Page 51 of Savage Empire

“I can see that.”

“I just wanted some freaking underwear,” I mutter under my breath, looking down at my lap sadly.

“I’m taking you somewhere to fix that,” he says, apparently having super-sonic hearing.

“I’d rather not go panty shopping with you,” I reply sharply. “Despite what you tell people, we arenotinvolved. I’d prefer to keep my private clothingprivate.”

“Relax.” He sighs. “I’m thirty-three, not thirteen. I have no desire to spy on you while you shop for your delicates.”

One moment he’s my unlikely savior, and the next, he’s back to his grumpy asshole self. “Speaking of spies,” I say, heckles suddenly rising. “Natalie. Did you send her to spy on me?”

Apollo huffs. “Are you going to assume the worst in me forever or will you eventually grow out of that? No, I didn’t send Natalie to watch you. Her husband is a friend. Adrian called her and she mentioned meeting a woman named Rayna. He assumed I knew who you were, and he was correct. When she overheard what was happening to you, she called me.”

And he appeared in the store like he fucking teleported there. Even if he was in the store down the street with Yordan and Elio, he would have needed to run to get to me. I have no idea how I feel about that.

I bite the inside of my cheek, looking down at my lap in contemplation. “Which means she actually just wanted to meet me. You didn’t set that up and use her to keep an eye on me.”

“I told you, I’m not tracking you,” he replies plainly. “How would I have even known where you planned to go today? Yes, Natalie was acting on her own free will. She’s just naturally friendly. Odd, since Adrian is not.”

God, I’m such a bitch sometimes.

I didn’t even get her phone number, or thank her.

“He’s not friendly but he’s your friend?”

“And?”

“Never mind, that makes sense.” I huff.

I never pictured Apollo having friends, but I can see him getting along with men who are just as grumpy and unpleasant as him.

Only a few more minutes pass before Apollo is leading me into a shiny black storefront. It’s bigger inside than the last store but has almost no customers. The lighting is soft and cozy, but the furnishings are sharp and sleek.

“Signore Moretti,” a slack-jawed, star-struck woman squeaks. She’s petite, tan, and brunette. But she isn’t as young as the last woman. She’s older, like she might be in her forties or fifties. “Èmeraviglioso vederti!It has been so long. Who is your guest? She is very beautiful.”

My cheeks pink at the open compliment, not expecting the abrupt shift in dynamic.

“Ciao, Michela,” Apollo greets politely. “This is Rayna, my good friend. Help her with whatever she would like, yes?”

“Of course!” the woman, Michela, agrees happily. “I will make sure she’s taken care of. Are you not staying?”

“I’m expected elsewhere,” he says cryptically. “I know Rayna is safe here. Your brother is in the back?”

“Always,” Michela confirms, voice growing more serious. “We will take good care of your friend.”

Apollo nods, silently approving. He gives me back the car key and turns to leave without another word.

“Wait,” I interrupt. “How will you get back to Yordan?”

“I had a car follow us.”

With no further explanation, he disappears outside, leaving me in bra and panty paradise. I can’t believe I thought he might be trying to stay and creep on me shopping. He couldn’t get out of here fast enough.

When I turn back, Michela is beaming a bright smile right at me. “What can I help you find?”

By the time she’s done with me, I end up spending way more than four hundred dollars, and I have six bags filling up the trunk of the car. I’m in possession of more bras than I’ve ever owned before and I can’t even deny how thrilling I find it. I can’t remember the last time I felt this…spoiled.

I try to remind myself not to get used to it. Apollo could take away his money at any time, and I shouldn’t allow myself to enjoy a lifestyle I can’t have without his participation.