Chapter Twenty-One Ella
Chapter Twenty-One
Ella
Gualtiero wanted to take me to his office after lunch, but what was I going to do there? Stare at the walls?
So I told him I wanted to go shopping instead. He looked surprised and a little suspicious. No doubt he recalled me telling him how much I dislike the activity most women seem to love.
But after my newfound realization that I need to get fit and remembering a closet full of designer clothes, none of which I can exercise in, the need to go shopping became obvious.
Gualtiero handed me his black credit card and told me to go wild.
Of course, before he left the car, he reminded me not to try anything foolish. And how could I, with an entourage of five?
Now the car is loaded with my purchases. Running shoes, leggings, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and sports bras, all deliberately anything but sexy, fill the boot.
And to defy Gualtiero’s preferences even further, I also bought a pair of jeans, tracksuit pants, and three oversized, shapeless shirts.
Let’s see how long I get to keep those.
Across the street, I spot a boutique selling lingerie.
Right… I almost forgot. I need less skimpy sleepwear.
None of my escorts bat an eyelash when I head toward it.
Everywhere we go, it’s the same routine. One man stays with the cars. Two take up position at the entrance. Alonso waits with me outside while Oriana goes in first to clear the space before I’m allowed to follow.
She checks every fitting room, every corner, every possible exit. All the while ignoring me as much as she can.
She’s on a serious power trip, and it’s starting to get on my nerves.
Inside the boutique, I notice a row of small windows high up along the wall of the changing area. Decorative more than anything. No one is climbing out of those unless they’re the size of a toddler and equipped with a ladder.
Apparently, their mere existence is enough for Oriana to insist on staying inside the cubicle while I try things on.
Seriously?
I grit my teeth. I swear she’s doing this to annoy me.
Fine. Two can play that game.
I select a few sets of pajamas… and then, almost as an afterthought, add some skimpy lingerie to the pile.
If she insists on standing in the cubicle with me, she can deal with it.
Let’s see how composed she really is.
The attendant does a double take when we both step into the cubicle. I’d love to be a fly on the wall when she tells her coworkers about this later.
A wicked idea starts to form, one Rhia would wholeheartedly approve of.
Turning to Oriana, I tilt my head slightly.
“You know, Oriana… you’re not exactly unattractive.”
Her eyes narrow instantly, suspicion written all over her face.
Good.
Before she can respond, there’s a knock on the door.
“How are you getting on? Can I help with anything?” the attendant calls, her voice a little tight.
I bite back a smile. Then I step closer.
Not touching, but close enough to make it impossible for her to ignore me.
Oriana stiffens.
Oh, this is too easy.
“Well, Oriana,” I murmur, lowering my voice just enough to sound intimate, “how are we getting on?”
Her breath catches.
She still hasn’t moved a muscle, and I’m dying of laughter on the inside.
Man, this is wild.
The next knock is more insistent. “Ladies, is everything okay?”
“Yes,” I call out, letting my voice turn just a little breathy. “Everything’s… perfect.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch the slight flicker in Oriana’s composure.
It’s barely there, but I see it.
And I savor it.
I let my gaze drift over her slowly, deliberately, like I’m assessing something I haven’t quite decided on yet.
Her jaw tightens. Her hands curl at her sides.
She hates this. Good.
“Aww, don’t look so tense,” I whisper, a smile threading through my voice. “I’m not going to bite.”
That does it.
She steps back abruptly, putting distance between us.
“Just try on your things,” she snaps under her breath. “I’ll wait outside.”
Victory.
I lean in just enough to make her hesitate again, then tap her lightly on the nose.
“Oh, Oriana,” I say sweetly, “don’t be afraid.”
The color drains from her face. Then she turns sharply, grabs the door, and steps out.
The second she’s gone, I press my lips together to keep from laughing.
That was fun. I didn’t know I had it in me to go through with it.
I take my time trying on the pajamas, still grinning to myself. Pranking Oriana might be the only way I can tolerate this woman.
There’s definitely no love lost between us. I’m sure, given the chance, she’d sprinkle gravel on my muesli.
When I finally leave the cubicle, Oriana is waiting outside the door. She avoids looking at me, and I can’t help the stupid grin spreading across my face as we walk out of the changing area.
Putting on my best fake afterglow expression, I give the attendant a broad smile and wink. She blushes and quickly looks away as a still pale and stone-faced Oriana rushes past.
Yep, this attendant definitely thinks we got down and dirty in there. The thought makes me chuckle, earning me a death stare from my nemesis.
After my turmoil at lunch, the rest of this day is turning out pretty damn good.
I march out of the boutique, my head held high.
To top things off, I found sleepwear that actually hides my body from Gualtiero should he insist on sleeping in the same bed as me again.
Maybe shopping isn’t so bad after all.
Though going everywhere with an entourage of five is not something I want to repeat. The only advantage is I don’t have to carry the bags.
People stare, probably thinking I’m someone important, walking the streets flanked by guards on every side. It’s uncomfortable. I almost aborted my shopping mission twice.
But the success of my changing room antics more than made up for it.
To rub it in a little more, I purchase one of the skimpiest outfits I can find and have it gift-wrapped.
Back at the car, I drop it into Oriana’s hands.
“As a thank you for looking after me so well,” I coo, blowing her a subtle kiss and brushing my fingers over her arm.
The furious blush spreading across her face is so worth it. So are the glances the other goons exchange. Naturally, she doesn’t open it. But I’m sure she will later, when she’s alone. Curiosity will eat at her.
Just as I’m about to slide into the backseat, I spot a novelty store and make a beeline for it, not caring that my security team has to scramble after me to keep up.
They scowl when I emerge with another gift-wrapped parcel. My smile is genuine when I hand it to Alonso once we’re back in the car. He looks surprised, then laughs the second he sees the speed-stacking cups.
“I’ll race you when you’ve improved,” I say.
I bought a second pack, too. Something to keep me sane back at the estate… with nothing but time and walls closing in.
When we arrive at Gualtiero’s office, he’s already waiting by the stairs. He slides into the backseat beside me once Alonso steps out with a respectful nod.
Oriana quickly exits the car and switches places with Santino. As she walks toward the car behind us, her gaze lingers on Gualtiero, longing in her eyes.
Am I the only one who’s noticed she has a crush on him?
Hmm. That might become a problem if she ever has to save me.