“You didn’t have to do that. I just needed a shirt. If you could point me in the direction of a laundry mat or machine, I can wash my clothes.” I didn’t want to take advantage in any way of their kindness.
“Oh shush.” The woman said, dropping all the bags without ceremony. “Our Kieron would never go for that. You’re his girl, and therefore will be treated like Clan royalty.”
I could feel a blush heat my cheeks. It was true, Kieron wouldn’t let me walk around in a borrowed t-shirt that was four sizes too big for me and black jeans. He made it very clear how much he wanted to give me everything he thought I deserved.
“Oh goodness, I’m so sorry, dear. I’m Cara, I work for Kieron as his assistant but between you and me, I’ve been working for the family since he was a little tyke. I used to change his diapers.”
“I’m Talia.” I said with a smile and went to shake her hand.
“I know. Little Kieron has been head-over-heels for you for years. He doesn’t say much about anything in college or the trials, didn’t tell me about any of his girls, like he was trying to protect my delicate senses.” Cara rolled her eyes and I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re different. He’s never talked about a girl, let alone brought her home and willing to take on the Italian mafia single-handedly to keep her safe.” She laughed while patting my arm. I had absolutely no idea what to say. He was different for me too. Always had been, but I had just assumed I’d never get more than that one night.
I smiled softly, letting her words build confidence in me.
“Now, let’s get you some clothes.” She said, bending over to pick up one bunch of bags and taking them to the couch.
“Okay.” I said softly, a big smile on my face.
* * *
“He’s going to love it!” Cara clapped her hands from where she sat on the sofa chair after I came out in my favorite outfit from the bags. A black mini skirt that stopped a few inches above my knees, showing off part of my thigh tattoo of a portrait of the goddess Athena. It hadn’t seen day in years. Luca always deeming it inappropriate and said it made me look like a whore. But I loved it. On my top I wore a tight white tank top with an almost see-through cozy blue sweater that I had tucked into the skirt. Cara had brought a few different shoes for me to try on as well; a pair of heels - ick, a pair of motorcycle boots that looked perfect for kicking some ass, and a pair of black ballet flats. Luckily, they all fit me so I could take my pick and slipped the boots on.
I had to walk over to the bathroom where there was a mirror, but when I looked into the mirror, I almost wanted to cry. I felt more like myself than I had in forever.
“Are you okay, dear?” Cara came in and stood behind me, looking at me in the mirror too.
“Yes.” I whispered, my voice getting caught in my throat.
“It’s one small thing, choosing clothes, but it can express how you feel inside. You don’t have to hide anymore.” She said softly and she moved my long hair over my shoulder. I nodded and looked at her with a watery smile.
“Are you hungry?” She asked and I let out a noise that was a mix between a sob and a laugh. These people were intent on making me gain weight by feeding me often and feeding me well.
“No, I’m okay. Thank you though.”
She nodded and turned as if to go to the massive pile of clothing she’d bought me and start tidying up, but I stopped her.
“Cara? Can I ask for something? I will pay you back.” I asked quickly before she left the bathroom.
“Of course, dear! What would you like?” She turned and looked at me with enthusiasm.
“Can you find me some permanent hair dye? Maybe a dark blue or a deep purple?”
Cara’s smile brightened and it made me wonder just how much Kieron had been talking about me.
“Yes, dear. I will go grab some for you right now.” She came and gave me a hug before she walked right out of the apartment and I was left looking at the crazy amount of clothing they’d gotten for me. All things that were complete opposites of what I had been forced to wear for Luca, to keep up appearances. Nothing was pink, nothing was lacy or flowery. It was all dark colors and soft fabrics. All of the pieces were sexy in an understated kind of way and I was almost overwhelmed with the different combinations I could make and how each and every one made me feel sexy.
A knock sounded against my front door and I hoped it was Cara with the hair color, I was going to keep the long hair. But I needed the blonde gone. I was starting to feel like myself again.
It was addicting. And I was scared it was going to be taken from me at any moment.
“Talia? Baby?” I heard the deep melodic voice and smiled when I heard how he closed the door loudly, but not forcefully. He remembered what I said earlier and was making sure not to repeat anything that would cause me panic. His loud footsteps sounded as he started to walk through the apartment in search of me.
“I’m here!”
“Did some of the clothes fit?” He said before the bathroom door opened wider for him to see me.
“They did. They’re perfect, Kieron. Thank you.” I said sincerely, standing a bit taller.
“Wow.” He said, looking at me intently and one of his hands went to his forehead, the other went into his jeans pocket. “You look… I think you…I want…Wow.” He stuttered, never taking his eyes from me.
