Page 61 of Tyrant (The Villetti Chronicles)

“Ari needs to spend time with someone other than me. For her own safety, she can’t be around her family or friends right now. I trust you to be a friend to her.”

She dropped my hand and gave me a disbelieving look.

“You want me to take your girlfriend out on a friend date?”

“Do I have to tell you again she’s not my girlfriend? And yes, I do. Go indulge in some retail therapy.”

For a moment, she didn’t say a word. Then she shook her head.

“You do know I’m not a fan of that right? I’d rather take her to a museum than look at racks of clothes for hours on end.”

“Does that mean you will take her out for the afternoon?”

She rolled her eyes.

“You’ve made it very difficult for me to say no.”

“Remi.”

“Yes, of course, I’ll take your girlfriend out, Zayn.”

“She is not—”

“Yeah, yeah, you keep saying. I’m not sure who you’re trying to convince, me or yourself.”

Ari was categorically not my girlfriend. Our deal was still in place. She was my pet. And the rest of it? Well, it hadn’t been a part of the plan.

“Just take her shopping and get a coffee afterwards,” I told her, ignoring her comment. I didn’t have time to explain shit to Remi about my complicated relationship with Ari. “And I’m sending someone with you to make sure you’re both protected.”

“Oh great, a babysitter.” She gave me a smile to let me know she was joking. “I suppose Arlo isn’t so bad.”

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Arlo has other things to do.”

She narrowed her eyes.

“Then who are you sending with me?”

“Enzo.”

Remi threw her hands in the air and scowled.

“You cannot be serious? He can’t even tie his own shoelaces without supervision.”

I reached out and took her hand again.

“My brother isn’t completely devoid of competence, Remi, even if he acts like it. And he’s been warned about keeping his mouth shut.”

“You could send anyone else with me, Zayn. Literally anyone. Hell, I can protect her better than that twat.”

I pulled her closer to me.

“Do this for me… please. I want Ari to have a nice afternoon and for you to get to know her. She’s not my girlfriend, but she means something to me, okay?”

Remi’s expression softened.

“Okay, I’ll put up with Enzo, but only because it’s you.”

“Thank you.”

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