Leah's Seduction: 4 (Gianni and Leah - Leah's Seduction) Read Online Free

stomach started growling,” Kyra said.
    Leah kept in step with her friend. “All-day shopping takes lots of energy. I hope it’s burning up lots of calories, because I plan to order something substantial.”
    Kyra ignored the street vendors and went straight to a Mexican café just down the street. “I love this place. They have homemade guacamole.” She looked at Leah. “And don’t worry. It’s my treat. I know you don’t like using Gianni’s credit card. He’s spent enough today, anyway.”
    “Okay, thanks. I’ll buy next time.”
    The narrow café had wood-beamed ceilings, sunshine yellow walls, and red curtains. It had the feel of being in Mexico, and the aroma of spices filled the room. They found a table and placed their orders. The iced teas arrived quickly, and they drank as they waited for their meals.
    “Smelling the food is making me crazy,” Leah said. “I’m starved.”
    “Me too.” Kyra stirred her tea. “You know, I’m getting used to seeing you with a bodyguard. He’s kind of nice, really.”
    “Well, I don’t know if I’m getting used to it. But Gianni thinks it’s still important that I have protection.”
    “Maybe someday I’ll make enough money to pay for my own guard,” Kyra said. “Maybe they would keep the assholes away from me.”
    Leah frowned. “Did something happen?”
    Her friend shook her head. “No, it’s been fine.”
    “Are you seeing anyone?”
    Kyra rolled her shoulder. “Not lately. Here and there. I mean, I go on dates. But nobody has really done anything for me. Maybe I’m over it.”
    Leah raised her brows. “Over what?”
    “Guys.”
    She chuckled at that. “Yeah, right. I don’t think so.”
    But Kyra seemed sincere. “You’re lucky. Gianni takes care of you, buys you clothes. I’m glad you are back together.”
    Leah took a gulp of tea. “Me too.”
    “Actually, since Gianni became my self-appointed guardian, his security looks out for me sometimes.”
    “I should think so,” Leah said.
    “Like at shows. I see his security there, and know they keep an eye on me. And he’s managed to get some good showroom work for me. I often end up working with his sister, too. I like how she does makeup.” Kyra took a sip of tea. “It’s considerate of him to help me. Gianni is a cool guy, you know. He’s polite, and he treats women right.”
    “Yes, that’s true. He does.”
    “What’s that look I see on your face?”
    Leah shrugged. “Guilt?”
    “You’re saying it is guilt, or you’re asking me?”
    “I guess I’m saying.” Leah put her glass down. “He is good to me, no question. But he’s possessive, Kyra. He has started keeping tabs on me. He says it’s for my protection, but I’m not sure.”
    “He cares about you.”
    “Yeah, I know. And it means everything.” Leah paused. “But sometimes I wonder…”
    “What?”
    “Like the clothes thing. I’ve been dressing myself for years. Way before I met Gianni.”
    Kyra made no comment.
    “And now he takes issue with what I wear. If he doesn’t like it, it’s a scene.”
    “As long as he’s willing to foot the bill for what he wants to see you in,” Kyra said, “then I don’t get what the problem is.”
    “Yes, you do. Think about it. If a man buys stuff for you, a lot of stuff, then it’s like being a kept woman. A mistress or something.”
    Kyra wrinkled her nose. “He has to be married before you can be a mistress.”
    “That’s beside the point. I feel like he owns me, or he wants to. Gianni molds me in subtle ways, and I’m not sure I like it.”
    “I see. That is tough.”
    “I’m torn,” Leah said, “because I want to be with him. But I don’t want to be molded into someone I’m not. Does that make sense?”
    “It does. But I wouldn’t worry so much. Why don’t you talk to him?”
    “I’ve tried. He says he is doing what’s best for me. He wants my happiness. He wants me to have pride in how I look, and to never demean my appearance.” Leah