Page 45 of Humility

“Yes, I do.” She handed it over, and I stepped away before turning and smirking at her.

“I would clean the black curtain back there. Charge my card for it. I may have made a mess.”

“Oh….” Her mouth dropped open, her face flushing a deep red.

“Or you can lick it off if you’re into that sort of thing.” Her eyes darted toward the changing room, her tongue wetting her lip. I had a feeling she was a little freaky and wouldn’t be surprised if she ran back there the moment I stepped out the door.

Smiling, I marched out and back to my parking spot but growled under my breath when I spotted Dario sitting in the passenger side of the car.

“Fucker.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

JASMINE

I would swear that Beastville had eyes. Everywhere I went, it felt like someone was watching me. But I never saw anyone or anything out of place. It was probably the fact that I was hiding. Was it normal to always be looking over your shoulder? It wasn’t like I’d ever been on the run before.

I walked down the main street toward my hotel and smiled when I saw Enzo’s vehicle in the parking lot. I pushed down my excitement and gave him a courteous nod as he stepped out of the SUV to greet me.

“Sorry I couldn’t meet you earlier. I had some work to do, but the good news is that the plumber was out earlier, and the roofer will be out later. So, hopefully, we will have you moved into your house in a day or two.”

“That is fantastic news.” I held up one of the bags I was holding. “I have a roasted chicken pasta and salad for lunch. Would you like to stay?”

He rubbed at his ear and mumbled something under his breath. “Unfortunately, I can’t, but I brought you the map you asked for, and I thought you might like this.”

Enzo held out a pink pastry box.

“Thank you. Are you sure you don’t want to stay? I don’t know anyone else and it would be nice to have company.”

He looked over his shoulder. I also looked but didn’t see anything.

“You know…I can spare a few minutes before I need to get back to work. My boss is a real asshole, and I’m sure I’ll hear about it, but how can I pass up lunch with such a beautiful woman?” My cheeks heated with the compliment and the playful glint in his silvery eyes. “Just give me one second.”

Enzo opened his vehicle door, and the sun’s glare made it hard to see inside, but I would’ve sworn he was talking to someone and pulled something out of his ear. That was ridiculous. Only spies, the Secret Service, and bodyguards did something like that. What if he was? What if he secretly worked for my papa and relayed everything I did and said to him? What if he was on his way? Worse what if he was the FBI or some other agency and they were looking to get to my papa through me?

Okay, I was acting crazy. I’d only been on the run from my family for a week and acted like everyone was after me. I saw eyes among the bushes and drapes moving in the windows when no one was there.

“Would you like me to take a bag,” Enzo asked.

I handed him the food and a bag with decorative knickknacks but kept the bags of sexy clothing tightly in my grasp. Just holding the bags with Enzo so close made me flustered, let alone if he looked inside. I still couldn’t believe everything in the store was ninety percent off. I bought almost everything, even things I would never try on. It was a huge waste of money that I couldn’t afford to spend, but I felt so naughty and something entirely for me wearing them and couldn’t resist.

The stupid dream about Angleo last night had to be the cause. I hated that I still missed him and Dario. They’d branded themselves on my heart, and I feared I would never be free of the memory of our time together.

Unlocking the door, I held it open for Enzo and followed him inside. “You can put that on the table, please,” I said as I hid my bags in the closet.

I placed the pastry box on the counter as Enzo pulled out the food containers that luckily came with plastic knives and forks, but I had no plates.

“Oh…” I opened the cupboards, hoping that some would magically appear. “I don’t have anything to eat on.” I turned to face Enzo, my hands on my hips.

“I don’t mind sharing…with you,” he said, leaning closer. His wavy hair fell forward, casting his eyes in shadow. I gripped the edge of the television stand behind me. All around us, the energy in the room felt charged, and my earlier unease washed away as I breathed in his cologne. He reminded me of the ocean.

“Um…as long as you’re sure,” I said as he reached out and grabbed the container and the baggie of utensils.

“Oh, I’m sure,” he said, his arm brushing against mine as he stepped back.

Damn, I was going to need a cold shower after this. I fanned my face as I followed Enzo to the tiny table. He popped the lids off the containers, and I couldn’t help staring at the muscles working in his toned forearm. I traced the tattoo on his arm with my eyes. The 3D detailing was exceptional. I was sure the carpet would fly free if I pulled on the pattern.

“You like it?” I was startled and looked up into Enzo’s eyes. He was calmly staring back. “The tattoo. Do you like it?”