“No.” Ax nudged me toward the boutique. “I’ll handle this.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Go into the boutique and text me as soon as you’re upstairs.” He opened the door for me. “I’ll be in the lobby when I’m done here.”
“Okay.” I glanced at the two officers who were now opening the car doors. What did they want? What were they looking for? “Let me know when they’re done.”
“It’ll be fine.” He smiled. “I’m going to call Lucas.”
I waved to Ax once I was in the foyer, but he was already on his way back to the car. As I got into the elevator, an uneasy sensation settled in my gut. Almost as if what was happening outside was a precursor of things to come. I tried to shake the feeling off.
I trusted Ax when he said he could handle things. Being harassed by the police came with the territory. It was better that I came inside and didn’t interfere in the investigation. I didn’t want to make anything worse for anyone.
There was always something with this family. It was as if we never got a break.We? Hmm… for better or worse, I am part of the Accetti family.
Despite all the disruptions, I wanted to be one of them. I belonged to Milo and I would manage anything that came my way. No matter the consequences.
“Hello, Sable,” Camila greeted me when I stepped out of the elevator and into the posh sitting area of the boutique. “I wasn’t sure you were coming.”
“Why wouldn't I?” I dug my phone out of my bag and shot Ax a quick text that I was safe and in the boutique. “I have an appointment, don’t I?”
“Milo doesn’t seem to let you out of his sight these days.” She came around the counter to join me. “Can I get you some prosecco?”
“I’m fine, thank you.” I took off my coat and looked around for one of the assistants who usually took care of asking if I wanted a drink or needed anything. “Where is everyone?”
“You’re stuck with me today.” She grinned as she took my coat and draped it over a chair. “I have some exciting things to show you.”
“Lissia isn’t here?” I asked.
“Not yet.” Camila shook her head. “She’s kind of inconsiderate when it comes to keeping appointments.”
“She’s probably stuck in traffic.” I followed her toward the dressing room. “The weather isn't that great.”
“Well, that just means you get to see all the new arrivals first.”
She motioned for me to come into the room, but when I did a strong aroma of men’s cologne hit my sensitive sense of smell. I inhaled, feeling a bit out of sorts as she closed the door.
Out of the corner of my eye, I detected movement, and when I turned my head my anxiety morphed into terror.
“You know my friend, Diego, don’t you?” Camila placed her hand on my shoulder, sounding the alarm bells.
“Hello, Sable,” Diego said as he came toward me. “I wanted an opportunity to speak with you away from all the guards, and of course, your very overbearing boyfriend. He has quite the temper.”
“You can say that again,” Bello said from behind me.
I spun to face him, not exactly sure where he appeared from. When he kissed Camila, I realized I was in the middle of a set-up. My own guard couldn’t protect me, because one, he was occupied with the police, and two, I had texted him and told him I was safe.
“You betrayed Milo.”You are a skank.“Why would you do that after everything he has done for you?”
“I didn’t betray Milo,” Camila said. “My boyfriend asked me to help him and I did.” She took Bello’s hand. “Just like you would do anything to help Milo.”
“Camila.” I looked between Diego and Bello. “These men are not Milo. They don’t care about you. They used you to get me here.”
“What?” She laughed. “You’re the only one allowed to find a strong and powerful man?”
“These strong and powerful men traffic women.” I backed away from Diego when I deemed him too close to me. “Your boyfriend assaulted me in an alleyway. I had bruises on my face for a week.”
“We’re not here to discuss what you think of me and my associate,” Diego said. “We’re here to send another message to your boyfriend.”
