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I laughed. “Then these are the ones.”
Finally, we reached the lingerie section. My cheeks burned just entering this area. Racy corsets and lace teddies lined the walls. Draven appeared utterly in his element.
He held up a skimpy lace thong. “Can you model this for me, too?” he teased.
I swatted his arm, laughing. “Absolutely not!”
Draven pretended to pout. I just shook my head, amused by his antics. Though in truth, his playful flirting thrilled me.
I selected a classy satin and lace bra and panty set along with an elegant silk robe. Draven insisted on paying for it all despite my protests. I kept reminding myself—this was his way of caring for me.
Shopping complete, we headed to checkout with our haul. The total was staggering. But Draven didn’t flinch, paying without a second thought, then sending all of the boxes to be delivered by courier.
“Thank you,” I told him sincerely as we left the store. “This has been incredible. I’ve never felt so pampered and beautiful.”
He smiled, kissing my temple. “Where to now?” he asked, giving my hand an affectionate squeeze.
I pondered a moment. “I could really go for a trishem after all that shopping. Want to stop at the cafe up ahead?”
“Perfect,” Draven agreed readily.
We entered the cozy little cafe, welcomed by the rich aroma. Draven insisted on ordering and paying before I could even reach for my credits.
“Why don’t you grab us a table out on the balcony while I get the drinks?” he suggested.
I nodded, making my way through the scattered tables. Choosing a table tucked privately in the corner, I settled in with a contented sigh. Through the glass railing, I gazed out at the station promenade below, watching people mill about, the mix of species, the range of shapes and colors, forming an intricate dance.
Moments later, Draven appeared balancing two steaming mugs. “One sweetened for you,” he announced, placing it before me with a flourish.
“Thank you.” I smiled, wrapping my hands around the warm ceramic. The sweet, creamy aroma was heavenly.
Draven sat across from me, his own dark steaming beverage in hand. I shook my head in amusement.
“I still don’t understand how you drink it black,” I teased. “Where’s the enjoyment in that?”
He chuckled. “To each their own. I happen to like the bitterness.”
I wrinkled my nose skeptically and took a long sip of my indulgently sugary drink. Pure bliss.
We sat comfortably, simply enjoying the people watching. A pleasant background hum of chatter and clinking dishes sounded from the cafe behind us.
After a bit, Draven spoke up. “Did you have fun today?”
“I had an amazing time,” I confirmed earnestly. “I can’t remember the last time I did something so frivolous.”
Draven smiled, looking genuinely glad to have given me that experience. “You’re worth spoiling, Elara.”
My cheeks warmed at his words. I was still getting used to this lavish treatment and undivided attention. For so long, I was totally self-reliant, focused solely on survival. Letting someone dote on me felt foreign, yet also quite wonderful.
“Well, I appreciate you forcing me out of my comfort zone,” I said lightly. “The dresses, the shoes, the jewelry—it’s all so extravagant. I never would have bought any of that for myself.”
“Which is exactly why I had to get them for you,” Draven insisted. “You deserve to be showered in finery, Elara. I want to make sure you’re treated like the queen you are.”
I ducked my head, cheeks flushing anew. Compliments still didn’t come naturally to me, but Draven seemed intent on lavishing me with them until I believed my worth. It was an ongoing process, but I had to admit—it felt rather nice.
We lingered at the cafe until our mugs were drained. “Thank you for an exquisite day, my dear,” he murmured, lifting my hand to his lips. “Now let’s make it an even more exquisite night.”
* * *
