Page 42 of Savage Union
Dante glances up. "Of course."
"Hmm." I tap my chin thoughtfully. "You know, I could really use some new clothes. This outfit is nice," I gesture to the elegant ensemble Vito provided, "but it's not really my style."
Dante's eyes narrow suspiciously. "What are you getting at, princess?"
"Shopping," I state simply. "Since we're already out, and Vito did say I'd need things for 'public appearances.'" I mimic Vito's formal tone on the last words.
Dante looks torn, clearly weighing his instructions against the potential risk. "I'd have to clear it with the boss."
"Go ahead." I gesture magnanimously. "Call him."
To my surprise, he does, stepping away to speak privately. I use the moment to hug my family goodbye, whispering urgently to Elena, "I'll get it back to you somehow."
"Be careful," she whispers back. "Liam is dangerous when he's angry."
I nod, then pull back as Dante returns, looking slightly annoyed. "Boss says it's fine. One hour, two stores maximum."
I can't hide my surprise. "Really?"
"Don't look so shocked, princess. He did say he was giving you more freedom." Dante shrugs. "But I pick the stores, and everything gets approved by me first."
"Fine." I'm too pleased with this unexpected victory to argue the details.
As we say our final goodbyes, Elena hugs me tightly. "Don't do anything stupid," she murmurs.
"No promises," I whisper back.
CHAPTER 13
Rina
"What doyou think of this one?" I hold up a leather jacket adorned with studs and buckles—the complete opposite of the sleek, minimalist aesthetic that fills Vito's penthouse.
Dante doesn't even look up from his phone. "Whatever, princess."
"Helpful as always." I toss the jacket onto the growing pile that the poor sales associate has been accumulating. The mountain of clothes has expanded far beyond what I could possibly need, which is precisely the point.
Saks Fifth Avenue wasn't my first choice, but it was Dante's, and I've made the most of it. Leather pants, ripped jeans, graphic tees with obnoxious sayings, chunky boots, and enough accessories to open my own boutique—all selected with meticulous attention to what would most disturb Vito's perfectly ordered world.
The weight of Elena's phone in my purse keeps me focused on my real objective. I need privacy to contact Liam, but Dante hasn't let me out of his sight for more than thirty seconds. Even bathroom breaks have been suspiciously brief, with him standing right outside the door like a prison guard.
"This too," I add a neon pink scarf to the pile. It's hideous and I would never wear it, but the thought of it sitting in Vito's pristine closet brings me petty joy.
"You said one hour," Dante reminds me, checking his watch. "That was ninety minutes ago."
"You also said two stores. This is only our first." I flash him an innocent smile. "And I'm having so much fun."
His eyes narrow. "The boss will hear about this."
"I'm counting on it." I turn to the sales associate, a willowy blonde with impeccable makeup who's been watching our exchange with barely concealed curiosity. "I'd like all of these delivered to this address." I hand her the card Dante reluctantly provided with Vito's details. "Today, if possible."
"Of course, Miss Rosso." She's been calling me that since Dante flashed some ID for the credit card verification. "Anything else you'd like to see?"
"The accessories department," I decide on the spot. "I need sunglasses. Lots of them."
Dante mutters something that sounds suspiciously like a death threat, but he follows as I'm led to another section of the store. The sales associate, Jennifer according to her name tag, is practically glowing at the size of her commission.
"We have some lovely new arrivals from Gucci," she gushes, directing me to a display case.
