Page 77 of Sovereign Oaths

Alessio was alone, and that seemed to be working to our benefit. Without his sister or me around, he was growing increasingly unstable.

His men were sick of him. More and more were whispering, the unease rising.

“Yeah, that was unexpected. I never thought he saw me as anything more than Alessio’s little sister.” She blushed. “He makes me so happy.”

She deserved that. For however long it lasted.

“Thank you both for coming in. Have a wonderful evening.” Our waiter placed the receipt on the table and left.

She quickly signed and put her card away. “You’re going to love this place. I found it last year, and each time I go, I come out with at least three new favorites. I found a dress there I loved so much I contacted the designer and bought it in every color available.”

It hadn’t taken too much convincing for me to agree to check out her favorite boutique. Derek had given me a nod when she’d asked, so I knew the guys were prepared for the itinerary change.

We stood and headed through the airy restaurant to the street. Her driver waited at the curb and opened the back door.

“Last time I was there, they said they’d have a new designer’s full line available. I got a sneak peek of the lookbook, and I’m obsessed. I think you’ll really like it.”

“You do have excellent taste, so I’m sure I’ll get into trouble there. Hopefully, my dad doesn’t notice the bill.”

I smiled at the driver and got in next to her. Derek would follow in our car.

“Just put it on my card. Alessio owes you a shopping spree for the stress he’s put you through.”

I sank into the cool leather with a contented sigh. “That’s not a bad idea.”

We stopped at a red light, and I stared at the ocean. Maybe I’d get a chance to lay out at the beach soon. I hadn’t done nearly enough of that.

“Oh, you missed the turn.” Ama tapped the back of the driver’s seat.

“I know a faster way,” he quietly replied.

She ignored him and turned slightly to face me. “If you want Alessio to apologize properly, we should go to my favorite jewelry store after. They make these incredible pieces, and they’re all one of a kind.”

I grinned, but something about the driver didn’t feel right. It was one of the rotating men who usually drove Ama around, but he seemed off. Tense. I didn’t know where the store was, but we’d been driving for ten minutes, and Ama had said it was only a few blocks from the restaurant.

“Is this the right way?” I asked her.

She glanced out the window. “No. Raf? It’s back on second.”

“I know,” he grumbled.

“We need to turn around,” she said sternly.

He didn’t reply, just continued straight.

Something was wrong. My gut knew.

I took my phone out and texted the group.

Em: The driver isn’t taking us to the boutique. Ama told him to turn around but he won’t

Cruz: D, you on her?

Derek: Yeah, he knows I’m following

Marco: Don’t lose her

Derek: I won’t

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