Loving Leonardo

Chapter Nine

It was much worse than she thought. The staff looked at her as a stray animal after free food in the first shop. Then, even when she'd paid, they looked glad to have her leave the shop.

They spent a good couple of hours walking in every designer shop on the street until they had spent an astronomical amount of money on multiple pairs of heels, outfits, coats, and even cosmetics. Ella wouldn't normally wear much makeup, but Kai insisted that Ella get at least six lipstick shades to match the many outfits they'd bought. She knew she should have felt great after purchasing plenty of new clothes for her empty wardrobe, yet, she couldn't help but feel guilty for wasting so much money. These clothes would last her for years. She would make sure of it.

The car was there waiting when she left the last store. However, there was no Leonardo. When she'd said goodbye to Kai, Leonardo's driver helped put all her bags in the car. Ella decided to try and make conversation with him as he seemed to be driving her everywhere without complaining. 

"Thanks for helping me with my bags. So, I never asked you. What's your name?" He looked back to check Ella was talking to him and not on the phone. 

"It's not a bother, Miss. My name is Rupert," he said merrily in a posh British accent.

"Well, thanks, Rupert. And thanks for taking me home the past few nights. You saved me a long walk."

He laughed but didn't respond, so Ella decided to keep quiet. They were at the office within five minutes.

"Mr. Russo said he requires you to bring one of your new outfits up to the office and to leave the rest here for when you leave later. Have a nice day, miss!"

Ella picked a few things that Kai told her would match and put them all into one bag. 

She signed in and was relieved to hear no laughing as she made her way to the lift. A new guy was sitting where the brunette had been the night before, and Ella felt a pang of guilt. While changing into her new outfit, she noticed the cleaning trolley wasn't in its usual place, and someone's bag and coat were hanging up in the doorway. Pulling her hair up into a high ponytail, she glanced at herself in the mirror. The red body-con dress accentuated her curves.

The black designer heels paired with black stockings made her look professional. Lastly, she applied some mascara and red lipstick and took a deep breath. She didn't look like herself, and she would never have picked an outfit this bright or painted her lips in such a provocative color.

 It made her feel good, and more confident.

Barely making it to the office without falling over, Ella opened the door to see Diana.

"Ella, how are you, dear?" She chuckled warmly, pulling Ella into a hug before stepping back and holding her shoulders.

"My, my, you look beautiful. Leo is just taking a call, but he said to expect you. He told me you needed a babysitter for your brother? Well, I'd be more than happy to fill in if you will let me."

Diana smiled, and the creases around her eyes told Ella the woman was genuine. She couldn't help but like her.

"Yes, I am. I hope Leonardo hasn't made you feel like you must. I don't want to seem cheeky, but if you let me know how much you charge, then I will let you know if I can afford you," Ella said with a smile, feeling embarrassed that she probably wouldn't be able to afford the fees for someone who was hired by Leonardo.

"No need. I will be paying all costs as it's for business needs," Leonardo said as he confidently strolled into the room. "Red is very much your color Ella." Leonardo paused for a moment to look her up and down.

Ella knew her cheeks were turning red, and she wished she'd put on some of the foundation that Kai forced her to buy. 

"Leo dear, leave the poor girl alone! You're making her shy! Now, come with me, honey, and you can tell me about your brother and what will be required of me when I look after him, ok?"

She grabbed Ella's arm and pulled her towards the bedroom as if this were her own office. Ella looked back to see Leonardo watching her, raising one brow when he caught her eye. Diana led Ella into Leonardo's bedroom and shut the door before sitting on the bed, patting the space next to her.

"Now, tell me about you and your brother."

Ella decided to tell her everything she could think of that she needed to know about Sean. She'd even told her about her father, lack of a mother, and becoming Sean's guardian. By the time she'd finished taking, Diana had taken Ella's hand. 

"He sounds like a great young man. And you are a strong lady. I'm glad you think I'm good enough to care for your brother, dear. If it's easier for you, I'll come over to your place and stay there. I don't want him to have too much disruption, and my husband won't mind."

"Are you sure? I don't want---"

"Yes, sweetie, I'm sure. But, before I let you get back to work, I need to tell you something."

She hesitated and let out a sigh before continuing.

"You're a nice young lady, and Leo is...well, he is a complicated boy. I see the way you look at each other. Please be careful."

Diana patted Ella's hand one last time before standing up.

"You don't need to worry about that, Diana. Nothing will happen between us, I'm not in the place to date anyone, and I am sure he has enough women after him."

Ella stood up and smiled reassuringly back at Diana.

They both made their way into the office, where Leonardo was on his phone. Diana stopped before leaving, "Don't be naive, dear. You are a beautiful young woman, and he knows it. Two young people as attractive as you two spending all this time alone together, these things happen," the older woman stated and left Ella standing there alone.

"What things happen?" Leonardo raised a brow while putting his phone inside his suit pocket.

"Oh, nothing important. Can we start working, please?" Ella knew Diana was wrong. Ella knew she wasn't unattractive, but Leonardo had his pick of any woman he could want. He didn't need to get with his assistant of all people.