Page 58 of Ruined By Protection
"Ready to go?" she asks brightly, looking between us.
I nod quickly, grateful for the interruption. "Yes, definitely."
Matteo pushes away from the buffet, his muscles fluid and controlled. "Car's out front."
Lucrezia links her arm through mine as we follow him through the mansion's grand foyer. "Don't mind him," she whispers, leaning close. "He always gets grumpy when he's worried."
"He's not worried about me," I murmur back. "He's just doing his job."
She gives me a sidelong glance that says she doesn't believe me for a second.
Outside, the morning sun bathes everything in golden light. The driveway curves elegantly around a fountain, and parked beside it is a sleek black Audi with tinted windows. Not the motorcycle I'd seen him riding yesterday—this is clearly for business.
The boutique is unlike any store I've ever shopped in before. Lucrezia leads me down racks of clothes while a sleek-looking sales associate hovers nearby, ready to assist at a moment'snotice. The price tags make me wince every time I dare peek at one.
"Stop looking at the prices," Lucrezia says, catching me in the act. "Just pick what you like."
I finger the soft fabric of a cream sweater. "I can't help it. This costs more than I used to make in a week before getting married."
Lucrezia rolls her eyes and plucks the sweater from the rack, adding it to the growing pile draped over her arm. "You need basics first. Then we'll find you something fun."
My gaze drifts to the entrance where Matteo stands like a sentinel, arms crossed over his chest, his eyes constantly scanning the street before returning to me. Every time our eyes meet I quickly look away, pretending to be fascinated by whatever garment is nearest.
"He takes his job very seriously," I murmur.
Lucrezia follows my gaze and smirks. "Oh yes, very dedicated to his work."
I grab a pair of jeans from a nearby display. "These look comfortable."
"Try them on. The fitting rooms are in the back."
As we move deeper into the store I feel Matteo's eyes following me. It's not an uncomfortable feeling, exactly. More like being wrapped in something warm and dangerous at the same time.
The sales associate unlocks a fitting room for me and Lucrezia hands over the pile of clothes she's collected. "Start with these. I'll find you some more options."
Inside the small, elegant room with its plush velvet bench and flattering lighting, I begin trying on clothes. The jeans fit perfectly. The cream sweater feels like cotton next to my skin.
I step out to show Lucrezia, who claps her hands in delight. "Perfect! You look amazing."
Across the store, Matteo's eyes glitter as he takes in my appearance, and something flutters in my stomach. I duck back into the fitting room, cheeks burning.
After trying on several more outfits I reach for a simple black dress that Lucrezia insisted would be ‘essential’. As I pull it over my head, the air around me shifts. A cold sensation crawls up my spine.
I freeze, dress half-on, suddenly certain I'm being watched. Not by Matteo—this gaze feels different. Threatening.
My heart pounds against my ribs as I yank the dress down and peer around the fitting room. There's no one here but me, yet the feeling persists—eyes on me, hostile and possessive.
I step out of the fitting room, scanning the store. Lucrezia is chatting with the sales associate near a display of scarves. Matteo remains by the door, his posture alert.
"You okay?" Lucrezia calls, noticing my expression.
"Fine," I manage, but my voice sounds strange even to my own ears.
I move toward a rack of coats, trying to shake off the sensation. The store suddenly seems too large, too open. Too many places someone could hide.
My hands shake as I pretend to examine a camel-color coat.Breathe, I tell myself.Just breathe. You're safe here.
But the feeling intensifies—someone watching, waiting. My skin prickles with rising goosebumps.
