Page 13 of Dull
“Where are we going?”Clarissa asked.
“You’ll see.”
He’d taken her out of the hotel, and before they headed home, he wanted to take her shopping.He’d done some research last night and even this morning to find places he wanted to go.
One of his trusted men was driving, and he held Clarissa’s hand so she felt safe.He didn’t know if his touch even comforted her, but he was trying his best.He had to keep learning with her, and he was more than willing to do it.
She seemed nervous, and once again, he offered her as much comfort as he could.
“You’re not taking me away to kill me, are you?”she asked.
He chuckled.“Not at all.Trust me, you’re going to love this surprise.”At least, he assumed she was going to love it.
Lorenzo spotted the first shop up ahead, and his man pulled into the nearest available parking spot.He opened the car door, and Clarissa shuffled across the seat and didn’t let go of his hand.He moved into place behind her, guiding her up the street to where he wanted to take her.
They got a few looks from passing strangers, but most of them quickly turned the other way.They might know who he was, or be worried of who he was associated with.He, frankly, didn’t give a fuck.This was for his wife.
“Surprise,” he said, removing the blindfold he’d placed over her eyes.
Clarissa blinked a couple of times and then looked up at the shop, and he saw the moment it registered where he’d brought her.
“A fabric and haberdashery shop?”she asked.
“Yep, I figured it has been a long time since you came here, so it’s only fair I bring you shopping.”
“For real?”Clarissa asked.
He saw the excitement in her eyes.
Lorenzo chuckled and grabbed her hand, using any excuse to touch her.He wanted to touch her every change he got.
“This is incredible,” she said.
They walked into the shop together, and caring husband that he was, he grabbed a large shopping cart, allowing Clarissa to explore.He followed close behind, watching her as she reached out, touching the fabric.He didn’t know if she was going to enjoy this shopping trip, but as she started to gather rolls of fabric, he knew he’d hit the jackpot.
Lorenzo took the rolls of fabric from her and placed them into the cart.After about twenty minutes, and nearly five rolls, a woman offered to take them, asking how much fabric Clarissa would like.
He stayed silent, just watching, admiring, and knowing he was making Clarissa happy.She was not done with the fabrics, and he was content to take the fabric rolls over to the woman.Once Clarissa was done, she returned to the main table and asked for the required amounts.
In all the time he’d known her, Clarissa had never appeared outgoing, or someone who was overconfident.Watching her today, in her element, he realized there was a lot more to Clarissa and the simple fact was, he hadn’t even begun to explore it.
Their families had gotten in the way, and that fucking business deal, and just the fact he didn’t know the first thing about being a married man.This was all completely new.
Once Clarissa was done with the fabric, she made her way around the shop, looking at buttons, zips, and other little trinkets.She grabbed something called a seam ripper, which he had become acquainted with when he was sewing with her.
When they got to the counter, Clarissa and the woman were enjoying a very long conversation about patterns, and the latest trends.Lorenzo was more than happy to pay, and then carry the multiple bags outside the shop.Of course, this wasn’t over, and he took them to the trunk of the car, where his men unloaded his arms.
He took Clarissa to two more shops in the area, and she was just as giddy in each one.Once again, talking with the staff or owners as she shopped.Lorenzo marveled at this side of Clarissa.Her cheeks were flushed from all the excitement, and he couldn’t bring himself to look away.He found her growing more attractive with every passing second.She was stunningly beautiful, and she stole his breath away.
The car was completely loaded up, and they were sharing bags in the front seat, but Lorenzo didn’t want it to be over.
Rather than go back to the hotel, he called ahead to one of the restaurants in Diego’s territory that was run by the Colombo Mafia.It was a cute Italian place that had the most delicious food, including the best meatballs and pizza.
They had a small booth, and he pulled out Clarissa’s chair, refusing to allow the maître d’ to do that job for him.No one was going to do any job for him, when it came to protecting his woman.Only him.
“Have you enjoyed today?”he asked.
Clarissa’s smile was wide, and her eyes were aglow.“I absolutely loved it.Were you bored?”
