Page 83 of The Devil

“I have my work cut out for me,” he murmurs, then he glances around, and the next second, he drags me toward a row of sweaters that look very soft.

For the next three hours, I learn the meaning of torture as Enzo makes me try on a gazillion items. We work our way through the entire line of stores on this level.

At every place we buy something, Enzo arranges for it to be delivered to the hotel, so I can’t keep track of what we’ve bought.

By the time the mall begins to quiet down, Enzo says, “Let’s head back for dinner. We can come again tomorrow morning.”

“Again?” I gasp. “I don’t know how much we got, but I’m pretty sure it’s way more than enough.”

He shakes his head. “We didn’t get shoes or any accessories.”

I didn’t even think of those.

He guides me out of the mall, which is just as well because I can’t remember where the entrance is.

When we get back to the hotel, I lower my head out of habit.

“Chin up,meu amor. You don’t have to hide anymore. I’m here to protect you now.”

His words hit me square in the chest. For so many years, I had to make myself smaller so people wouldn’t notice me, and with Enzo by my side, I don’t have to do that anymore.

You’d think after all the exercise I got from shopping, I’d fall asleep quickly, but no, I’ve been lying awake for what feels like hours.

Some of my clothes arrived soon after we got back, and I was able to take a bath and put on a pair of silky pajama shorts with a matching top. Enzo’s only wearing sweatpants.

The bed is very comfortable, but with Enzo sleeping right beside me, I just can’t switch off my brain. It’s overly focused on him, thinking about everything he’s done for me.

Three weeks ago, I was poor, alone, and on the verge of ending my life. Now I’m lying beside the man I’ve fallen in love with in a hotel room after shopping my butt off.

My stomach is full.

I’ve picked up weight.

I’ve been kissed in a way that’s exceeded my wildest fantasies.

“What are you thinking about?” Enzo suddenly asks.

I hesitate whether I should tell him, then turning on my side to face him, I admit, “Just about how much you’ve changed my life.”

He lifts his arm and says, “Come closer. You’re so far away from me, you’re going to fall off the bed.”

I sit up and move to the middle, and when I lie back down, Enzo wraps his arm around me and presses my head to his shoulder.

“That’s much better,” he sighs. “I know I’m making you change everything, but it’s for the best. You’ll get used to it soon.”

I tilt my face up. “Oh, I’m not complaining. Sure, it’s a lot, but you’ve done so many good things for me, and it just makes me…”

“What?”

I swallow hard, and it takes all my courage to admit, “Scared.”

His voice is low and deep as he asks, “Why?”

“Because what if things don’t work out…you know… between us?” I shake my head. “It’s hard to explain.”

“The only thing that can come between us is if you betray me.” He brings his hand to my face and brushes his fingers along the curve of my jaw. “I’m one hundred percent certain you’ll never do that to me.”

“Do you really trust me so much?”