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Stalker: What are you getting? And do I get a sneak peek?
I hide my smile, turning the screen away from Ello. He’s been more daring lately. Flirty, coy. I should be wary, but I like our exchanges. They’re rich and fun. And the way I remember his lips on mine… I throw caution to the wind with him.
Ello directs me across the street, hand on my back to keep me covered.
Maybe.
I haven’t forgotten his little game, or how he watches me at home. My personal shadow. It’s all exciting and new.
“Why are you smiling?” Ello signs, squinting at me. “That’s rare for you.”
The phone goes back into my pocket.
I don’t answer his question. I can confide in him that I’ve become interested in my stalker. He’d be disappointed for not telling me about the situation. To explain, he kissed me—tried to do more? No.
It’s not healthy. I can’t have Ello judge me for it.
“Tell me more about my mother,” I sign, redirecting the conversation. “She danced and traveled all over. What was she like?”
Ello smiles softly as we walk down the sidewalk. The heat of the day causes sweat to break out on my temples and shoulders.
“You know your mother.”
“But I didn’t know her before she was my mother,” I sign. “I was eight when she died, Ello. She held me when I cried, and kissed my bruises. But I don’t know her. Tell me. What was she like?”
“Fierce.” He grins, the brightness stealing my breath. It’s radiant and so unusual for the stoic man. “She started dancing as a child, and it was as natural as walking. Your grandfather hated it, but he couldn’t stop her. She wouldn’t listen.” He taps my nose. “The same as you.”
“Then, how did my father get her?”
Something dark flashes in Ello’s hazel eyes, dulling the gold ring around his pupil.
“It was payment,” he explains, hands moving. “Your grandfather owed the Bruno family. He had the resources to pay, but sold off his disobedient daughter. Senior came to collect and left with a wife. She didn’t have a choice in the matter.”
My heart pangs mournfully. She was stuck—trapped, much like me.
“Did she love him?”
Ello shook his head. “No. Her heart belonged elsewhere.”
My eyebrow quirks. “Who?”
Tiredly, Ello pats my shoulder. “Another time, piccina mia.” He pulls open the door of a boutique and allows me to enter first. “We’re here to get you a new dress, so let’s do that.”
Over the racks of clothing, I pout. I want to know more, and the clothing here leaves much to the imagination. Everything is too bright. Not my usual style.
Browsing the hangers, I glance at my guard. “You’re very secretive.”
He winks. “I told you. There is much about your mother that you don’t know. Eventually, you will. But not yet.”
Right. Whatever that means.
After a few moments, I find a few dresses that could pass for what I need. Freddie is offering to take me to a local restaurant for dinner and dancing. It’s more intimate than I would’ve liked, but if I want to ease him into my plan unknowingly, I’ll have to play along.
Once this goes well, I’ll work on having him bring me to Roman’s club. It’s where I’ll enact my next step.
Inside the dressing room, I try on the first two dresses. They’re simple, with long black skirts. They’re what Roman would expect me to wear. Something presentable and sophisticated.
It’s not me.
