Every muscle in my body tensed, my jaw clenching so hard I heard my teeth grind. In the mirror, I watched as my eyes narrowed and something primal and possessive flashed in them before I could control it. The thought of Izzy—or anyone—touching Rafe made something dark and violent unfurl in my chest.
“What did you say?” I managed through gritted teeth.
Izzy's laughter echoed through the fitting room. “Holy shit, your face. Relax, I was kidding.” Squeezing my shoulders, she met my eyes in the mirror. “But that reaction tells me everything I need to know. You've had the hots for grandpa Rafe for longer than you'll ever admit.”
My cheeks flamed as I shrugged off her hands. “I'm not justifying that with an answer.”
“You don't have to.” She grinned, clearly delighted by my discomfort. “Your murderous glare said it all. Now, go change. That's definitely the dress.”
I retreated to the fitting room, my heart pounding with more than just embarrassment. That surge of jealousy had been unexpected and so very terrifying in its intensity. What was happening to me? This was supposed to be a business arrangement, not... whatever this was becoming.
After changing back into my regular clothes, I joined Izzy at the register. The saleswoman rang up the dress, and I handed over my credit card, holding my breath as she ran it through the machine.
Thankfully, the transaction went through without a hitch, and I exhaled slowly as I signed the receipt. Izzy watched the exchange with raised eyebrows but waited until we were outside to speak.
“Call me after dinner. I want to hear all about the grandparents.” She hugged me tightly before stepping back.
“I will. And thank you.” I gestured to the shopping bag. “For everything.”
She winked. “What are friends for? Go get 'em, tiger.”
The ride back to the penthouse passed in a blur, my mind too busy spinning with thoughts of dinner, Rafe's grandparents, and my own unsettling reaction to Izzy's joke.
Edward was waiting in the foyer when I returned, his posture as impeccable as always. But something in his expression made my steps falter. He held a single rose in one hand and a small envelope in the other.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. de Luca,” he said. “This was delivered to the front desk while you were out.”
My blood turned to ice. Not again. I forced myself to step forward, my fingers trembling as I took the items from him. The rose petals felt soft against my skin, almost innocent despite the dread they inspired.
“Thank you, Edward,” I managed, trying to keep my voice steady.
With shaking hands, I opened the envelope, pulling out a small card covered in the same flowing script as before.
You move like water in my dreams.
I watch you dance when others sleep.
Soon we'll be together, my dark angel.
Until then, I'll keep you close to my heart.
What was this? What in the actual hell was this?
“Miss Cecelia?” Edward's voice broke through my panic. “Are you all right? Perhaps Mr. de Luca should be informed—”
“No!” The word burst from me with desperate force. I grabbed his arm, the rose and note were still clutched in my other hand. “Please, Edward, don't tell Rafe.”
His eyebrows rose slightly, the only crack in his professional demeanor. “Miss Cecelia, these communications appear to be causing you distress. Mr. de Luca has resources that could help identify the sender and put a stop to them.”
“I know, but...” I swallowed hard, trying to organize my thoughts. “These letters are unwanted. It's not an affair, I swear. It's just... complicated.”
Edward's expression softened slightly. “All the more reason to inform Mr. de Luca.”
“We just reached a truce this morning,” I said, my voice breaking. “Things are finally...” I shook my head. “I can't risk ruining it with this. Please, Edward. I'll tell him myself when the time is right.”
He studied my face for a long moment, conflict evident in his eyes. Finally, he nodded once, almost reluctantly. “As you wish. But I cannot keep secrets from my employer indefinitely, Miss Cecelia. If these continue, or if they escalate in any way, I will be obligated to inform him.”
Relief washed over me so suddenly it almost hurt. “Thank you. I understand.”
