Another nod. “There are a few bags on your bed. I bought some clothes and other things you’ll need to get ready.”
Of course he did. It’s just like him to think ahead. Ari is always a few steps in front of everybody else. Always ready with plans A, B and C, while the rest of us walk blindly into his traps.
Crawling from the bed, I leave his room and go to mine. By a few bags, he means ten, a sigh blowing over my lips as I look inside them one by one, my skin bristling as I find that not only has he found the perfect outfit for me to wear, he’s bought makeup in the exact brands and shades I’ve used through the years, the exact curling iron that had been my favorite, and an expensive perfume I’d wanted a year ago but wouldn’t allow myself to buy due to the price.
It shouldn’t surprise me. He knows everything, but what kind of man studies a woman so well that he can do something like this?
I laugh at the absurdity of it, especially when trying to imagine Ari inside a large cosmetics store, his dark presence moving through the aisles with his little pink hand basket, picking out lipstick in a shade called Sexy Vixen and powders actually light enough for my skin.
“You don’t need any of it. I hope you know that. I happen to think you’re most beautiful when your natural features shine through.”
I spin at his voice to find him leaning against the doorframe, his chest bare and his legs covered by a pair of black pajama pants. The sight is enough to make me drool, especially with his hair a disheveled mess around his face and a day’s worth of dark stubble peppering his strong jaw.
“How did you do this? It’s a bit creepy, Ari.”
Just a hint of a grin. “I never tell my secrets.”
“Well, I’ll need all of it if I’m going to piss off Grant. Hopefully, the asshole has a heart attack as soon as he sees the news reports. It’ll save you the job of having to kill him.”
With a tilt of his head, Ari’s eyes narrow. “Now why would you want to deprive me of something I’ve been looking forward to?”
I think I’m falling in love with him.
Or maybe I have already.
But it still sends a chill down my spine to hear him speak about murder so calmly.
He nudges his chin at the bags. “Get a shower and get ready. I’ll make some coffee and wait for Lincoln.”
Taking my time, because, let’s face it, I’m not in a rush to have reporters shouting at me and the police asking questions, I run through the usual drill of getting ready.
It almost feels foreign to do this, a month of isolation knocking me out of practice with curling my hair just right and applying my eye makeup.
Once that is done, I dig out the dress Ari bought for me, a simple, black strappy dress, professional yet cut in such a way that it will hug all my curves. There’s also a bra and underwear set, black silk and lace, as well as a pair of red-soled shoes that must have cost a fortune.
I’m in shock staring at myself after putting it on. If being a hired killer doesn’t work out for Ari, he can make a different kind of killing being a personal shopper.
Grant can eat his heart out when he sees me like this. Strong, proud, beautiful. Not a mark from where he hurt me, my eyes bright and focused. My lips curl at the thought of how pissed off he’ll be when he hears the story I have to tell the media.
When I walk into the living room, a low whistle sounds across the space. I turn to see Lincoln looking dapper in a pressed white shirt and black slacks, his brown eyes glimmering while Ari’s peek over at me from above the rim of the coffee mug he’s sipping from.
“Will this do?”
Lincoln’s gritty voice booms. “Damn, kid. I may have to bring a few weapons to keep you safe.”
Meanwhile, Ari sets his mug down on the counter with far too much care, his eyes running slowly down my body and up again. He clears his throat and shifts his posture.
“I think you look perfect. Your husband is about to learn exactly what he’s missing.”
It’s impossible not to squirm beneath his stare. “Let’s hope so. I’d like