Finally he meets my eyes.
“Good girl,” he murmurs, making me bristle as he pockets his phone and pushes off the wall.“Let’s go buy your dress and your ring, Valentina.Don’t you think it’s time the world knows who you belong to?”
ChapterNine
Valentina
In front of Hautest Bridal Couture, our driver stops the armored SUV.
I know the name.The most exclusive shop in the city.The owner, Randy, has been opening more boutiques across Texas.Two of my friends were Hautest brides, so I’ve been to the Dallas location.And each time was quite the experience.
A guard who was also riding in the front seat exits immediately, and Moretti follows, giving me a much-needed break from him.
Even though the vehicle is enormous, the interior felt too small and too intimate, and I was relieved that he spent the majority of the time typing into his phone.
But anytime he lowered the device and looked in my direction, my heart dropped into my stomach.
My brain keeps screaming warnings about the man, but my body stubbornly ignores every single one of them.
I’ve never experienced anything like this before, and I hate it.
He reaches back inside the passenger compartment and extends his hand toward me.Ignoring him, I slide across the seat.
His satisfied smile makes me instantly regret my reaction.I want to prove I’m unaffected by him, not telegraph my feelings.
Instinctively I reach for my purse, but I don’t have it.He’s returned none of my belongings, including my phone.Which means I’m dependent on him for everything I want.
Damn him.Another reason to hate him.
The infuriating man hasn’t budged.
His dark eyes meet mine, holding a challenge laced with that infuriating possessiveness, as if he’s already won this battle.
Gritting my teeth to bite back my irritation, I slide my palm against his.
I freeze as electricity arcs through me.
Slowly he tips his head to one side and raises an eyebrow.Maybe I can’t help my reaction to him, but he feels it too.
More pleased than I should be by the knowledge, I pull my shoulders back and alight.
The guard’s bulky frame blocks the early sun for a moment, and I yank my hand away from Moretti’s.
To his credit, he says nothing.Instead, he places his fingers against the small of my back.The possessive heat of his touch radiates through my silk dress as he guides me toward the boutique’s entrance.
As we approach the door, I notice the digital closed sign, but the door immediately swings open.
“Mr.Moretti, a pleasure to welcome you.”
The guard follows us inside, and once the door is locked behind us, he takes up his position next to it.
The man, who I know to be the owner, Randy, shakes Moretti’s hand before turning to me with a smile.
“Ms.Russo.It’s an honor to dress you.”
I attempt a polite smile.
If I ever got married, I’d probably shop at one of his stores.But this… This is a farce.
