Page 5 of A Treasure To Keep (Leone Legacy #2)

El

I step back, surveying the two full racks of clothes, shoes, and accessories. Hmm. Maybe I did go a tad bit overboard. It would have been easier if Marco had given me some guidance on Luci’s style. But, no. That would make my job too easy.

“You know, Marco is in there right now. I don’t understand why you can’t let me in.

We all know I’m here on a job, not personal business.

Why does the door need a scanner anyway?

I know she’s here to pay a debt or whatever, but is it honestly necessary to keep the door locked?

” Enzo is one of Alessandro’s security staff and, in all honesty, the biggest man I’ve ever met.

Marco is basically a dwarf around him. That’s a lie.

I’m a dwarf around Enzo. To be fair, I’m a dwarf around most people.

The only thing that’s grown since the sixth grade, a.k.a.

my last growth spurt, are my heels and curves.

My brain spins while my internal monologue takes over. Enzo’s deep voice quiets said internal monologue. For the time being, that is. She tends to never shut up.

“Sorry, El, I need to do things by the book, meaning I follow directions without asking questions. As you said, Luci is a debt, making her valuable to the Leone family. Geno hired me as security, and Alessandro assigned me to Luci, meaning they trust me. I shouldn’t take that lightly.

Unless Marco or Alessandro opens or tells me to open the door, it stays closed. ”

I swear I cannot roll my eyes any harder. “Whatever. I’ll text him.”

Me:

Let me in and help me with all this stuff, Fuck Face. Enzo won’t scan me in ‘without the boss's permission.’

Enzo is sweet and all, but I swear he’s pre-programmed to be a rule follower. Maybe he’s the oldest child in his family. Or maybe a Capricorn, born to follow the rules to the point of perfection. Maybe both?

Soon, Enzo opens up the door, letting Marco out of the mysterious room.

“Took long enough. Help me drag this in. And don’t lie to me; I know you can carry this.

Your wingspan hasn’t quite caught up to the modern-day man.

” I can practically see the smoke from his brain thinking too hard when he blinks, the lightbulb finally going off. Took him long enough.

“Are you calling me a Neanderthal?” Oh my God, this man is going to give me an aneurysm. “I’m sorry to keep Your Highness waiting. Also, why the fuck did you bring this much? No one asked you to.”

Jesus Christ, he’s infuriating. “Are you serious? You gave me no guidance, Marco! If you did, I could have narrowed it down. Now help me, you jackass.” Of course, he only grabs a few bags and calls that ‘helping’ while I’m dragging the two racks of clothes in.

When everything is settled, I turn around, noting Luci.

She’s a few inches taller than me, but, as Marco said, with a similar curvy frame.

I immediately notice how naturally pretty she is with her long, wavy brown hair, hazel eyes, and perfect skin.

Seriously though, does she even have pores?

The kicker is that crucifix necklace, which gives off ‘innocent Catholic girl’ vibes.

Even though I’m not sexually attracted to women, I can admit that Luci is naturally beautiful.

One of those rare people who I doubt will ever want or need Botox or filler.

No shame to those who do, of course. I mean shit, I’m fairly certain I’ll be taking the first appointment available when I find a line in my forehead.

Pause. Hold on, let’s focus on this appointment before thinking about future beauty appointments.

The second I put my internal monologue in check, Marco introduces us.

“Luci, this is Eleanora. She’s the girlfriend of Alessandro and my stylist, and she will be yours.

Since you’ll be Alessandro’s wife, you’ll need a new wardrobe.

She will also assist you with picking out a wedding dress, accessories, and hair and makeup.

I’m here to observe, and to be your audience.

” He grabs a chair, spinning it around, and straddles it, resting his tattooed forearms on the back of the chair as he gets comfortable.

My mouth salivates when I notice the veins in his arms pop out.

Have his arms gotten bigger since I last saw him?

Girl, get your shit together and introduce yourself to Luci.

You have a job to do that doesn’t involve Marco. Remember?

“Hi, Luci, it’s nice to meet you. Please call me El.

Eleanora is what my parents call me when they want to be dramatic.

I know I brought a lot with me, but this asshat wouldn’t tell me your style.

I can see you prefer the basics.” She’s wary of me, and I can tell she assumes I have ulterior motives.

Something tells me there’s more to that locked door than anyone is telling me.

“Um, yeah I guess. I usually grab what’s in decent enough shape and flatters me.

I never put a ton of thought into my fashion.

” Her lack of eye contact makes me wonder if she’s had someone in her life say negative things about her body.

I’ve been there. Dealt with that. There’s no point in calling her out on it.

I’m excited about the blank canvas in front of me, ready to dress her up like I did my dolls growing up.

“That’s great! We have a ton here and can go through any and all of it.

Some items may be out of your comfort zone, but thrill me, and try it on.

If you hate it, we’ll move on. You ready?

” I’m shuffling through everything before she answers, pulling what I think she’d be comfortable with while scattering a couple of items to expand her taste.

“Perfect! First, we’ll get an idea for your personal style. After that, we can focus on shoes, makeup, and my favorite: lingerie. Don’t worry, I’ll kick out the caveman for that part.”

Marco takes the chance to speak up because, of course, he has something to say. “Hey! I’m offended. I’m here for supervision and to give opinions from the male point of view.”

He’s ridiculous. “Oh please, you’re here because you love shopping and want to avoid your responsibilities. Now behave or I will shove my stiletto far enough up your ass, you’ll need a general surgeon to get it out.”

Marco eyes me up and down like he’s ready to devour me.

Fuck, that’s sexy. “Tesoro, I know Andrea is your boyfriend, but if you threaten me with a good time, I’ll have to ask him for a repeat of New Year’s Eve.

” I know Luci notices I’m turning red out of embarrassment.

Most of the embarrassment comes from the wetness between my legs.

I can’t deny it’s all me and not leftovers from the dressing room shenanigan earlier.

Thankfully, Luci interrupts Marco’s uncomfortable flirting. “El, this is extremely kind, but I don’t think you understand what’s going on.”

Needing to change the subject, I shove what I picked out at her and push her into the bathroom. “Start with the green A-line dress while I find some shoes to go with it. It’ll accentuate your hot as fuck waist, and the green will bring out your eyes. Now shoo.”

The tension between Marco and me is intense, yet neither of us says anything.

Just when I can sense one of us almost crack, Luci comes rushing out of the bathroom wearing the dress I handed her.

Flames practically burst from her hazel eyes.

“Why did Alessandro send you? You’re great, but if this is some ruse to get me to like him, it’s not going to happen.

Alessandro and Marco kidnapped me and stuck me in here while forcing me to marry Alessandro.

Can you honestly say you’re okay with that? ”

My jaw drops when she bursts out of the bathroom. Who knew something that basic could look that fabulous? That dress was seriously made for her. “Luci! Babe! You’re fucking hot! Spin for me.”

Instantly, I dig through the copious amount of crap that’s piled on these clothing racks.

Where are those shoes I brought for her?

It’s official; I brought too much. “Got it! Luci put these on. These will bring a dressy-ish vibe to that dress, making it perfect for brunch or a more casual event. Wait!”

My brain finally processes certain words from when I was hunting for the shoes. Did Luci seriously say what I thought she said? Fucking. Marco.

I pivot in Marco’s direction, throwing the shoes in my hands at his big head.

Unfortunately for me, Marco intersects both heels.

Is he fucking serious? I push on Marco’s chest in an attempt to push him back, but he might as well be nailed to the floor.

Has his chest always been this muscular?

Not the right time, El! “You never told me you had to kidnap her. What the fuck is wrong with you?”

He tilts his head down, and with my heels, it wouldn’t take much for our lips to connect. How can I be this angry and tempted to jump his bones at the same time?

“I’m following orders. If you have issues with this, take it up with Alessandro or Geno.” Oh, I will. He doesn’t have to tell me twice.

I turn to where the heels landed, picking them up as I walk over to Luci.

Marco makes slight sputtering sounds, confirming that my hair hit him in the chin.

Good. He deserves it. “Honey, I promise I had no idea. All dumbass Marco told me is that you were payment for a debt. If I could do something to change this, I would, but all I could do is bitch about it to annoy Alessandro. What I can do is make you look fabulous, which hello, you do. Tell me I’m wrong. I dare you.”

A small gasp leaves Luci’s mouth when I grab her shoulders, turning her to face the cracked mirror. I wonder what happened to it. Whatever, that doesn’t matter. Other than the gasp, no one speaks until I break the silence in a sing-song type of way. “I know you see it as much as I do.”