Page 306 of The Morally Grey Billionaires Boxset

Penny

"I will not let you buy me a dress," I huff.

"Yes, you will."

I scowl through the window of the car—a Jaguar Sportbrake big enough for Tiny to park himself comfortably in the cargo space and have space left over.

There was no arguing with him as he called for a quick breakfast for us—from James Hamilton’s restaurant— and food for Tiny from a company specializing in deliveries for dogs.

Who knew those exist? Then he called Rudy and explained the situation to him and asked for a bigger car.

He insisted I shower. I agreed on the condition that I could use one of the guest bathrooms to avoid any chance of running into him. Not that it stopped me from imagining him without his clothes. It's not as if I need an excuse for that.

We ate without exchanging a word. Then, he hooked the leash onto Tiny, and we’d headed down to find this big-ass car parked in front of the doors.

Rudy waited for us with the hatch open. I assumed we were headed to the office, so imagine my surprise when the car stops in front of an exclusive boutique in St. James Park.

I stare at the name of the well-known designer scrawled above the door.

KARMA WEST SOVRANO

Of course, she’s Abby’s friend, married to Michael Sovrano, the ex-Don of the Cosa Nostra, who’s now the CEO of CN industries.

I’ve met her a few times—enough to know her creations are highly sought after and priced in the five-figure range, if not higher.

All the more reason not to accept this 'gift' from him.

As I contemplate my options—or rather, lack thereof—Knight slides out. Rudy rounds to the back of the car and opens the hatch. Knight hooks the leash onto Tiny, who woofs and bounds out. Together, they head for my car door, and Knight holds it open.

My gaze bounces between him and the boutique. "It’s too early for them to be open."

"They’re open," he says with confidence.

When I still refuse to move, he makes a low noise at the back of his throat. "Get out of the car," he orders.

I get out of the car.

I need to stop myself from jumping to obey him.

As if that were possible. There’s this commanding air about him, a certain arrogance when he orders me, that sparks something primal inside of me.

Something that makes me want to do his bidding.

It’s confusing, but if I’m honest, it’s also exciting.

It’s something new and different. A reaction I’ve never felt before. And will not again, with anyone else.

I scowl, then ignore the jerkface. Reaching over, I scratch Tiny behind his ear.

The dog pants in ecstasy. Knight frowns down at him, then looks at me.

He jerks his chin in the direction of the shop.

Whatever. Best to get this over with. I march inside the door and find a dark-haired woman with flashing eyes and a wide smile waiting for us.

"Penny."

Before I can reply, she hugs me and kisses me on each cheek.

"Huh?"

"That’s how we welcome friends in Sicily." She beams at me.

I knit my eyebrows. "I didn't expect to see you here in person," I say stiffly.

She laughs. "Knight called ahead and said you were on your way over, and if you’re Abby's friend, you're my friend. So of course I was going to be here and make sure you were looked after."

Tiny barks. Her features light up. "Look who’s here." She releases me and walks over to scratch Tiny behind his ear. He bumps his head against her, and for all his considerable strength, he’s very gentle.

"Aww, you’re a sweetheart." She bends slightly and hugs the Great Dane, who wags his tail with vigor.

Knight shuffles his feet.

With a final rub behind Tiny’s ears, she straightens and walks over to him with her arms outstretched.

His jaw hardens. He looks like he’s about to protest, but Karma wraps her arms about him and hugs him.

He stands immobile for a few seconds, then robotically pats her shoulder.

Reluctance is written in every angle of his body, but he manages not to scowl as she steps back from him.

"I am so happy you made it,” she chirps.

He manages a quirk of the left side of his mouth. "Thank you for opening the boutique for us."

"Nonsense." She waves a hand in the air. "I was so excited when you called me. After all, it’s tradition."

"Tradition?" He blinks.

"When any of my girlfriends finds their man, they always come here to pick out a dress of their choice. An original Karma West Sovrano creation, which their man pays for."

"I’m not her man," he growls.

"He’s not my man," I snap at the same time.

Karma steps back and looks between us. There’s a smile on her face, as if she knows something I don’t. "Of course not." Her tone is indulgent.

"No, you don’t understand. He’s my boss, and—" I spent the night at his penthouse. And now, he’s going to buy me a dress, before we head over to work together, because I didn’t have anything to wear, and we were getting late— And oh, god, this entire situation a little too domestic, a little too in the realm of the two of us knowing each other too well, a little too much for me.

She must notice the conflicting emotions on my face. Her forehead furrows. Then, she flashes me a genuine smile. "—and you need something to wear to the office today."

"And underwear,” Knight interjects.

I flush, then shoot him a loaded stare; not that it makes a difference since asshole isn't even looking at me.

“And underwear.” She nods.

“Also, something for my sister’s get-together," he adds.

"Abby’s organizing a get-together?" I burst out.

"She is.” His jaw hardens further. Jeez, does he have any molars left or has he ground them all to dust already?

“My sister feels I'm not getting out enough, so she’s decided to invite all of our friends to her home. I’m expected to make an appearance.” He says this in a tone that implies he’d rather be swimming with the sharks instead. “You’re coming with me."

"I am not."

A nerve pops at his temple. Hooray! It’s sooo getting under his skin. It’s becoming more exciting than watching the London Ice Kings score a goal, watching him try hard to rein in his temper.

"Yes, you are,” he snaps.

“Uh, I’ll get some clothes for you to choose from.” Karma glides away.

I jut out my chin. “When is this get-together?”

“This weekend.”

"Why don’t you hurry up and choose your future wife by then? That way, you can ask her to come with you."

"I’m asking you."

"It seems you and I have a different understanding of the meaning of ask." I cross my arms across my chest. "Anyway, I don’t want to."

His gaze narrows. "Remember, you’re my employee. You’ll do as you’re told."

I curl my fingers into fists. Oh, yeah. It all comes down to money, after all. And the fact that he paid for my mother’s care, and now I owe him.

Silence falls in the shop. The tension is so thick, it feels like it's squeezing in on me. Tiny plants his butt on the ground and whines.

Knight looks down at him. A strange looks comes over his face. He shakes his head, then his chest inflates. Without looking up at me he mutters, “Please.”