I cross to the entryway and open the door to find a courier holding several shopping bags.
I take the bags, tip the guy, and return to the kitchen where Polina is watching me with curiosity.
"What's that?"
I set the bags on the counter. "Clothes. For you. Just a few things to tide you over. Later, you can pick out the rest of your wardrobe yourself."
Her jaw drops. "You bought me clothes?"
"I had my assistant order a few basics."
She reaches into the nearest bag, pulling out a soft gray sweater, dark jeans, simple cotton underwear.
Just...normal clothes.
Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears. "Thank you."
"Go change," I tell her, my voice more commanding than I intend. "Then we'll go shopping for loads of junk food.”
She nods, gathering the bags in her arms, and disappears upstairs.
I watch her go, that perfect heart-shaped ass swaying beneath the silk nightgown.
Patience, I tell myself.
She's been through hell. She needs time. Space. Safety.
But god, I want her.
I want to strip that nightgown off her body and worship every inch of her skin. I want to hear her moan my name theway she moaned over those pancakes. I want to bury myself so deep inside her she’ll never not feel me.
I'm so fucked.
Polina
I'm acutely aware of Dante’s presence as he pushes the cart through the grocery store a half a step behind me. The way he watches me. The way his body moves like a panther about to strike.
I pause in front of the cereal aisle, my eyes scanning the colorful boxes.
"See something you want?" His voice is low, close to my ear, and I shiver.
"There's...so much."
"Take your time."
I reach for a box of Lucky Charms—the kind with the little marshmallows—and turn to show him like a kid seeking approval.
He doesn't smile, but something softens in his eyes. "Put it in the cart."
I do. Then I grab another box. Fruit Loops this time.
"That too."
I bite my lip, emboldened now, and add Cocoa Puffs just because.
He just watches me, arms crossed, leaning against the cart like he has all day.
By the time we leave the cereal aisle, the cart is half-full.
