Page 28 of The Don's Proposal

Making each stop, I deal with awkward shop owners who easily melt with each swipe of my card.

We come across another shop at another strip, one not on our itinerary. However, the way my little bird’s cheeks immediately grow flushed, I’m tempted to urge her to take the jump.

“Would you like to go inside?” I ask, noticing her gaze fixed on the mannequin’s white dress.

Is she thinking about her sister now, or is she imagining herself in place of the mannequin?

Soon, she’ll need one of these dresses. Having the full intention of marrying her and giving her my last name, I’m sure I’ll have someone stop by and take her measurements. She’ll describe the sort of dress she’d dream of being married in.

Unlike Eliza, I want to give Camellia the choice. I want her to want me as who I am. I want to give her the wedding she deserves.

If she rejects me, I’m not entirely sure what I’ll do. It has to be her as my future wife. Before Camellia, I wanted to die alone. Now, I don’t think I can live without her. Love truly is a weakness.

“No, I don’t think so.” Turning away, she gives me a gentle smile and shakes her head. “I think you have me tuckered out when it comes to looking at clothes. I think I’m ready for lunch.” As we resume walking, she reaches out and wraps a hand around my arm. “But do you think we could ditch the bodyguards? Everyone keeps staring if you haven’t noticed.”

Cracking a laugh, I shake my head. “Sorry, but they have to go where I go. You’ll get used to them, I promise.” We continue to walk and I slow down purposely to extend this moment. She’s touched me on her own, and I don’t want to ruin it by running us to our last location. “Tell me, what greasy foods are you craving? I’m not entirely sure what our options are, but I’ll make it happen.”

Leaning toward her, my mouth brushes her ear as I offer her a different sort of meal that makes her pink cheeks flush even darker. I’d describe it as more of an appetizer, anyway. However, I’ve yet to get a taste of her today, and I am growing peckish.

Turning the corner of the outlet, I’m so distracted by the beauty’s giggle, that I miss the sound happening behind me. The sound of weapons drawn with a rush of curses. It’s not until Camellia is gasping that I realize that I’ve lowered my guard. For the first time in my life, I’ve slipped up.

Rocco Parada, in the flesh. Waiting like a predator would.

However, he’s not in the state I’m expecting.

He’s alone, weaponless, and quite pathetic looking, if I have to be honest. From the bags under his eyes, I have to say, for a man who has been a pain in my ass for all this time, I can’t say I’m too impressed.

If he’s here to wave a white flag, then he’s got another thing coming. I’m not the type to forgive. He’s done my little bird wrong, and I plan on getting the revenge she deserves.

However, how can I implement my plan if he doesn’t try to kill either of us? Do I hope one of my men has a trigger finger?

No. I have to be the one.

Camellia may have softened me in some places, but I’m still sharp in others.

She’ll forgive me. It may take weeks, possibly months, but she’ll forgive me. She’ll see it my way. So bashful and skittish, she won’t have the stomach to watch. No, she won’t even see her brother die.

Everything will be fine.

Before he can even move, I’m dropping the shopping bags in my hand and reaching behind me to grab the pistol tucked safely behind my belt. At the same time, Camellia is releasing my arm. She doesn’t think twice about moving. Unfortunately, she’s not turning away.

No, she’sleavingme. Running toward her brother.

Before I can pull her back, I remember the men behind me, pistols in hand.

Reeling back, my lip curls at the thought of them aiming at the love of my life. “Lower your fucking weapons.”

God, this is not the way this was meant to go. Every time I think I can see the way things will go, anything that involves this woman, itdoesn’t.

Camellia shouldn’t be impeding my plans. Should not be getting in the way of danger. Just like the guns pointed at her, the man she’s moving toward her doesn’t care if she breathes or not. He abandoned her, for fuck’s sake.

Why can’t she see that?

What if he’s here to kill her and take himself out all in one go?

Blood rushes my ears at the very thought. I can’t lose her. I can’t, and Iwon’t.

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