is a perfect match to the dress, while the neutral nude hue compliments the color. As I slip into the heels, I feel a sense of satisfaction wash over me. With Marie's helpful assistance and a dress that fits, I feel confident and ready to face my father and Karen for dinner.

"These are all beautiful selections, Marie, but we can return the rest. This outfit will be perfect," I tell her, gesturing towards the chosen dress and shoes I’m wearing.

"Mr. Morelli insists that you keep all of these," Marie responds, her words causing all of the air to leave my lungs. My heart swells at Sebastiano’s gift. I didn’t think he had it in him to be so kind.

I’m grateful, but I can't accept this. Can I?

I twirl around in front of the mirror, a wide grin lighting up my face as I take in my reflection. I'm thrilled with how I look now, a stark contrast to how I felt earlier today. I can't help but feel a surge of confidence coursing through me. But the array of high-end designer clothes Marie brought has left me stunned. Now that I feel a renewed sense of self-assurance, I head out of the bedroom to find Sebastiano, eager to thank him for the dress and tell him that he doesn't need to spend so much on me.

As I make my way to his office, I’m still in disbelief at the sheer number of dresses and pant suits upstairs. Each garment seems more luxurious and extravagant than the last. It's excessive, probably not by Sebastiano's standards, and I can't help but wonder if one dress wouldn't have been sufficient for him. Entering his office, I find Sebastiano seated behind his desk, his eyes meeting mine as I walk in.

I make a beeline for him, crossing the space between us in a few quick strides, my heels echoing on the hardwood floors. Instantly, I settle myself onto his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck as I press my lips against his in a passionate kiss.

The sound of someone clearing their throat shatters the bubble of our little moment, and I reluctantly break away. My cheeks flush with color, betraying the awkwardness I feel, as I turn to see Enzo and another man, I’ve seen but don't know watching us. They are seated in the chairs opposite Sebastiano, and it's clear they just saw the entire show.

“I... I’m sorry. I didn’t realize anyone was in here,” I mumble, feeling my cheeks burn with embarrassment as I release my grip around Sebastiano's neck. I try to stand up, desperate to regain any dignity I have left.

But Sebastiano has other plans. His smirk is cocky as hell as he holds me firmly on his lap, not allowing me to escape the humiliation. He looks over my shoulder at them, and with a single nod, they excuse themselves. The click of the door shutting echoes through the room and leaves behind a lingering sense of shame and discomfort.

“I’m sorry. I should have knocked or made sure nobody was in here with you. I just wanted to thank you for the dress and let you know that the rest can be sent back. This dress fits perfectly,” I ramble in one long breath, feeling the weight of embarrassment settling over me. I glance down, fumbling with the fabric of the dress in my hands.

Sebastiano lifts my chin, forcing me to make eye contact. “Stop apologizing. And never apologize for coming into the same room that I’m in,” he says softly, his lips meeting mine for a quick kiss before he continues. “You’re welcome, and the clothes are a gift. Keep them,” he says, planting another gentle kiss on my lips.

“You don't have to do that,” I protest weakly.

“I know, but I want to. Besides, I think you've awoken a new kink in me, because I’ll happily rip every piece of clothing off your sexy body,” he says as his lips begin trailing down my neck.

“Next time something doesn't fit, I know who to call,” I joke back, trying to lighten the mood. “Did I interrupt anything?” I glance over my shoulder at the closed door where the two men just walked through.

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