I manage a small, genuine smile. “Thanks. But how could anything go wrong withMr. Sinclairby my side?”
Armen starts to laugh, but it cuts off when Soren lets out a low, possessive growl from deep in his chest. Maybe he liked hearing me call him that. Suddenly his large hand grabs my jaw, firm but not painful. He leans across the seat and drags his tongue in one slow, claiming stripe up my cheek.
“Behave,” he grunts against my skin. “Stay where I can see you.”
Selina bursts out laughing. Armen mutters, “Jesus Christ.”
I shiver hard, heat flooding my entire face.
I didn’t even notice we’d pulled into the parking lot until Jeremy turns the engine off. When I climb out, the sheer scale of it hits me. The parking spots are ridiculously spacious, clearly designed for the kind of cars lined up around us… sleek Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royces, custom Mercedes. Everything screams money.
I look down at myself and quickly tuck Soren’s big black button-down properly into my jeans, leaving just the front hem slightly untucked for that deliberately stylish look. I hope it looks purposeful and not like I’m drowning in my…well, in Soren’s shirt.
My heart is still racing as I stand here, the warm afternoon sun on my face, surrounded by luxury I’ve never been this close to before.
And Soren is right behind me. I can feel his presence like a shadow, tall, imposing, and strangely protective. I don’t know whether I want to run back to the car or lean into him.
As we walk toward the grand glass entrance, a frustrated mutter cuts through the quiet luxury of the parking lot. “Come on, for the love of…”
A man is struggling beside a sleek black car parked in a disabled space, trying to wrestle a folded wheelchair out of the trunk. He’s clearly having a hard time of it.
The others keep walking, but I stop and tap Selina’s arm. She hums and glances down at me. “What’s up, Kitty?”
I point toward the man. “Shouldn’t we help him?”
Selina looks over, hesitating. “Oh… uh…”
She glances at Soren, who rolls his eyes with a sigh. “Be quick,” he says, voice low.
Selina jogs over immediately and helps the young man pull the wheelchair free, unfolding it for him with ease. He thanks her profusely and shakes her hand, looking genuinely relieved.
When she comes back, she nudges my shoulder with a fond smile. “Happy now, little knight?”
I smile shyly. “I just knowI’dwant someone to help me.”
“You’re so cute,” she says, nudging me again.
I roll my eyes, but I’m grinning as we continue walking toward the entrance.
I glance over my shoulder one last time at the man’s car. Frowning, I notice there’s no one else inside. Whatever… he’s probably picking someone up. But just as I’m about to turn away, the man lifts his gaze and meets mine. He gives me a small, strange little grin that doesn’t reach his eyes. A cold shiver runs down my spine.What a strange man.I turn around quickly and shake the uneasy feeling off as we push through the heavy glass doors into the mall.
“Wow…” The word slips out before I can stop it.
This place is nothing like any mall I’ve ever seen. Everything is hushed, elegant, and overwhelmingly expensive. Men in tailored suits speak quietly into earpieces. Women with perfect hair and sky-high heels click across marble floors, designer bags dangling from their wrists like trophies. Security guards in crisp black suits stand at strategic points, eyes sharp. The air smells faintly of expensive perfume and fresh flowers.
Selina squeezes my hand. “So… where do you wanna go first?”
“I… um…”
I look around, feeling completely out of my depth. This isn’t the kind of shopping I’m used to. This feels like stepping into another world.
Selina grins. “Come on, let’s start with the Apple Store.”
I frown. “They have an Apple Store? That seems a bit out of place next to Harrods and Louis Vuitton.”
She laughs brightly and grabs my hand properly this time. “Oh, this isn’t like any Apple Store you see on the high street, Kitty.”
I glance up at Soren, silently asking for permission. He gives me a small nod, allowing it. Selina pulls me along excitedly while Soren and Armen fall into step behind us, their presence heavy and protective at my back.
