"What? I thought you didn't want me involved in your work?" I said.

"I don't, but you were right. The only way to keep you safe is to keep you with me...plus I think it'll be fun." he shrugged.

"Where are we going?"

"Sicily, for a week. We're staying in one of my homes with the main group and the rest of the gang will be staying nearby."

"Wait, really? Sicily? As in Italy?" I exclaimed excitedly.

"Yes, have you been before?"

"I've never even been out of Philadelphia." I said.

"Wow."

"Can Ivy come too?"

"I suppose so." he sighed.

"Then I'm looking forward to it." I smiled.

"Oh and I want you to take my credit card." he said, taking out his wallet.

"What? Why?"

"You'll need some new clothes. Go with Ivy and Jonathon and buy yourself some."

"I'm not taking your money Reed." I said, putting my hands up.

"Yes you are, I have more than enough of it. Spend as much as you want."

"Oh, okay. Thanks." I stammered awkwardly.

I carefully took the card and got up out of my seat, leaving the room.

I felt bad using his money but I suppose he was right. He does have more than enough and now that I'm not allowed to work, I'm running low.

I was excited to be getting away from here for a while, but I was nervous to see more of Reed's work.

Although I'd dealt with small parts of it, something was telling me that this time would be a little different.

I'd never seen Reed fight and the thought scared me slightly. Not that he'd let me see him fight though. He'll probably keep me locked away in a house somewhere.

However, after our conversation I'm glad that I finally know where I stand with Reed. Being 'just friends' is a lot less stressful and takes a weight off my shoulders.

No matter how hard it may end up being.

~

An hour or so later, we'd set off and Ivy, Jonathan and I had arrived at the high street.

Jonathon had taken us to the most expensive stores like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

"Jonathon, are you sure you can't take us somewhere more...casual? We only need a few summer outfits."

"Sorry ma'am, I'm on strict orders." he shrugged.

Of course he is.

"Oh my gosh, this is so generous of Reed! I've never shopped anywhere this fancy before." Ivy exclaimed, staring out of the window in awe.

"I know..."

"I can't believe he's taking us on vacation, this is so exciting!" she chirped.

We got out of the car and began walking down the high street, looking in the windows of all the intimidatingly large, glamorous stores.

We decided to start our summer shopping in Versace and the store was absolutely huge. There were 3 large glass windows at the front of the store and inside, the store was decorated with all it's signature colours

We were immediately approached by a sales assistant and I felt utterly out of place.

We certainly didn't look as though we should be shopping there and I could see that the other customers felt the same way, by the nasty glares we were receiving. However, the sales assistant had obviously seen us getting out of the limousine and caught on quickly.

"Hello ladies, how can I help you today?"

"Hi, we're looking for some summer outfits and swimwear if you could help us find some." I said.

"Of course, right this way."

She led us through the large store and I almost had a heart attack seeing the prices of certain items.

I kept reminding myself that Reed wants me to buy these things so that I wouldn't feel as bad but I still couldn't help it.

I'd never spent this kind of money on clothes in my life.

"Okay, so I've set up a few outfits in each changing room that I think will be to your liking." the shopping assistant said, leading us into two large changing rooms.

The changing rooms were stunning and modern, it was like nothing I'd ever seen before.

I looked at the outfits which were hung up and walked over to have a look.

The first outfit I saw was a slim fitting evening dress. It was a dark green, off the shoulder gown and it was the only thing that caught my eye as well as a black triangular bikini set.

I stopped myself from looking at the price because I knew that if I did, then I would've left the shop. I carefully took it off the hanger and tried it on.

I stood, looking in the mirror at my own reflection. The dress was gorgeous.

"Woah, you look hot."

"Ivy, what are you doing? I could've been naked!" I whispered, pulling the curtain closed again.

"Sorry but it's true. That dress looks amazing on you, you have to buy it!"

"Really? It looks really expensive." I mumbled.

"Who cares? You've got Reed's credit card, spend his money girl!" she exclaimed.

"Okay, okay, I'll get it." I laughed. "Did you find anything?"

"You know it! I found this gorgeous jungle print bikini, I can't wait to wear it by the pool in front of all the hot mafia boys." she winked.

"You mean Blade?" I chuckled.

"I- shut up!" she said, leaving my changing room and grabbing her bikini to take to check out.

I quickly got changed back into my normal clothes and carried the gown and bikini to the front desk. Ivy joined me and placed her swimsuit with my outfits.

"We'd like to take these please." I said.

"Of course ma'am, that'll be $5,357."

My mouth went dry and dropped open slightly. That was more than 4 months of rent at my old apartment!

"Oh my god." I mumbled under my breath.

I took out Reed's card and slid it into the machine, punching in the pin number.

"Thank you for shopping with us today, come back soon!" the lady at checkout exclaimed.

I will not be back soon if that's how much it costs!

I took the bag off the table and Ivy and I left the store. We were then taken to another designer store, which was all too much for me.

"Ivy, let's just go somewhere a bit more simple." I said.

"Okay, I agree, these stores are way too much." she giggled.

We quickly left the store and headed towards the nearest Brandy Melville and Urban Outfitters, escaping the view of Jonathon who wouldn't have let us leave.

They weren't the best stores in the world but I didn't want to be spending another $3,000.

Ivy immediately started pulling outfits from the racks.

"Okay you were right, this is so much better." she laughed. "I'm just going to go and look at the shoes."

As she walked away, I saw a familiar face approaching me and my eyes narrowed.

"Julia, nice to see you again."

"What do you want Hayes?" I said, frisking through the clothes to avoid his gaze.

"I was wondering how you know Reed Eastwood? The two of you seemed pretty friendly when we met."

"That's none of your business." I said.

"Oh but it is. You see, I believe that you may be getting yourself involved with a very dangerous man. I'm just looking out for your safety." he said creepily.

"I can look out for myself, thank you very much."

"Well, do you think Mr Eastwood has anything to do with Logan's death?" he asked.

"No I don't, and if you wouldn't mind leaving me alone, I'm trying to shop in peace."

"Actually, I have a few more questions I'd like you to answer."

"I'm not answering any of your stupid questions. Leave me alone or I'll call Reed right now."

"Fine, as you wish." he said, walking out of the store.

"Oh my gosh, who was that?" Ivy said, rushing over to me.

"It was Sam Hayes, the detective who wants Reed locked up. He was asking me all these questions and saying 'I'm getting myself involved with a dangerous man'." I explained, rolling my eyes.

"Oh my, what did you say?"

"I basically told him to fuck off, but Reed is not going to be happy about this." I sighed.

~

"He what?" Reed boomed.

I was sat in his study, watching him pace the room with his hands in his hair while I told him about the days events.

"He came up to me in the store and told me you're a dangerous man."

"I can't believe him, I'm going to find a way to kill him. This has gone on long enough." he said, sitting down and beginning to type viciously into his computer.

"That's probably the best way to deal with it but I'm concerned about Danielle. I'm sure he's got her wrapped around his little finger."

"No offence but I don't care about your little friend. She's not a concern."

"Wow thanks. I guess I'll just leave you to work." I sighed sarcastically, walking to the door as I remembered how kind he'd really been that day. "Oh...and thanks for all the clothes, that was really...nice of you."

"Don't worry about it." he shrugged.

He was obviously extremely on edge regarding work and I didn't want to make it worse.

Reed's POV

The last couple of days had been incredibly stressful. From the party with Evelyn to figuring out where I stand with Julia and now Sam Hayes getting involved in my business.

I had to try and clear my mind. When we go to Sicily, we have to fight the cosa perse, an Italian mafia group.

I need to train all week to ensure that I'm ready.

The stupid detective could wait. I'll deal with him when I'm home.

The Vipers had all been preparing for this possible fight for months. We knew that it was coming and now it's time.

They stole from us and now we're getting pay back. We'll invade their base and kill anyone we find.

Of course, I have to make sure Julia is safe in my house while I'm out. I'm still debating on telling her about the mission.

If I tell her the truth, she'll worry or even worse...she'll want to help. That will never be an option.

She'll be secure in the house with guards. This is why I'm taking her on the 'retreat', because if I'd left her at home, I wouldn't be focused.

I would be constantly worried about her safety.

Ever since she's lived with me, my heads been slightly off. I need to focus on work to make sure I stay at the top.

I'm the mafia king and nobody is taking that title. I'm still the same man I've always been. I'm still heartless.

After the detective approached Julia in the store, I knew that he'd be a worry. I can't let him get in her head.

She thinks I'm worried about prison when I know that isn't a problem. The real issue is what he says to Julia.

She knows I'm a bad guy but she may not know the full extent of it. She doesn't know details and I don't want her to.

If she finds out the real, awful, side of me then she won't want anything to do with me.