Chapter 39 Close Calls
ARYA’S POV
I stood on the back terrace the next morning, my hands gripping the railing as I watched the sun.
For just a moment, I allowed myself to forget where I was and why.
"What are you doing?"
I spun around so fast that my foot slipped on the smooth terrace stone. My hands flew out, grasping at air as gravity pulled me backward toward the edge, toward the rocky drop below.
Strong hands caught me around the waist, yanking me forward with enough force that I crashed against a solid chest.
My legs wrapped around his waist instinctively, clinging to him in alarm, and suddenly I was pressed against Giovanni in a way that made every nerve ending in my body light up.
His arms were around me, holding me secure and I could feel his heart beating against mine… or was that my heart?
"I've got you," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.
This honeymoon thing was a terrible idea. Being this close to him, and feeling his body against mine, it was making me forget why I was supposed to hate him.
His hand came up, brushing hair back from my face. "We have somewhere to go tonight," he said, his grey eyes locked on mine. "And this weekend."
I was barely listening. I was too focused on the way his thumb was tracing small circles on my lower back, and the warmth of his palm against my skin where my shirt had ridden up slightly.
My eyes were focused on the way his lips were so close I could just lean forward and…
"Did you hear me?" he asked, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He knew exactly what he was doing to me.
"I…yes. Somewhere to be tonight and weekend." The words came out breathy and distracted.
He helped me down then, his hands lingering on my waist for just a moment before he stepped back, putting distance between us.
I cleared my throat, trying to regain some semblance of composure. "Where are we going?"
"You'll find out tonight." He said. "You'll need clothes. You can shopping today, my guards will accompany you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black credit card, extending it toward me. "Get whatever you need."
I stared at the card, then at him. "You're giving me your credit card?"
"Unless you'd prefer to use your own?" His eyebrow arched. "Oh wait, you don't have access to your accounts anymore."
The reminder should have angered me. But I was too focused on the fact that he was sending me shopping.
I hadn't been shopping in what felt like forever and excitement bubbled up in my chest despite my best efforts to suppress it.
Giovanni must have seen something in my expression because his smile widened. "Enjoy yourself, dolcezza.”
Then he was walking away, leaving me standing on the terrace with his credit card.
I rushed inside and changed quickly into jeans and a comfortable top, my mind already racing with what I could get.
By the time I made it to the car, I was practically vibrating with anticipation.
The driver was a stone-faced man in his forties who introduced himself as Matteo. I tried making conversation during the drive but received only grunts and one-word responses in return.
I found myself missing Enzo's easy banter and even his terrible jokes. I thought about Claire and how she was always quick to comfort me but I caught myself quickly.
When had I started thinking of my captors and their associates as people I actually missed?
Something was definitely wrong with me.
The mall was massive and inside, it was a treasure trove of Italian fashion. I started browsing immediately, my fingers trailing over silk and cashmere and fabrics so soft they felt like clouds.
Matteo followed behind me like a shadow.
After the fifth store where he stood practically breathing down my neck while I looked at dresses, I'd had enough.
"Could you please give me some space?" I asked, turning to face him. "I'm just shopping. I'm not going to run away."
Matteo’s expression didn't change.
"I'm serious. You're making me uncomfortable. Just… stand by the entrance or something. You can still see me."
He might as well have been a statue with his silence.
I gritted my teeth and continued shopping, trying to ignore his looming presence. I found several beautiful a deep emerald green one that would be perfect for whatever fancy event Giovanni had planned, a flowing white sundress, and a sleek black gown that would hug my curve.
But then I passed the lingerie section, and an idea formed.
If I was going to buy dresses, I needed proper undergarments as well.
The problem was Matteo, standing five feet away, watching my every move with those cold eyes.
There was no way I was shopping for underwear with him hovering over me like some kind of pervert bodyguard.
I waited until he was momentarily distracted by his phone, then slipped between displays toward the back of the store.
I was examining a beautiful ivory lace set when a voice spoke behind me.
"That color will suit you better."
I spun around to find a man standing too close, holding up a red lace set. He was probably in his thirties, with dark hair slicked back and a smile that made my skin crawl.
"Excuse me?" I said coldly, taking a step back.
"The red," he repeated, moving closer. His accent was Italian, his eyes traveling over my body in a way that made me want to shower. "With your skin tone, and your hair… trust me, bella. Red is your color."
"I don't remember asking for your opinion," I said. "And I'd appreciate it if you'd back off."
He didn't. Instead, he moved even closer, and that's when I saw the snake tattoo curling around his wrist, and disappearing under his sleeve.
Something about it made alarm bells ring in my head.
I took another step back, my hand instinctively reaching for the pepper spray Giovanni's guards had given me for emergencies. "I said back off."
The man's smile widened, "Feisty. I like that." He licked his lips and reached out to touch my arm.
"Is there a problem here?"
Matteo was there, his massive frame suddenly between me and the creepy stranger. His hand was inside his jacket, no doubt resting on a weapon.
The man held up his hands. "No problem, friend. Just helping the pretty lady shop."
"She doesn't need your help," Matteo said flatly.
The man's eyes flicked to me, then back to Matteo and recognition passed across his face Then he chuckled and shook his head.
"Ci vediamo presto, gattina," he said directly to me, and the words made my stomach turn. I'll see you around, kitten.
Then he was gone, disappearing into the crowd of shoppers like he'd never been there at all.