Page 46 of Beautiful Devil

The thought of Elle brings tears to my eyes. If only I could see her. She would comfort me and tell me what to do.

“Why don’t we get you sorted for dinner tonight first, okay?”

I can tell Luigi is trying to distract me and make me feel better. We walk until we enter a fancy boutique, one I would never be able to set foot in if I were here with my own money. The small bell above the door rings as we enter, and an elegant, beautiful woman in her fifties stands behind the counter.

Looking around the shop, I notice it's empty except for a young blonde woman browsing in the back corner. Blonde hair I would know anywhere. I move as fast as I can, and just before I reach her, Elle turns around as we throw our arms around one another. The relief I feel at seeing my best friend is so overwhelming that I start to cry tears of utter joy and happiness.

“Hey, we’ve gone longer without seeing one another you know.” I can hear the emotion in her voice, and when I finally tear myself away from her a little, I see that she too has been crying.

“I’ve missed you,” is all I can push out before throwing my arms around her once again.

“I’ve got you, bitch,” she whispers to me, causing my smile to broaden even more.

* * *

I’ve had the absolute best afternoon. Elle and I ended up going to every store to try on way too many outfits, shopped until we got hungry, had lunch and some cocktails, and then did it all over again. Luigi has stayed close all day, but I've honestly been enjoying my time with Elle so much that I haven't even noticed him for the most part.

I asked Elle about Fabi contacting her, and she said that it was Marco that had showed up at her door the next day, handing her the phone so she could speak to him. Initially, she’d freaked out, but then he’d spilled the rest of the story – Gallo and his goons included – and that had been all she’d needed to know. I was safe.

Iamsafe. Or at least, that’s what I’ve been trying to remind myself.

Naturally, she’s spent the day questioning me about Fabrizio and asking me why I haven’t “jumped his bones” yet. I’ve been rolling my eyes and trying to change the subject to ask her about work. The new buyer still hasn't taken over the company she works for, which was supposed to happen shortly after the wedding she’d gone to a few weeks back. Apparently, brakes were put on the sale agreement.

“You never did tell me about that wedding, you know.”

“There's nothing to tell. I went. It was a beautiful ceremony. The food was to die for, and the music was great. Then I came home. The end.”

“C’mon, Elle, I know you better than that. Who was he?” I quirk an eyebrow at her, amused at her attempt to distract me.

At that, she grabs my hand and pulls me into a lingerie store effectively changing the subject.

“Ooh, who are we dressing to impress?” I ask, wiggling my eyebrows up and down as I do.

“I’m not dressing to impress anyone.You’rethe newlywed here.”

My jaw hits the floor at her words. If she seriously expects me to buy or wear ANY of this for Fabi, then she’s as delusional as he is about me actually being his wife.

I stand in the middle of the aisle, where she left me to browse the section to my left full of rose-colored lace bras and matching thongs.

“Oh, come on, G, you deserve a bit of fun in your life. After everything you’ve been through, it's time to live a little.”

Is she serious right now?

“And you think jumping into bed with amafia Donwhokidnappedme andforcedme to marry him is an ideal way tolive a little?”I whisper-shout at her, cautious of anyone who may overhear us.

She takes the two steps toward me so that she’s standing right in front of my face, places her hands on my shoulders, and lets out an exasperated sigh. “Look, Gia, you were dealt a real shitty hand with Gallo. He’s behind bars and still trying to wrap you up in his shit. Yes, I get it, I don't know everything that's going on,butyou are the strongest person I know. If there is one person who can live through whatever this situation turns out to be, it's you.”

I stand there and let her words bounce around my head and think,maybe she's right. Maybe I should just try and make the best of this situation I’ve somehow found myself in.

“Plus, aren’t you even alittlecurious why this complete stranger who just so happens to be asexymafia don, decided to keep you, a woman he doesn't know, safe? ‘Cause I sure as hell am.” A smug smile appears on her face before she gives me a wink and turns back to the stacks of underwear.

Dear Lord, help me.

CHAPTER15

FABRIZIO

All day,my mind has been wandering back to Gia. How it felt to wake up holding her in my arms. The feel of her soft body against my hard form. Her sweet scent filled my nose and set my body alive. Despite the amount of whiskey I drank last night, I still woke up refreshed. I can’t remember the last time I slept that soundly in…well, ever.

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