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I slid off the desk, pushing her back to create space between us. “You're free to go out, but don't attempt to leave the compound without informing me so I can have your car, driver, and guards prepared.”

She blinked, the spell broken. “Sure.”

“Good.” I moved back behind my desk, putting the solid mahogany between us. She gave me a lingering glance as though she wanted to say something, but I pretended to be busy. I had no other choice, or I would have lost all control.

Without another word, she marched out.

Chapter 10 - Larissa

I felt nervous as we drove toward an expedition I wanted no part in. But, it was something I had to do to prove Gastone’s innocence and win my escape, and so I sucked it up.

Tonight, Gio said we had to go to a party where my brothers would be visiting. I would finally have the chance to see them, to speak to them, and to help them understand that they were being blamed for something they had never done, as well as to obtain the evidence I needed to prove their innocence.

On one hand, I knew how relieved my brothers would be to see me safe. On the other, I couldn’t bear to think of their agony when they saw me leave to go back with Gio. I was his prisoner in every sense, unless I could prove Gastone innocent.

Gio insisted I needed a new dress for the party tonight. If shopping for a dress was what it took to convince Gio I meant what I said about holding up my end of the bargain, then so be it. Though, I wasn’t prepared to accept my fate without giving him hell.

If I suffered, why shouldn’t he?

“I don't see why this is necessary,” I said, staring out the window of the car. The buildings of New York blurred past.

Gio turned to me. “The party is very important. You need something appropriate to wear.”

“I have dresses.”

“Not for this.”

“My brothers must be worried sick looking all over the place for me, and you're concerned about my wardrobe?” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Forgive me if I'm not excited about playing dress-up.”

The corner of his mouth twitched. For some reason, I sensed that he enjoyed my little tantrums. “Your cooperation will significantly help your brothers’ situation.”

I bit back the curse words that threatened to spill from my lips.

“Fine,” I muttered.

The car pulled up to an understated boutique storefront, with only a small golden plaque beside the door. It looked fancy. Expensive.

Gio helped me out of the car and led me inside.

I noticed the boutique was empty of other customers. A woman with sleek dark hair approached and nodded respectfully to Gio. “We've pulled several options, as you requested in advance,” she said to Gio.

“Miss,” she then turned to me and motioned to a door at the back. “If you’d follow me to the dressing room, please.”

I glanced at Gio, who nodded at me to carry on. Clearly, he'd planned this in advance.

The dressing room was huge, with plush velvet chairs, champagne on ice, and an array of dresses already hanging on a rack. I felt petrified to even imagine the cost of some of these dresses. Just how much was Gio willing to drop on a single dress?

“I'll leave you to browse,” the woman said kindly. “Call if you need assistance.”

When she left, I stared at the selection only to feel overwhelmed by the choice. I rarely shopped at such places, especially not for formal events, since my brothers never took me anywhere.

I touched the fabric of a midnight blue gown, then quickly pulled my hand away when I heard movement.

Gio walked into the room, looking completely at ease. He'd removed his suit jacket, and his crisp white shirt stretched across his broad shoulders. And right about now, he looked annoyingly attractive.

“All okay?” he asked, probably noticing the flustered expression on my face.

“I didn't realize you'd be joining me in the dressing room,” I said dryly. “How progressive of you.”