Page 96 of Ruthless Contract
Frowning, she cocked her head to the side, just like Juliet so often did.
“Oh. Okay. What can we help you with today?” she asked, sounding so damn professional and polite.
Today, she was calm. Too damn calm. It had me rattled. The last time I’d been here, she could barely look at me. Today, she stood there in that irresistible dress, looking me directly in the eyes, not affected by me at all. Yet, I was stuttering, trying to figure out what to say to her.
“I’m... uh... looking for flowers,” I told her.
Her lips twitched, like she wanted to smile but decided against it.
“You came to the right place, Mr. Cattaneo. We specialize in just that.”
I chuckled. “Right.”
“What kind of flowers are you looking for?”
“Well, they’re for my cousin,” I told her, sliding my hands into my pockets. “He doesn’t leave the house much. I thought maybe flowers would help brighten his place up.”
Something softened in her expression.
“That’s thoughtful of you,” she whispered.
I wasn’t sure if it was thoughtful or selfish, since I’d mostly used Marcel as an excuse to come here. But the way she called methoughtful filled me with pride. Now, I was truly hoping Marcel liked the flowers.
“I need something that would make his house less dreary, less lonely,” I said.
Nodding, she told me, “I understand. Come with me.”
I followed her through the shop, making sure my eyes stayed above her shoulders. Well, I tried to. But I couldn’t resist lowering my gaze.
That ass was a fucking problem.
So was that dress.
Wearing that in public should be illegal. I needed to hurry up and claim this woman so other men would know who she belonged to. I noted the way she walked, the slight sway of her hips that held me entranced.
This entire woman was a damn problem. Thankfully, I excelled at problem-solving. She stopped beside a display of potted flowers and arrangements.
“Fresh flowers are one of the best options when you want to brighten up a home,” she explained. “They add color, and depending on the flower, they can spread fragrance through your surroundings without being overwhelming.”
I watched her as she talked. She didn’t look away. Not once. Her eyes stayed on mine, confident and composed. What had changed? Had she expected me to return? Had she prepared herself? Or was she simply better at hiding her nerves today?
Either way, she didn’t seem affected by my presence at all. Instead, I was the one feeling off balance. Here she was, talkingabout flowers, while I was wondering if I should kidnap her right now to prevent others from seeing her in that dress. I hadn’t thought I was a control freak.
Her attire had me changing my tune.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
ROME
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“Fortunately, these flowers come in multiple colors,” she continued. “So, they’re perfect if you want them to blend in with your home’s décor.”
I had no idea which flowers she was referring to because I hadn’t been paying attention.Damn.
“What would you recommend?” I asked, not wanting her to know I’d gotten lost in her eyes for a moment.
“For someone who doesn’t leave the house often?”
