I picked up my purse, my heart racing inexplicably.
Kholod stood in the foyer wearing a charcoal casual suit, less intimidating than usual. When he saw me coming downstairs, he looked up, his gaze sliding from my face to my hem and back again.
"That dress suits you perfectly."
"Thank you." I walked over to him. "You don't need to drive me. Dmitri could—"
"I'll take you." He cut me off, extending his hand. "Let's go."
I placed my hand in his palm, my fingers enveloped by his warmth.
We walked out of the villa side by side. The understated black sedan waited in the courtyard.
He opened the passenger door for me, waited until I was settled,then closed it and walked around to the driver's seat. The engine purred to life, and the car slowly pulled out of the manor.
"Have fun," he said suddenly. "Buy whatever catches your eye."
"Okay."
Outside the window, early spring Philadelphia showed new green on the branches, the sky clear and bright. The car soon stopped in front of Rittenhouse Palm Pavilion.
"Go on."
I unbuckled my seatbelt and opened the door.
"Noelle." He called my name again.
"What?"
"Keep your phone on," he said. "Call me if anything happens."
"Okay."
"I'm serious." He stared at me. "Anything at all."
"I know." I smiled. "Kholod, you're unusually talkative today."
He was momentarily speechless, just watching me intently.
After getting out and walking a few steps, I couldn't help but look back. He hadn't left yet, watching me through the window. I waved at him. He nodded, then finally started the engine and drove away.
"Good afternoon, do you have a reservation?" A uniformed server smiled politely.
"My friend is already inside," I said. "Isabella."
"This way, please." The server nodded immediately.
He led me through the dining area to a quiet booth by the window. Through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, I could see the fountain and greenery of Rittenhouse Square. Sunlight streamed in, warm and inviting.
Isabella was already there. When she saw me, she immediately stood up and waved.
"Noelle! Over here!"
She wore a light blue dress today, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, makeup subtle, looking gentle and sweet.
I hurried over, and she opened her arms for an enthusiastic hug.
"You're finally free!" She released me and pulled me to sit acrossfrom her. "Let me look at you—wow, that dress is gorgeous! Pink is absolutely perfect on you! Makes your skin look porcelain!"
