“Yeah.” I grin, though it feels strange on me. “Clothes. Shoes. Whatever the fuck you need.”
She sits up slowly; the blanket clutched to her chest. “I don’t need anything.”
I arch a brow. “Rem, you’ve been wearing the same stuff for days. And it’s too big. You need everything.”
Her mouth twists, defensive. “I’m not a charity case.”
“I didn’t say you were.” I cross the room and crouch so I’m level with her. “But you’re with me now. At least, sort of, and that means I take care of you.”
Her eyes flick away, guilt flashing. “I’m not comfortable with you spending money on me.”
“Tough.” My tone is tighter than it should be, but I mean every word. “I want to, so unless you’d rather walk around barefoot and half-frozen, you’re coming with me.”
She huffs, exasperated, but there’s a faint smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “You don’t take no very well, do you?”
“Not when it comes to you.”
For a second, silence stretches. She studies me like she’s searching for the catch, waiting for the mask to slip. But I don’t look away.
Finally, she sighs. “Fine. But I’m not promising I’ll enjoy it.”
I smirk, offering her my hand. “Don’t worry, I’ll enjoy it enough for both of us.”
Remi
I hate shopping centres. The polished floors, the bright lights, the way people look at you like they can smell you don’t belong. I trail after Shadow, wishing the ground would swallow me whole.
He doesn’t seem to notice the stares. He strides through like he owns the place, all broad shoulders and leather kutte, making the security guards glance twice before deciding they’re not paid enough to follow him.
We step into a pretty boutique. Its walls are rows upon rows of glass shelves, stacked with perfume and other beauty stuff that make my eyes water just looking at the prices. It’s a place I’d never come in a million years. Not just because I feel out of place, but because it screams expensive.
The assistants spot Shadow instantly. How can they not when he’s the biggest thing in here? Their eyes light up like moths to flame.
“Can I help you, sir?” One of them practically purrs, brushing past me like I’m invisible. Another giggles as she offers to show him the men’s section, along with a personal shopping experience.What does that even mean?
I shrink back, folding my arms tight across my chest. My reflection in the mirror mocks me. My hair is still damp from this morning’s shower—Shadow was too impatient to wait for me to dry it—and my face is bare. Makeup’s not really my thing, and compared to these beautiful shop assistants, I must look pale and dowdy. I’m also drowning in his T-shirt because both tops Lexi gave me were filthy.
I don’t fitwith him.And then there’s the way they look at him—hungry, like he’s a prize. It only proves that I don’t fit here.
Shadow picks out an item from the rail, but his gaze doesn’t flicker to either of them. It stays on me.
“What do you think?” he asks, holding up a jacket against my frame. “Too big?”
The assistant’s frown, exchanging a glance when they realise, he’s not even looking at them.
I clear my throat, my voice small. “It’s fine.”
His eyes narrow in that way they do when he’s about to lecture me. He steps closer, holding the jacket up properly now. “I don’t want you to just agree, Rem. Find something you like. I want you warm. We’ll try this one. And this.” He pulls another off the rack,ignoring the way the assistant bats her lashes. He thrusts it at me. “Go try them on, Rem.”
I hesitate, feeling their eyes burning into me, silently asking what I have that they don’t.Nothing,I think.Absolutely nothing.He just hasn’t realised yet.
But then Shadow reaches out, brushing his knuckles down my arm, gentle enough to make my heart stutter. “Humour me,” he says softly.
The assistants’ smiles vanish altogether.
“Come with me?” I ask, my voice still low as I take the jackets.
He nods, smiling. His fingers link through mine, and he walks me over to the changing room. “I’ll be right here,” he tells me, lingering by the door.
