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"You'd miss me too much."

He rolls his eyes, before they land on me, "So? Shopping? What happened?"

"I… uh… I haven't ordered anything yet," I manage.

"Hmm, and why's that?" His voice sounds like a purr. Hypnotizing, sending a surge of wetness through my sex.

"Uhm." I lick my suddenly dry lips, wishing Gigi would interrupt and say or do something, but I suppose she’s as mesmerized by this exchange as I was by theirs. "I don't have the funds for those kinds of clothes," I say as I find my voice. It sounds a bit more defensive than I would like, but at least I managed to string some words together that make sense.

"Funds?" He looks confused.

"Funds to pay you back. I know I can't use my cards right now, but?—"

Gigi's giggle finally brings the interruption I've been longing for. Antonio throws her a cutting glare.

"What makes you think you need to pay me back? You're my guest," he says.

At the last word, Gigi snorts loudly.

"Guiliana!" Antonio's voice is sharp.

She waves her hands in front of her, still laughing. "Ignore me."

"Don't you have a car to buy?"

Her eyes light up. "Really?"

He rolls his. "Really."

"Oh, you're the best brother ever. My favorite!" she gushes and throws herself against him.

"I'm your only brother," Antonio replies dryly. "Go, Guido is waiting so you can pick your color."

She jumps up and down like a little girl, clapping her hands in joy. Her happiness is contagious, and I feel myself grinning like an idiot.

"Best… brother… ever," she kisses his cheeks with each word.

"Ciao, I hope to see you again soon." She waves at me, then puts her hand up in front of her mouth like she doesn't want me to hear when she turns to Antonio, but she speaks loud enough that I do. "Please keep that one. I really like her."

Antonio grins and throws an indecipherable glance at me. "I'm intending to."

Gigi exits the room like a queen with a last beaming smile, a blown kiss toward her brother, and a wave.

"Well?" Antonio turns to me with a serious and questioning expression, reminding me of what he asked me before Gigi interrupted.

"Well," I hedge, looking for the right words. "I just assumed…" I flounder, not finding them.

"I just bought my sister a three-hundred-grand car, and I'm sure I'll add another two hundred by the time she's done at the dealer. I assure you, I can afford to buy you some clothes and necessities."

"It's just… I'm fine with clothes from Bloomingdale’s," I try.

He looks taken aback, as if I'd just said Woolworths.

"So, the price tags are what stopped you?"

I nod, relieved that he understands.

"Alright, give me a few minutes to make some phone calls, then we'll eat something, and then I'll take you shopping."