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Moving forward, Jacob opens the back passenger seat, motioning for me to climb in.
A warm feeling rises within me at the gesture. I climb in and wait for them to join me inside the car.
Jacob takes the wheel while Kai goes to sit with him. Cole comes to sit beside me and captures my hand in his.
I watch the vast estate pass by through the window as the car moves forward. Cole talks with his brothers while firmly holding my hand. The gesture relaxes me but deep inside, I’m worried about finding a way back home.
On our way to downtown Syracuse, we pass by Knightswood. The familiar sight of the snow-dusted suburban houses sends a pang through me. I’m so close to my home and my bakery, and yet, so far away.
Not willing to risk letting Laura and Pete catch a glimpse of me, I instinctively duck my head. They’re the kind of people who’d call the cops on Jacob and his brothers just to get their hands on me.
Soon, the car is driving through heavy traffic. Modern skyscrapers come into my view, telling me we’re almost at the heart of downtown Syracuse.
Jacob drives us to a posh shopping district and parks the car outside a boutique clothing store. I’m secretly glad we’re here early because even though I’m dressed warmly, the big, mismatched clothes make me look like a homeless person.
“Come on,” Cole says, opening the door wide.
I climb out and keep my head lowered. It’s highly unlikely that Pete or Laura would be here, but I still can’t get rid of my paranoia.
Jacob, Cole, and Kai don’t notice anything and sweep me inside the shop.
The vast, brightly-lit space looks empty at first glance but the moment we step in, a tall, elegant woman comes forward to greet us. She’s dressed in a crisp crimson suit that matches the color of her lipstick. Her short dark hair is so meticulously straightened, that not a single strand sticks out. ‘Linda’ is etched on the metallic nametag on her jacket.
“We’re here to shop for her,” Kai says, keeping his arm around my shoulders.
Linda stares at us with concealed disapproval but forces a smile. “Of course! Please, come this way,” she says in a loud, cheerful tone. Welcoming them further inside the shop, she gestures at rows of dresses and jumpsuits. “These are all the items that came in just yesterday. Our store has all the latest trends from our designers, so you can choose what you like without a second thought.”
Linda ignores me completely as she recites the names of designer labels, half of which I’ve never heard before.
Kai turns toward me. “Get everything you like.” Leaning in closer, he whispers, “We’d rather not drive back here for a second trip. My brothers and I prefer keep you locked in with us.”
Before I can calm myself down, Jacob steps closer. “Grab yourself a few evening gowns too. Since Christmas is almost here, we might get invited to some parties. We’d rather you came with us than stay cooped up all alone in that big house of ours.”
“I have no idea how to choose a gown,” I mumble. “I don’t know what would look good on me. Maybe, I should go for something simpler?”
Jacob hooks a finger under my chin and lifts my face to him. “Do you want us to help you choose?” The intense look in his eyes makes my heart throb in my chest. I nod silently because all the words seem to have flown out of my head.
A knowing grin blossoms on his luscious lips as he bends down to capture my mouth.
Kai groans, muttering about Jacob hoarding me all the time.
The kiss is brief but like a drop of hot cider, leaving me feeling warm and soothed.
“Go ahead,” Jacob says in a rough voice. “Buy everything you need. In the meantime, we’ll look through the gowns.”
Linda looks between us, appearing annoyed for no reason.
When Jacob leaves with his brothers, she starts bringing me dresses, none of which I like. They’re all too revealing, patches of fabric missing from weird places like the stomach or just above my crotch. Has she already assumed I’m an escort?
Straightening my back, I march through the aisles of the store, collecting the clothes I feel I can use. After checking out the price tags on the first few, I avoid looking at them completely. There’s no way my income as a baker would ever be enough to buy these luxurious dresses.
It’s not long before I find myself in the lingerie section.
Heat courses through me as I look at the sexy selections spread out in every corner. My mind plays naughty scenarios of me wearing them and Jacob peeling them off my body.
I select a few but my favorite one is a set of pink-lace bra and thongs. Small pearls form floral patterns on the cups as well as the panties. They’re sexy but also elegant.
“Excuse me,” I call out to Linda. “Could you get these purchased right away? I want to wear them now.”
