“I don’t understand,” he ran his hand over his jaw, “how you walk in them.”
I laughed, maybe a little giddy. “I don’t walk,” I corrected. “I glide.”
His eyes softened. “You like them,”
“I love them.”
“Good.” He rose to his full height, towering over me with that dangerous calm confidence. “They’re yours.”
My breath stopped. “Vince?—”
“You’re getting them.”
“I can’t?—”
“You can. And I want you to.”
I stared at him and felt something flutter deep in my chest. He crossed his arms, watching me flush like it was the highlight of his week.
“Well?” he asked. “Should I buy you the bow shoes, or do I need to find a way to torture you further?”
“Fine,” I swallowed. “You win.”
The sales assistant reappeared with the order form, but when I reached for it, she smiled politely.
“No need, Miss Thorne. Your measurements are already on file. Mr. Devereux keeps dynasty clients’ molds for future commissions.”
“He does?”
Vince looked entirely unsurprised. “Of course he does.”
The assistant continued, “Everything is pre-stored. We’ll send the mold to the atelier and begin fabrication immediately.”
I tried to stay composed, but internally I was screaming.
“Do I need to sign something?” I stammered.
“No,” the associate said, bowing slightly to Vince. “Mr. Crow has arranged everything.”
I shot him a glare. “You arranged nothing. You just nodded.”
His mouth curved. “It was a very effective nod.”
I hated that I smiled. He had bought me heels. The kind of heels that cost as much as an expensive vehicle. So, obviously, I needed to return the gesture.
The universe required balance. And also, I really wanted to see him wear jewelry.
“You bought me shoes. I’m buying you something.” I walked towards the jewelry case.
He crossed his arms. “I don’t accept gifts.”
I turned. “Ever?”
“Ever.”
“Well,” I said, flicking my hair, “now it’s my mission.”
“Madeline.”
