“Are you trying to turn my men against me?” he questioned, and I looked at him in disbelief.
“Of course not,” I scoffed. “I’m just saying that he needs some time off. And now that there has been a complaint—”
“No, Miss Nirah, I’m not com—”
“I got this big guy,” I interrupted him with a pat on his shoulder. “Since it’s obvious that he needs a break, you owe it to him to allow it.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Well then…” I trailed off, slowly approaching him. I fist his tie in my hand, and slowly, I pull him down to my level, having him look directly into my eyes. “You’ll have to deal with me, and just know that I have a sledgehammer patiently waiting in my bedroom.”
He tried hiding a smile and I narrowed my eyes at him.
“You’re cute when you’re trying to be intimidating.”
My grip around his tie only tightened. “Don’t try me, De Luca,” I whispered but he only looked pretty satisfied right now.
“If we get any closer we’ll kiss,” he used my own words against me and I tried my best not to smile. “Unless you wantCesar to see—” I immediately let go, taking a step back and I cleared my throat.
“Well, then it’s settled,” I rushed toward Cesar. “Let’s go, big guy,” I hooked our arms together. “You’re driving me to the mall first, and then we’re getting manicures and pedicures,” I happily sang. “Well, that’s if you want to—do you want to—I’m sure you want to,” I nodded before he could answer.
“Nirah—”
“Bye, Antonio!” I called out as I scurried out the door with Cesar.Oh sweet, sweet Jesus.
* * *
Antonio De Luca.
The only person who could make me feel so good yet so hesitant and unsure. I didn’t think what happened in his office last night had quite settled in until now.
This is only supposed to be a fake marriage, right? Wrong.
“Miss Nirah, we’re here,” Cesar snapped me out of my thoughts.
We unbuckled our seat belts and headed into the mall. After an hour of shopping in silence, Cesar finally spoke. “Mr. Antonio wants you to buy something red,” he read off his cellphone, and met my confused eyes. “The two of you will be attending a very important event tomorrow night.
“Is that the event he was so eager to get me back for?” I asked, scanning through the rack of clothes.
“Yes,” Cesar nodded.
“Something red as in what?” I asked, and he looked down at his cell phone.
“Something red,” he replied and I chuckled.
“Thank you. You’re a tremendous help,” I sarcastically smiled.
“You’re welcome.”
I shook my head as we traveled down the different aisles. “Can you tell mewherewe’re going so that I can get the perfect outfit?”
He shook his head. “I’m sure Mr. Antonio will fill you in on the details.”
“Why can’t you? Come on, just tell me where we’re going,” I sighed, turning to him and he looked at me wearily. There was a moment of hesitation. “I’m making your job difficult, aren’t I?” I asked in guilt and he nodded in confirmation.
“Yes, Miss Nirah.”
“Sorry,” I quickly apologized. “It’s okay… a red jumpsuit will do,” I murmured and Cesar’s eyes grew wide. “Or a neon red hoodie with some maroon cargo pants,” I nodded to myself. “Since no one is giving me anything to go off on, I’ll have to improvise,” I shrugged my shoulders and Cesar shook his head at me in disappointment.Kidding, of course.
