Page 26 of Diavolo

"No," he bit out, "unlike some people, I have not been sleeping well for the past two months."

Elyse eyed him curiously. In an oddly endearing way, he was acting like a toddler who had his favorite toy taken away. Maybe Alessandro wasn't as indifferent about her as she believed? Only a presumption, of course. She was no mind reader. Yet, Elyse understood enough about criminals to be wary of their tendencies. They were prone to mood swings. Elyse needed to be careful. Alessandro might fire her over the smallest infraction.

Suddenly, it seemed imperative to work harder to keep him happy for, at least, two more years. A rich, attractive playboy like Alessandro might soon tire of her. She needed him tolikeher.Towantto keep her around.Papá'sdebt needed to be repaid. Her dreams of freedom were very much at stake. Elyse's walls against the man began to wane. Now that her employer was no longer trying to fuck her, Elyse supposed that it wouldn't hurt to strike up a friendlier relationship with him.

"It's nice of you to come with me," Elyse said sweetly. "Thank you."

Alessandro side-eyed her. "When provided with the rightincentive, Dr. Romero, I can beveryaccommodating. Especially when it comes to you."

Their gazes locked. A flare sparked between them. "Sir?"

He smiled faintly. "I like it when you call me that."

"What?" she asked.

Alessandro answered almost playfully, "Sir."

She blushed. "I assume that we'll be conducting your physical in Zurich…sir?"

Alessandro glanced at her again. His smile spread wide in approval. "Sì."

"Looking forward to it."

The ice in his countenance warmed a little more. "Do you have everything you need?"

She nodded. "I packed more than enough for a one-day trip."

He pursed his lips.

"Is there a problem?"

"We will be departing for Paris from Zurich."

Elyse's mouth parted in dismay. "You mean, we aren't returning to Crans-Montana?"

"No."

A troubled crease appeared between her brow. Elyse had brought along some cash for this trip, but she left most of it back in her bedroom in Crans-Montana. Elyse cursed silently. She needed to be smarter about this shit in the future. Predictableroutines didn't exist in Alessandro's world. Sudden changes to best-laid plans were going to become her norm.

The drive to Zurich took over three hours. They arrived at Alessandro's villa shortly after nine o'clock. The property boasted a scenic view of Lake Zurich. The square footage was much smaller than the chalet, but the house wasn't any less impressive. Alessandro brought Elyse inside. Unlike the rustic charm of the chalet, the interior of his villa was sleek and modern. He settled comfortably onto one of the black leather couches and rested his arms along the back of the chair. Alessandro didn't look like he was planning to go anywhere. Elyse gazed at him with a question in her eyes. "I thought we were going shopping today?"

"We do not have to go anywhere," he explained, "becausetheywill come to us."

Right on cue, the doorbell rang. A team of stylists and personal shoppers rolled into the living room with racks upon racks of couture gowns and designer shoes.

A sharp-faced woman named Camille introduced herself as the lead stylist. She communicated with Elyse mostly in French. Her English seemed very limited. Elyse couldn't understand much as Camille and her team descended upon her like a whirlwind. Soon, Elyse's clothes were flying off of her body. Camille let Elyse keep her bra and panties on, but the whole experience felt chaotic and overwhelming.

Feeling exposed, Elyse snuck a glance over to Alessandro. He was still planted firmly on the leather couch. His brown and blue-gray eyes were roaming over her body as though he had every right to enjoy the free show.

Elyse gritted her teeth and forced him out of her mind. She was about to score a fuckload of free designer clothes, and everything that needed to be coveredwascovered. It wasn't like she was bare-ass naked. Let the man look his fill and pantafter her curves. As long as Alessandro was onlylookingand nottouching, Elyse willed herselfnotto be affected by him.

It was impossible, though.

Hot and heavy, his gaze was practically burning her skin. Over the next hour or so, Elyse tried on dozens of Dior and Valentino dresses, Manolo Blahnik heels, Louboutin boots, Gucci shirts and jackets, and Chanel skirts and trousers. Then came the accessories. Jewelry. Hats. Scarves. Belts. More bags. And more fucking bags. Through it all, Alessandro sat and watched in silence while Elyse vetoed some pieces and accepted others. When Camille deemed her new wardrobe to be complete, Alessandro sent the stylists and shoppers away. Once they were alone again, Elyse started getting dressed.

As she reached for her shirt and pants, Alessandro tutted chidingly. "We are not finished, Dr. Romero."

Elyse gaped. "I couldn't possibly need more. I've tried on enough clothes to last ten lifetimes."

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