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The bland smile on the mortal’s face froze as she took in my presence beside Jade, before growing slightly dazed. Her avid appraisal made Jade stiffen and shift slightly out of my grasp.
That would not do.
I handed over the red selections.“Yes, please. She’ll also take these,” I said, snagging the small pile Jade had accumulated before adding a few selections of my own. “On second thought, she’ll take one of everything in her size. I’ll start an account you can charge them to.”
In a storm of excitement, I perused the store until a sizable selection of garments hung from a rack outside the small dressing room. A disgruntled huff behind me revealed Jade, who had looked slightly disoriented.
“Were you planning on attending to me in the dressing room as well since you seem to have forced yourself into my shopping experience?” she sulked.
At her haughty tone, my eyes flashed with wicked intent. “Only if you promise you won’t be the good girl you pretend to be when you model them for me. Or maybe you should start the scene in your usual way, all pouty lips and fiery eyes, only for me to corrupt you and discover how naughty you can truly be.”
The shopkeeper made a choked gasp before her giggles echoed in the small shop.
Jade crossed her arms and turned her attention to the primary display near the cash register. Even through her exasperation, she couldn’t help but stare agape at the bejeweled black corset adorned with glittering jewels of deep purples, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.
“Wow,” she breathed.
“Oh, yes,” the shopkeeper smiled widely when she noticed Jade’s gawking. “This piece is new, just arrived at the store today, actually. Over twenty-five carats of real jewels hand-stitched by the designer in New York. It’s the only available piece in this style left on the east coast.”
Her gaping mouth shut with a snap. “It’s stunning, but definitely out of my price range.” With one last look of longing, she returned to the overflowing rack with a slight grimace. “I suppose I’m ready for that dressing room.”
My lips pursed, ready to argue with her aboutprice ranges,when the shopkeeper hurried between us to help attend Jade. She tripped, brushing her breasts against me with a faux apology as she steadied herself on my forearm.
“I’m so sorry about that! After wearing these heels all day, I’m a bit unsteady.” She lowered her voice, her nails digging in to my impenetrable skin despite my efforts to dislodge her. “Let me know if you need help with anything,” she whispered, her gaze ravishing me. “And I meananything.”
Jade’s hands clenched into her fists at her sides and magick suddenly shimmered in the air.
“Actually, you could do something unorthodox for me and my date,” I started, turning the shopkeeper away from a potential outburst and dragged her towards the shop entrance. I snagged what I assumed was the human’s purse behind the register and carted it with me. “I will compensate you handsomely, of course.”
A stack of crisp bills appeared in my hand and I shoved them into hers.
“I would deeply appreciate your discretion. Let’s say two hours? You can go rest your feet in a nice cafe or even head home, and I’ll ensure the store is closed up for the night.”
“Oh, I’m not so sure—” she pouted, dejected, until I added another stack of hundreds to the pile. “Actually, that sounds completely doable. The keys are under the register and the lights are in the back.”
My grin was positively feral. “Thank you, sweets. I’ll be in touch about that store account for future purchases.” I lowered my voice to a conspirator whisper. “Including that divine corset.”
The human flushed and giggled, the stench of her cheap perfume and arousal cloying my senses. “Such a gentleman.”
“Goodnight,” I said resolutely.
My chest vibrated with excitement as I locked the door and dimmed the lights. Once I returned to the dressing room, I expected to find Jade several layers deep into the silky underthings, but she stood stiffly near the rack.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” she hissed. “I’m not a doll you can dress up at your whim to please you. Nor am I female that can be bought.”
“That’s not what this is. This is a gift and nothing more.” I yanked on my collar, irritation a living beast crawling underneath his skin. “Forgive me, but I thought we were on the same page. If my presence bothers you, I’ll leave you to enjoy the rest of your evening alone.”
I spun on my heel, my fangs aching with the need to tear into something, but before I could reach the door, I heard the tell-tale click of her boots as she ran to intercept me.
“Wait.”She shifted on her feet with uncertainty, struggling for words. “I’m sorry I insulted your character, nor do I think you’re the sort of male to take those kinds of liberties. Idowant this. Want you.”A humorless chuckle escaped, her eyes burning with unshed tears. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
I smirked, but it didn’t reach my eyes. “Don’t worry, darling. I’ve been accused of far worse. And more often than not, the accusations are true.” A slow breath fell past my lips, and I felt myself softening as I pulled her towards my chest. “There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re perfect.”
“That's not true,” she whispered, stepping closer. Her hand reached out and grasped mine, winding our fingers together. “And thank you for the gifts. They are far too exorbitant, but I’ll treasure them all the same.”
“You deserve beautiful things, darling.”
She tilted her head up and focused on my lips. “C-could we start over?”
