The plan was simple—stay low, stay
hidden, and blend in.
But nothing about Reina was simple. Even in an oversized hoodie, sunglasses, and a baseball cap, she had this energy that drew eyes. Maybe it was the way she carried herself—graceful, confident, like she belonged anywhere. Or maybe it was just her.
And right now?
She was failing miserably at pretending she wasn't interested in the Louis Vuitton store we just passed.
I smirked as I caught her flicking another glance at the display window. That was the fourth time.
"You should go in," I said, keeping my voice casual.
Reina scoffed. "Why would I? I don't need anything from there."
"You sure?" I raised an eyebrow. "Because you've been staring at that store like it personally offended you."
She bristled. "I was just looking."
"Looking leads to wanting."
"It doesn't mean I need it."
I stepped closer, lowering my head near hers. "Wanting is a good enough reason, my Queen."
Her breath hitched.
Got her.
Before she could protest, I grabbed her wrist and gently tugged her toward the entrance.
"Lorenzo—" she started.
"Just look," I said, grinning. "And if you don't like anything, we'll leave. But if you do, then I get to make you happy."
She rolled her eyes but let me guide her inside.
That was my first win of the day.
The second win?
Watching her try on dresses.
Reina was hesitant at first—careful, reserved. But the second she slipped into a black lace dress, I knew I was fucked.
She stepped out of the dressing room, and I nearly forgot how to breathe.
The dress hugged her just right, elegant but daring, framing her figure like it was made for her.
She turned in the mirror, running her hands over the fabric, completely unaware of the way my eyes devoured her.
Damn.
I leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "You're going to make it very hard for me to let you out in public if you keep looking like that."
She shot me a look. "It's just a dress."
"That is not just a dress," I countered, voice dropping slightly. "That is a crime scene waiting to happen."
Reina 's lips twitched. "You're being ridiculous."
"I'm being honest," I corrected, stepping closer. "You don't just wear clothes, Reina. You makethem look like art. And some art should be kept away from undeserving eyes."
She flushed, shifting her weight.
Got her again.
But then she glanced at the price tag, and just like that, all her excitement drained away.
I narrowed my eyes. "What's wrong?"
"It's expensive," she muttered.
"So?"
Reina gave me a flat look. "Not everyone throws money around like you do, Lorenzo."
I stepped closer, plucking the dress from her hands. "Reina, I don't look at price tags. I look at you."
Her breath caught.
"I don't give a damn how much it costs," I continued. "If you like it, I'll buy it. Simple."
She huffed. "You can't just buy things for me, Lorenzo."
"Why not?" I tilted my head. "You let me pay for coffee."
"That's different."
"How?"
"It just is," she argued.
I grinned. "So, what you're saying is, if I buy this dress, I have to buy you coffee too?"
She groaned, rubbing her temples.
"That is not what I said—"
"Too late," I cut in
signalling the saleswoman. "We'll take this. And everything else she tried on."
Reina gaped at me. "Lorenzo—"
I leaned in, lowering my voice to a teasing whisper. "I would love to stand here all day and argue with you, but honestly? I'd rather spend all eternity watching you try on dresses."
Her cheeks burned.
I smiled.
Win number three.
A few minutes later, we stopped near
the restrooms, and Reina, still muttering about "obnoxious billionaires," handed me her purse.
"Hold this," she said.
I took it without hesitation.
It was small, barely weighed
anything, but fuck—I liked holding it.
It felt…right.
Like for just a second, I could pretend she was mine.
I shook my head, pushing the thought away. This wasn't a game I could afford to play.
But as I stood there, waiting, my gaze flicked toward the crowd.
And that's when I felt it.
A shift.
Something was off.
The guards were still close—disguised, blending in. But my instincts screamed at me.
We weren't alone.
Someone was watching.
Waiting.
And for the first time in a long time…
I was fucking terrified.
Not for me.
For her.
Because I knew, without a doubt— They were waiting for the perfect moment to take her from me.
And I'd rather burn the whole world down than let that happen.
She returned moments later, wiping her damp hands on her jeans unaware of the fact that I have already made her mine and if I had to spend a lifetime
proving that I was worthy of her?
Then so be it.
I smirked as she walked up to me, her expression puzzled. "Why do you keep calling me Queen?"
I met her eyes, heart thudding, and
gave the only answer I could.
I could feel my cheeks turning red like what was I supposed to day her "because you're the queen of my heart the ruler of my soul, I'd bow down to you, worship you, devote myself entirely to your happiness and wellbeing" I said it to her
Her breath hitched. well, it was more than a stop, she stared at me for a good 2 minutes and then started walking She didn't say anything. Didn't have to. Her blush said it all.
And fuck, it was my favourite
win of the day.
But something told me… it wouldn't
be the last.
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