She didn’t say anything else as we strode across the marble floor of the lobby, our steps loud in the vast place. A long line of humans waited to check in.
“I’d watch yourself with that one,” Sondra said, nodding toward Nathan. “He has quite the ruthless reputation.”
“Thanks for the unsolicited advice, but I think I’ll manage.”
As if any of the spooks I knew were any different—including Sondra. They all had one thing in common; their mercilessness.
Nathan was dangerous, yes, but not to the people he loved. Somehow, I’d found myself among those numbers.
To my surprise, Nathan didn’t head immediately for the casino or any of the bars attached to it. Instead, he branched off toward the shops that I could tell at a glance were highly overpriced.
He stopped in front of one, jerking his chin at the door. “In you go.”
I stared blankly at the display window. “I don’t understand.”
“You’re not dressed for what I have in mind.” Nathan ran his gaze over my simple outfit, a pair of jeans with a t-shirt and jacket. “Anton called ahead. They’ve already picked out a few things for you and the other ladies.”
Deborah squealed and did a little dance. “Best. Trip. Ever.”
She waltzed into the shop without a backwards look, forgetting all about her master as she waved at the closest saleswoman.
“Always so difficult,” Nathan said with a gusty sigh. He took my shoulders, physically turning me in the direction of the doorbefore giving me a little push. “Get dressed, woman. You’re burning moonlight.”
Caroline’s chuckle was soft as she trailed behind me.
“Are you Ms. Travers?” a saleswoman asked, spotting me.
“Much to my dismay, yes.”
The woman’s confusion showed for only a split second before she donned a professional mask. “Right this way, please. We’ve already pulled several pieces to get you started. If none of them meet your approval, we’ll be happy to find you something else.”
Caroline tagged along behind me as the saleswoman escorted us to a series of luxurious dressing rooms that were as over the top as the lobby had been.
“Champagne?” another saleswoman asked, holding out a flute.
Caroline reached around me. “I’ll take that.”
Deborah appeared, already holding a glass. “We need more trips like this. I have been waiting forever to shop here. I’m not even the one paying either.”
“Don’t get used to it,” I instructed.
This was a one-time thing.
Deborah arranged her features to look serious “Sure thing, boss. Whatever you say.”
“Where’s my changing room?” I asked, ignoring my companion’s sass.
The saleswoman nodded to an alcove on the right.
I heard Caroline asking about hers as I stepped inside, sliding the velvet curtain closed behind me.
Alright, let’s see what I was working with.
eight
It didn’t take longto sort through what was there. At least half of what they pulled were things I’d never be caught dead in. One of them was a confusing assortment of fabric panels that I couldn’t even begin to figure out how to wear.
With a grimace, I discarded it, looking over what remained. A short, bubblegum-pink halter top dress that looked like it belonged on someone way cheerier than me. The second was also a dress. This time gold with long sleeves. Like the first it was short and came with a plunging neckline. The last dress was the shortest of them all. A sapphire blue sequin tassel number that reminded me of the roaring twenties.
