Claim - Page 70

The front door opened, and I paused. I saw Gio tense, as well. He was on guard duty.

“Bell, hi.” Mila bustled in, holding some shopping bags and a garment bag. “How are you?” She reached out and gave me a one-armed hug. “Dante told me about the fire.”

“I’m fine. Beau and his brothers got to me in time.”

Mila squeezed my hand. “You must have been so scared. It’s for the best that you’re staying with Beau now.”

I nodded. “You’re up early. Beau told me that you and Dante are night owls since you both work in a nightclub.”

“I had a very good reason to get up early.” She held the shopping bags and garment bag out to me. “Shopping. These are for you.”

I took them and blinked. “Huh?”

“We’re a similar size. Your arms are way more toned than mine so you’ll look fabulous in this dress tonight.”

She unzipped the garment bag so I could see the black dress inside. It had a square neckline, wide straps over the shoulders and a flirty knee-length skirt. I looked up at her, bemused. “Why do I need a dress?” I couldn’t remember the last time I’d worn one.

“For the charity event tonight. At Kav’s new distillery.”

For a second, I wondered what it would be like to have the money to buy an entire distillery. “Oh. I heard you mention it the other day.”

Mila nodded. “For the opening, Kav’s holding an event that’s raising money for a health program for underprivileged kids.”

“I’m not invited.”

“You are now. You’re Beau’s date.” She tapped the dress. “I can’t wait to watch him watching you in this dress. There are shoes in the bag. Oh, and do smoky eyes but keep your makeup natural.”

Still bemused, I shook my head. “Mila, my things went up in smoke. I don’t have any makeup.”

Hell, I was wearing my hand-washed underwear, and a new set of Hard Burn shirt and shorts, along with running shoes I’d found in the lost property box.

“Lucky for you, your man thought of that.” Mila shot me a conspiratorial grin. “He sent me out shopping this morning. Clothes, pajamas, toiletries, makeup. It’s all being delivered to his apartment today.” She leaned in and smiled. “He especially asked for a few sets of sexy lingerie.”

I felt heat in my cheeks.

“And he requested a specific perfume. He didn’t know the name, but he said it had to smell like mangoes. I got Marc Jacobs’ Daisy Ever So Fresh, so I hope that’s all right?”

Tears pricked my eyes, and I nodded. “That’s perfect.”

“Hey, no crying.” She gave me another hug. “You aren’t alone anymore. I get how overwhelming that is. When you’ve been on your own, fighting to survive, it’s hard to trust other people. Trust Beau.”

I nodded. “Thanks, Mila.”

“You are so welcome. See you at lunch.”

I blinked. “Lunch?”

“Yes, family lunch. We try to all get together for a meal at least once a week. Beau will bring you over to the main house.” She smiled and squeezed my hand.

“Ah, should I bring anything?”

“Just an empty stomach. The brothers’ housekeeper Lola is a superb cook. She’s making a pot roast, with roast vegetables and Brabant potatoes.”

“Okay. Sounds great.”

“Oh, and Bell? The event tonight includes a charity fight between Beau and another fighter. Get ready to see him in the ring.”

I felt a funny sensation in my belly. “Oh.”