Page 44 of Blood and Beauty (Owned by The Don)

"I already know that you're A negative. We're going to a couple stores and to meet with a hair stylist."

This son of a bitch.

"Mother fuck-"

"Boca."Mouth."Now go get ready, I want to get back before the evening."

I don't move a muscle. Instead, I eye him through narrowed slits, confused by his plans.

"Why do we need to go shopping and to a hair stylist? I have plenty of clothes and my hair is fine."

He walks to me, grabbing a strand and admiring it before leaning his nose down to sniff it. This should feel weird. This should definitely feel weird, but it doesn't.

"Your hair is one of the most alluring things about you, pequeña, I will be sad to see it change, but I need you as disguised as possible. He doesn’t know your exact location, just a picture of you and the college you attend. He's a whisper away and we're not taking any chances, not with what I have planned for him." He says the last part with a smirk, but his eyes are sinister. I don't want to delve deeper into that right now with him.

"Okay so we're going shopping and getting my hair done. How are you able to do all of this, in broad daylight?"

My question both confuses him and makes him smile, and his teeth gleam in the light.

"What am I, a vampire?"

Practically.

"I just mean don't you have to kind of hide out with your...line of business."

He laughs at me. Actually laughs at me. If I wasn't frustrated with him treating me like an imbecile once again, I'd find it cute, but he's too demeaning.

"The only thing the government or public eye has on me is that I'm a successful, international club owner."

I roll my eyes at him. He really does live in a fantasy world.

"I've seen news reports about the border patrol catching a group of traffickers that are linked to you. Your name is all over the media.”

“I think you know from your little internet search the other day, that no one knows my legal name or even what I look like. I’m not sure who El Oscuro even is.”

He grabs my empty plate and coffee mug, walks them to sink to begin washing them. (Note: she has already put these in the dishwasher.)

“This is why you gave me the burner phone.”

He nodded slowly, his back still turned to me at the sink. I notice that his plate sits untouched on the counter.

“Are you not going to eat?” He dries his hands, turning around and propping his back against the sink. His arms cross over his chest and his expensive gold watch reflects off the overhead light. He looks so casual, a little carefree even. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him completely...relaxed.

“The food is for your friend. Go get dressed.”

Why is he being so nice all of a sudden? Well, nice in his way. He’s still an arrogant asshole even when he’s being kind. I eye him for a few moments before getting up and walking to my room. I change quickly into a black V-neck and jeans. I tied my hair back into a fresh ponytail and put a ball cap over it since it’s such a mess. Once I feel decent enough to see the light of day, I run to the bathroom to brush my teeth and deodorize.

Once I’m completely ready, I walk into the living room. Dante is trying to sit comfortably on my couch, but is struggling to find a suitable spot. It makes me laugh. He’s so out of his element. His eyes snap to me when he hears my chuckle. A frown causes lines over his amber eyes.

“This is what you call a couch? It’s practically slabs of wood with a torn cushion taped to it.”

I shrug at him. “A couch is a couch. I’m sorry it’s not the rich leather you’re so accustomed to.”

His eyes travel from my face to my feet, lingering on every part of my body. It makes me feel hot all over, a blush forming on my exposed chest. He gets up from the couch and walks over to me, and his hand reaches out to grab a piece of lint off my shoulder.

“You should always be in silk.” His voice is husky and if I’m not careful, we’ll both end up on my uncomfortable couch. I reach over past him and grab my keys from the kitchen counter.

“We should go now if you want to be back before the evening.”

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