“It doesn’t. I don’t hate him, Casey.”
“I know what you’re trying to say to me without using the right words. I get it. I really do. I bet he feels the same way. You love him.”
“You really shouldn’t say those words aloud.”
“They’re not dangerous. No one is going to hold it against you or try to take your man from you. Don’t get me wrong, Antonio has a huge reputation with the ladies, but if he’s picked you, I think it puts you in the plus column. Love isn’t a horrible thing.”
“I’ve never been loved, Casey. I’m … scared. What if he only wants me for some fun? I don’t think I could stand it.” She covered her face and groaned. “This is why I shouldn’t get involved with anyone. I suck at all of this.”
Casey laughed. “It’s really kind of cute. I’ve seen you with boyfriends and I’ve never seen you react like this.”
“It’s not funny.”
“No, it’s not, but if you have feelings for him, then you’ve got to tell him. I’m glad you know the truth,” Casey said.
“Does this mean you will stop avoiding me? Don’t even pretend you’ve been busy. I know you, Casey, and busy for you is shopping.”
“I will start to answer your calls. It was hard, you know. I knew who he was and what he did, and I had to be careful.”
“I know. I get it. I’m not angry with you.” She hugged her friend tightly just as there was a knock at the door.
“I’m popular this evening.”
Her guard looked out the door and nodded, opening it.
Antonio walked inside. His jacket was buttoned up. His presence filled every single part of the room as if he owned the place. She had to wonder if he did own the place.
“It’s time to leave.”
“What if I want to stay with Casey?”
“Casey is free to come to our apartment. Call me when you want to arrange it. We’ve got to go, Ellie.”
Blowing out a breath, she offered her friend a smile. “I’ve been ordered away.”
Antonio had warned her that when he issued an instruction in front of his men, she had to follow it, regardless. She hated it, especially as he liked to order her around in front of his men. One day, he would push too far, and when he did, he’d regret it.
They walked out of Casey’s apartment. Antonio put a hand to her back. “We’ve got another Giavanni event to attend. It’s an engagement party for Raphael.”
“Yay, what fun,” she said. “I didn’t know I had to go to any events. Don’t I usually get notice of these things?”
“You would have if you’d read my note.”
She rolled her eyes. “I don’t have to read every single instruction you leave for me.”
“It’s for your own good.”
A limousine was waiting for them. The guard opened the door and Ellie slid inside. The moment Antonio was there, she turned to glare at him. “I don’t like it when you do this, you know. It’s not cute.”
“I know. The dress is right there. As my date, you have to do as you’re told. You know the rules.”
“Fuck the rules,” she said, grumbling the words.
Antonio seemed colder than usual. He rarely was like this in her company.
She had to wriggle out of her jeans and a shirt, pulling on the dress which was a perfect fit. Her hair cascaded around her body, and she turned to look at him as he secured the catch at her nape. The dress highlighted her large tits and hips. She sat back as Antonio presented her with a couple of boxes. One was a diamond necklace, which he helped her to put on, the other, a small ring, which he took her left hand and slid it on that finger.
“Er, Antonio, I don’t think any ring should be on this hand. You know, it has to be the engagement ring and the wedding ring,” she said.
“It’s on the right finger.”
“I … Antonio, are you proposing?”
He didn’t confirm or deny it.
“Antonio, what is going on?”
He turned to look at her. No words were spoken and she opened and closed her mouth, shocked.
Was she engaged? This was life-changing.
Antonio grabbed her hand, locked their fingers together, and kissed the ring right over her finger.
It was a marriage proposal. She didn’t know if she should be happy about this. He’d proposed by putting a ring on her finger. This was as far from romantic as she expected.
The time for talking about it ended, not that he was talking. Nope. He was silent, and they were back at the mansion for another party. Only this time, it was more than a lunch. It was an engagement party, one she would find was for her and Raphael’s woman.
****
“Are you shocked she said yes?” Raphael asked.
“I didn’t ask her.” Antonio sipped at his water, watching his woman who was on the arm of Romeo. Some of Isabella’s family were clearly pissed. Raphael’s fiancée wasn’t getting a single thought as Ellie was walked from capo to wife, and back again.