Page 117 of Dangerous King
Exhausted, I fall into one of the padded chairs in Eliza's sitting room. We're surrounded by an ungodly number of shopping bags. Mamma looks just as done as I feel. Sabine and Izzy, on the other hand, are full of energy as they start going through the obscene amount of things we bought. Eliza excuses herself to check on the cook and dinner after our six-hour-long shopping trip to Maison Étoile.
"I'm done," I complain, kicking my shoes off and stretching my burning toes. How anybody can walk in these high heels for hours on end is beyond me.
Izzy laughs, "You'll get used to it."
"Oh, I forgot about this. Isn't this the softest?" Sabine exclaims, pulling out the yellow scarf she bought earlier. If anything,Sabine has more bags than I do. I don't mind, though. She looks radiant; shopping did her good.
"Just remember to thank Enrico," Mamma counsels gently.
"Yes, mamma," Sabine smiles sweetly.
It was a good day. A fun day. I think Sabine and I turned a corner; she's been all smiles and giddiness all day, hugging and kissing me, calling me the best sister ever. Izzy pulled me aside, at one point, shaking her head distrustfully. "Be careful," she warned.
I'm not taking it seriously, though. I think Izzy is a bit jealous because Sabine and I are growing closer. I'll make Izzy see that she has two sisters now, not just one.
"Ugh," I stand up and feel like I'm walking on needles.
"Keep down, silly," Izzy scolds.
"I need to go to the bathroom," I whine, overdramatizing my exit as I walk on tiptoes, groaning like an old woman, to the sound of giggles from Izzy, Sabine, and my mother. Those giggles are like music to my ears. We're all becoming a family.
There is a bathroom right off the entrance hallway. It's a guest bathroom, or powder room, but since it's the closest, I intend to use it.
While I wash my hands after I'm done, I contemplate putting my feet under the cold spray, thinking how good it'll feel. But common sense wins out, and I unlock the door and pull it open. Only to have my breath rushed out of me. There, by the entrance, stands Enrico in all his splendor. My heart reaches out, and I'm about to call out to him when I see the frown on his face. It's ugly, a mask of hate and anger, not Enrico at all.
My heart speeds up, and my hand flies to my chest. I watch the man I'm falling in love with visibly shake himself out of it, plaster a smile on his face, take a deep breath, and walk toward the sitting room where Izzy, Sabine, and my mom are still giggling.
"Enrico," I call him.
He turns. His smile is all fake and plastered, but the moment his eyes land on me, it changes, becoming softer, warmer, and more genuine.
"Cat." He breathes my name. "God, you're a sight for sore eyes. You have no idea how much I needed to see you."
That's all it takes. Any thought of trepidation or fear rushes out of me, and I run forward, right into his arms. His lips claim mine with the same ferocity from last night, maybe a tad more.
"How was your day?" He asks when we come up to get air.
"Good," I say, tilting my head, waiting for him to fill me in on what had him so upset.
"I heard you girls all went shopping." His fingers draw lazy circles over my shoulder, making me forget anything but him.
"Hmm," I agree, leaning into his embrace.
"Is there anything left at Maison Étoile?" He teases.
"Not much," I admit. "I'm afraid we spent a fortune," guilt rushes up in me. I didn't have the heart to deny Sabine or Mamma anything, but I shouldn't have bought so much for myself. I spent Enrico's money like… like I had a claim to it.
My face heats up. "We might have overspent."
"You like shopping?"
"I love it," I admit. "I love anything fashion."
"Good. And I have the funds to support that hobby of yours. Shop away to your heart's content," he encourages me.
"You don't know what you're saying," I caution.
"I'm fully aware of what I'm saying. I saw the charges coming in." He laughs.
