Page 52 of Ruthless Beast

“It is what it is. You get used to it.”

“I could never.”

“You’d be surprised at what one gets accustomed to.”

The back door opens.

“Let’s go shopping,” I say. “After you.”

Emily gets out of the car first. I follow closely behind. The store is on the third floor of the building.

“We’ll use the private elevator,” I say, pointing Emily in the direction of the steel doors.

Sandy is waiting for us.

“Hey, handsome,” she says and throws her arms around me. “What’s with the long silence?”

“Hey, gorgeous. It's so nice to see you. You look beautiful, as always.”

“Oh, you silver tongued devil, you.”

Sandy lets go of me and looks across to Emily.

“Oh, good! You brought me a perfect figure. Ah, yes. I have some fabulous outfits for this beauty.”

“Emily, this is Sandy. Sandy, meet Emily.”

The women exchange pleasantries.

“Can I leave her in your capable hands?” I ask Sandy. “I have to take care of a few things.”

“Of course. Emily and I are going to have some serious fun. Aren’t we?”

“Definitely,” Emily grins.

“Off you go. Take your time,” Sandy instructs me.

“Okay. Try not to bankrupt me.”

“Oh, please. Nice try. Don’t be a miser. Besides, I know what you’re worth, Lucas Lucchese.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

I glance in Dominick’s direction. He’s poised at the door, and gives me a knowing nod before I leave.

“Have fun, Emily.”

She manages to give me a smile before Sandy whisks her away.

* * *

“Oh, boy! Those are a lot of bags.”

“You did say you wanted Emily to look good in Paris, didn’t you? You know my motto, Lucas. Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well,” Sandy counters.

“Thank you, Earl of Chesterfield,” I laugh.

“Ah, an educated man,” Emily grins.