Rosa offers a small, knowing smile. "He anticipated that.
She sets the box on the dresser, then unfolds the garment. I look at the box briefly but then look away. I don't want his stupid gift.
When she's done unfolding the garment, I realize it's a robe.
Black silk. Long. Elegant. The kind of thing you wear when you want to look untouchable and irresistible at the same time. Then she hands me a silk bag, and when I open it, there's lingerie.
My throat tightens. "What's this for?"
"A private dinner," she says.
I blink. "I thought I was to have dinner with his brothers? Now there's a private dinner?"
"You will get to meet the other brothers, but not yet; he's giving you more time to adjust."
That should comfort me, but it doesn't.
"He requested you eat privately tonight," she continues. "As in, the two of us privately?"
"No, just you, he won't be joining you. But he asked that you dress… appropriately."
I laugh under my breath. "He wants me to wear lingerie for an audience of myself?"
Rosa meets my eyes. "For him."
My spine stiffens. "He won't be there."
"No," she agrees. "But he'll see you."
The cameras. My stomach twists.
"Tell him I'll eat in pajamas." I turn toward the door. "Or not at all."
Her expression softens, not with pity, but something like respect.
"You could," she says. "But I wouldn't recommend starting a war over dinner; there are bigger fights."
She’s right. But I can choose how I comply.
"I'll wear the robe." I make my decision. "Nothing else. He can keep his skimpy lingerie for his next little mouse."
Rosa's brow lifts slightly.
"Tell him that," I add.
A pause. Then she inclines her head. "As you wish."
She's the kind of person who's worked for this family long enough to know exactly how much to say and when to stay silent. I don't bother pushing for more information.
Rosa heads toward the door, then pauses with her hand on the handle.
"One more thing," she says quietly. "Mr. Vitale asked me to tell you that if you need to contact your friend Lindsay, you should do so today. To reassure her. He doesn't want... complications."
My blood runs cold.
"He knows about Lindsay?"
"Mr. Vitale knows about everyone in your life, Ms. Marino." Rosa's expression softens slightly. "Call her. Put her mind at ease. But be careful what you say."
