Page 85

If only I had the right groom.

CHAPTER 23

Genevieve

“Burgers. Yum,” Bella said.

At least I was awarded with a smile that didn’t appear as if her face was going to crack. “I’ll get changed.”

My sweet sister rubbed her stomach and nodded enthusiastically.

“Wait. I have one question. Am I going to be your maid of honor?”

Frowning, I wasn’t certain how to answer her question. If I told her I wanted no such thing because it would make the marriage seem real, that wouldn’t be fair to her. Besides, she needed something to look forward to. “Absolutely, baby girl.”

“Then I’ll need a dress.”

I laughed. “More clothes. I’m certain we can make that happen.” I walked away, hating myself for grieving about my ownupcoming wedding. There were more horrible men I could be getting married to.

Just before I closed the curtain into the dressing room, I had a strange feeling of being watched. I stood in the doorway, just able to make out the front window from where I was standing. I don’t know what I’d expected to see since the three huge black hearse-like SUVs were in the way. But I craned my neck anyway, unable to see anything.

But I felt something. Not like I did when Jago was around, but a dread pooling in the pit of my stomach that I couldn’t ignore. I scanned the store, barely noticing Bella had grabbed a handful of cookies.

I had to stop feeling like I was being stalked or worse. Living life that way wasn’t good for anyone.

After sliding into my jeans and sweater, I grimaced at the woman staring back at me. She had dark circles under her eyes. Time had no meaning any longer, days turning into nights and I wasn’t positive how long it had been since my father’s murder.

The men had been actively searching for scraps of information, scouring the streets for rats as they called them. Other than when Antonio and Emiliano had provided me with any updates, I’d heard nothing from Jago’s men.

At least I had Emiliano in the security detail for the day. That made me feel more comfortable. I wasn’t certain I liked the men Jago had protecting me. Shaking away the strange feeling, I fluffed my hair and headed out to pay for the dress.

“Do you mind if I go ahead and leave the store?” Bella asked. She was trying to be nonchalant while staring out the window at one of the soldiers. Then I noticed her pocket was bulging.

I bit back a laugh and tried to appear serious. “Of course. But you might want to check and see if the cookies are a crumbled mess being inside that tight pocket. I’ll take my time.”

Bella frowned before blowing me a kiss. “You’re the best.” She scampered toward the entrance and I wondered what it would be like to feel the similar glow of attraction.

Ugh. Yes, I was attracted to Jago, but that shouldn’t influence any decision I made.

“How was everything today?” the clerk asked.

“Perfect. Thank you for your time.”

“That will be fifteen thousand six hundred ninety-two.”

“Dollars?” I snapped. Holy fuck. I hadn’t looked at the price tag. While the dress was beautiful, it wasn’tthatbeautiful.

“Euro.” Her face pinched.

I reminded myself what I’d told Jago about him paying for an expensive wedding and that I had his credit card upon his assistance. That had come with the two minutes of conversation where he’d told me point blank how today was going to go.

Yep. That long discussion with the man was definitely needed.

“Fine. That’s just fine.” I reached for my purse and almost panicked. Where the hell was it? The dressing room.

Shit. I’ll be right back. I bounded back toward the dressing rooms, surprised I’d pulled the curtain leading into the main room when I’d walked out. I threw it aside and headed to the one where the dresses I’d tried on were still hanging. Reaching down, I was about to grab my purse from where I’d left it when something caught my attention. A slight sound?

Then the creepy-crawlies returned. I stood and slowly turned my head, catching both my reflection and that of a man standing less than two feet away from me. In his hand was a weapon and he wore a smile on his face.