Page 26 of Deadly Don's Savage Vows

My client arrives at eleven o’clock which I admire in a person. Being on time is a curtesy that few people understand.

It shows resect for his own time as much as for mine.

“Mr. Vitale, so good to see you.” His rough voice sounds aged by years of smoking. While his suit is pristine, and his shoes are polished to perfection - I still can’tnotnotice the yellow nicotine stains on his fingers.

He is clearly a heavy smoker and the thick, smoggy scent of stale cigarettes is hanging around him like a coat.

“Mr. Benson, thank you for coming. Your order is right over here and ready to go. If you would like to double check it, before I seal the packaging?” I gesture towards the canvas. The back of it is packed tightly with carefully weighed out bags of product. Stacked neatly into rows.

He walks over to the artwork, reached out and picks up one of those bags. He nods to the man next to him, who steps forward to stab a small pocket knife into the package.

Benson’s eyes are on me while his guy samples the product.

“It’s good, sir.” He confirms after a moment.

Benson addresses me. “And every package is the same?”

“Identical.” I confirm.

“Thank you, Mr. Vitale. I am sure we will be talking again soon for the next order.”

My men move to seal the rest of the canvas with bubble wrap and tape, making it exactly like every other delivery that leaves this gallery.

Benson’s men load it into his SUV and with one curt nod Benson says goodbye. That was a very efficient and easy collection. I hope that all of them int he future go the same way.

I wait and watch until Benson’s car is far down the road, almost out of sight. That’s finished. And I didn’t need to worry about Bella seeing anything. I don’t know how next time will go with her around - but I’ll deal with that when the time comes.

Right now - I want to know why she’s lied about being sick.

I march back into the gallery.

“Killian, what is Bella’s address? I want to deliver a get-well package.”

“That’s a delightful idea. I’ll write it down for you.”

Killian leans over the desk, scribbling something on a piece of paper.

He hands it to me. “There is a great online place that does deliveries within the hour. I wrote down the name of the site for you.”

“Thanks. I’m heading out for lunch as well. Are you ok here by yourself?”

He laughs. “Of course I am, enjoy your lunch.”

I didn’t tell Killian, but I intend to deliver the get-well package myself. I needed an excuse to get her address and knock on her door.

I head straight over to a flower shop and purchase a massive blue and purple bouquet. Along with it I ask the sales lady pack a box filled with chocolates, nuts, sweets, biscuits, and nougat. It’s the perfect excuse to see her.

Ishouldn’t.

The best thing I could do for both of us is to stay far away from her - but it’s impossible. I’m a wreck trying to figure this out, but the bottom line is that I’ve never felt this way about anyonebefore. I’ve never been so drawn to someone or unable to stay away from them.

She is so unique, so different - and so perfect.

The woman at the flower shop takes her time wrapping the box with cellophane and tissue paper. I bite my tongue with impatience. I want to tell her to hurry the hell up, I’ve got things to do. But presentation is important.

I wish Bella could see that the real reason I’m pulling away from her - or pushing her from me - is to protect her. It’s got nothing to do with other women. It’s all for her. All I think about is her - all I want is her.

“Here you go, sir, I’m done.” The woman behind the counter smiles and speaks in a sing song voice as she pushes the box towards me. I want to mutter something like ‘finally.’ But I say “Brilliant. It looks great.”

---