Page 73 of When She Falls (The Fallen)
“No, there’s nothing on your face. You just…” I wave a hand in his general direction.
“What?”
I pluck at his vest. “They think you’re handsome. And you’re all exotic with your tan and long hair and tattoos.”
Realization cascades over his features, and then his lips turn up into a self-satisfied smirk. “You know, I’m starting to like New York a lot more.”
I roll my eyes and start walking again. “I shouldn’t have said anything. Your ego doesn’t need another boost.”
He quickly catches up to me. “Tell me, what do you think about my looks?”
“Fishing for compliments?” I ask even as my face grows hot. Is he flirting with me?
“You tell me what you think about me, and I’ll tell you what I think about you.”
We’re passing through the lingerie section now. “You go first.”
“Ms. Garzolo!”
I halt.No, not him.Mamma said Melanie would be helping me today. But a glance to the right is enough to confirm that Benjamin is working.
My stomach drops.
The forty-something-year-old man has always given me the creeps. Two months ago, my gut feeling was confirmed when he walked into the dressing room while I was changing and tried to “help” me with my clothes. I didn’t cause a scene because I didn’t want Mamma to tell Papà who might have set one of his men on Benjamin. Or more likely Papà would have found some way to blame the incident on me. So I just told Mamma I wanted to work with a new sales associate. Something must have gotten lost in translation.
I pick up on Benjamin’s overly strong cologne from a dozen feet away and brace myself when he goes in for a hug. He’s about to make contact when Ras steps in between us.
“Can I help you?” Ras asks, his voice as sharp as a knife.
I peek around him.
Benjamin blinks at Ras, looking taken aback. “Oh, hello there.” He moves away, putting some more distance between them. Ras towers over Benjamin, his muscular frame intimidating. “I’m Ms. Garzolo’s sales associate. Benjamin Scott.” After a moment of hesitation, he offers up his hand.
Ras takes it.
Benjamin winces at the grip and goes a little pale.
“I’m Ras. Can I call you Ben?”
“I prefer Benja—”
“Ben, I’m Ms. Garzolo’s friend. I’m accompanying her for this appointment.”
“I see,” Benjamin mutters, extracting his hand. His fingers look smushed together. “Well, let me show you to the private shopping area.”
Ras’s palm lands on the small of my back, firm and possessive. Something swoops inside my belly. He keeps it there as we walk to our destination.
Benjamin glances at us over his shoulder. “I know there’s one particular dress you wanted to try, Ms. Garzolo, so I have that ready for you. I also brought in a few other pieces that I think you’ll enjoy.”
“Thank you,” I say stiffly.
We reach the private dressing rooms. “Just give me one moment to make sure everything’s ready. You can wait right here.” Benjamin gestures at the sofas in the waiting area and disappears through a door.
Ras frowns in his direction. “You know this guy?”
As I sit down, his hand falls away. The fact that I’m so aware of it makes my face heat. “He’s helped me a few times before. But I thought I’d have someone else today.”
His hazel eyes move back to me, studying me carefully. “You don’t like him.”
