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“Yeah, but they must’ve cost you so much.” Guilt settles in my gut. “Julian...thanks for buying them for me. I appreciate the gesture but it’s way too much. I don’t think I can accept them. You know what? I can make do with some of your old clothes. We can check the cupboards in the attic for some spare shirts.”
Julian stares at me with a pitying look. Why’s he feeling sorry for me?
Moving closer, he places his hands on my shoulders and stares deep into my eyes. “Has no one bought you clothes before?”
“I—” It’s a simple question but it’s gotten me thinking hard. “My parents bought Delilah new dresses. She’d let me have them after they got a bit worn out. Most of them aren’t to my taste, so I shop at the second-hand store downtown. They’re so much cheaper and fit me well enough.”
That pitying look stays on his face.
“Iris,” he says in a suddenly grim tone. “Do what I tell you. Open each of the boxes for me. I’ll choose what you’ll wear today.”
Why was he making such a big deal over nothing?
He’s starting to look angry and it makes me feel guiltier.
Taking a pair of scissors from one of the drawers, I kneel on the floor. One by one, I open the boxes.
Most of them have clothes inside them, but there are some with towels, blankets, pillowcases, and bath products. A strange emotion washes over me as I see them.
Julian’s sole intention was to make me a comfortable nest. His intention was clear in his gesture. He wanted me to stay here.
Kneeling beside me, he brings out a white dress with large green leaves printed over the skirt. It’s gorgeous.
“This one,” he says. “Go take a shower and wear this for me.”
I wasn’t much into dresses but could tell this one was expensive.
Should I allow myself to accept it when my family owes them so much money already?
“I’m not sure if I should,” I say slowly. “Did you ask Caleb about this? What if he gets mad? I don’t want you getting into trouble over this.”
“Caleb gives zero shits about what I do with my money,” he tells me in a serious tone. “But he’ll get mad if I tell him you disobeyed me. Aren’t you happy here, Iris? Do you want to be sent back to the dorms?”
“What? Of course, not!”
“Then, do as I say.” He leaves no room for argument with that determined look in his eyes.
I gather a towel and some body soaps that’ve come from one of those uber-expensive brands that use all-natural ingredients. He’s even bought me new underwear.
A blush warms my cheeks as I check out the range of underwear he’s got me. There are cotton ones as well as lacy, silky thongs that could be classed as lingerie. I avoid commenting on how he got the right size for me and grab one.
“I’ll go upstairs, then,” I say, feeling awkward and shy. “Umm...thank you.”
Julian gives me a warm smile and gestures for me to go.
Going upstairs, I lock the bathroom and take a moment to simply breathe. My heart throbs hard in my chest. Julian’s tough love is kind of a turn-on too.
I shed my clothes on the floor and walk into the shower. My fingers rotate the knobs and a spray comes on.
I revel in the feel of hot water cascading over my body. It feels incredibly good to wash off the grime of the past few days.
The soap Julian’s got me smells heavenly. I can feel the rich lather washing off the dirt and leaving my skin feeling soft and moisturized.
A smile comes to my lips. It feels good to be spoiled like this.
You don’t deserve this, a harsh voice whispers in my mind.
The snide voice wants me to stay wary. It’s rare for anyone to go to such lengths for me.
