The Don's Innocent Collateral

Chapter 15

Amelia didn't say a word as she changed back into her jeans and black tank top. Her right hand was still sluggish, the fingers stiff and uncooperative, forcing her to rely heavily on her left to pull her clothes back on.

When she finally stepped out of the dressing room, the midnight-blue gown was already gone, carefully packed away with the rest of her new wardrobe.

Nicolai was waiting by the boutique's glass doors.

The bourbon was gone. So was the relaxed, observant expression he'd worn while watching her try on clothes. His attention was fixed on the street beyond the glass, his posture subtly different—still calm, but alert.

Amelia slowed as she approached him.

"What happened?"

Before Nicolai could answer, one of his guards stepped inside. He walked straight toward Nicolai, stopping just short of him.

"Boss," he said quietly. "Two dark sedans have been sitting at the end of the block since we arrived. They haven't moved."

Nicolai's expression didn't change.

"They're watching the store?"

"Yes."

A brief silence followed. The guard shifted his weight before asking carefully, "Do you want us to deal with them?"

"No."

Nicolai's answer came without hesitation.

"Not here."

The guard gave a single nod.

"Understood."

He stepped away, already speaking quietly into the radio clipped beneath his jacket.

Amelia looked at Nicolai, unease creeping into her chest.

"Who are they?"

Nicolai didn't answer immediately. His eyes stayed on the street.

"The Viperas."

Her stomach dropped. Of course it was them. Some foolish part of her had hoped they'd disappear for one afternoon. Long enough for her to forget they were hunting her.

"Oh God, how did they know..."

"It doesn't matter how they found out," Nicolai said calmly. "What matters is that they know you're here."

His hand settled lightly against the small of her back, guiding her toward the door.

"Stay beside me."

Together, they stepped out into the afternoon heat.

Amelia fixed her gaze on the waiting Maybach, fighting the prickling sensation crawling across the back of her neck.

One of Nicolai's guards opened the rear door for them.

She climbed inside, and Nicolai followed a second later. The heavy armored door shut with a solid thud, sealing them inside the quiet cabin.

The convoy pulled smoothly away from the curb.

Amelia couldn't stop herself from glancing through the tinted rear window.

A few seconds later, two dark sedans eased into traffic behind them, keeping several cars between themselves and the convoy.

"They're following us," she said.

Nicolai barely looked behind them.

"I expected them to."

"You don't seem worried."

"They're not here to attack us."

She frowned.

"Then why are they following us?"

"They're spotters," Nicolai replied. "Their job is to confirm what they've heard. Once they know you're with me, they'll report back."

Amelia looked back at the two sedans before turning to Nicolai.

"If they know I'm staying at the estate," she said slowly, trying to follow his line of thinking, "then why bring me into the city at all?"

Nicolai's gaze remained on the road ahead. "Because hiding you changes nothing."

She frowned.

"It changes everything. They know where I am."

"They already knew that the moment your father opened his mouth." His voice was calm, almost indifferent.

"If I suddenly stop leaving the estate... if I cancel meetings and change my routine because they're watching..."

He finally looked at her. "Then I tell them they've found a weakness."

Amelia was quiet for a moment. "So you're pretending they don't matter."

"I'm reminding them that they don't decide how I live."

Amelia fell silent, watching the city slip past the window. After a moment, her mind drifted to the shopping bags.

"Why did you buy that blue dress?"

"You'll wear it to the banquet."

She looked at him. "Banquet?"

"A gathering. Every major family will be there."

Her brows knitted together. "Including the Viperas?"

"Including the Viperas."

"And you're taking me?"

"Yes."

"Even now?"

He sounded almost amused.

"Especially now."

She searched his face. "Isn't that dangerous?"

"For them."

Amelia blinked. Nicolai leaned back against the leather seat, his expression unreadable.

"The banquet was on my calendar long before the Viperas learned your name. I won't cancel it because they're watching. And I won't send you back to the estate as though you have something to hide."

Silence settled between them. The convoy merged onto the highway, the city gradually disappearing behind them. Amelia looked out of the window, then back at him.

"So what happens if they decide to make a move anyway?"

Nicolai met her eyes.

"They won't."

"You sound very sure."

"I am."

"Why?"

A faint hardness settled over his features. "Because anyone foolish enough to touch what's under my protection knows exactly what it'll cost."