His eyes narrowed. “Such a comedian.” Vade ran a hand through his hair, and she tried to ignore the way his arm bulged against his sleeve. Had he gotten even more muscular since they’d set out?
“I won’t ask you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with, but know that everyone gets handsy in these kinds of places. We’ll have to play along to fit in.” Vade seemed to hate every word coming out of his mouth, his face looking like he’d swallowed something sour, but it didn’t stop the thrill running through her.
Orelia knew she was blushing. “What kind of dress do I need to buy?”
“One that says, ‘I look like the most expensive girl money can buy.’”
She nodded, already forming a vision in her mind.
“Remember the wizard I told you about that gave me that knife?” He pointed to his seidr dagger on her belt draped across an armchair. “His shop is here. Turn right out of the cabin and follow the path into town. Then go down Landon Street. All the way at the end on the left you’ll see his shop. Blu’s Bespoke Wear & Tailor.”
“You’re letting me go alone?”
“I need to go do more reconnaissance, and Ravere has more Watchers than any other city, being that Aradonis visits so often. It’s quite safe, just don’t go anywhere else but that shop and come right back here.”
Orelia shot up from the bed and pocketed the purse, excitement bubbling over.
She spent every coin Vade had given her on a pair of strappy sandals with a small heel and a satin chartreuse dress.
Back at the cabin, Orelia admired herself in the mirror for the hundredth time. The dress hugged every inch of her body, the satin rippling down her front. The cowl neckline showcased her ample breasts, and the hem hit the floor with a slit so high up the right side that it almost revealed her underwear. Thin straps went over her shoulders and straight down her back, stopping just above her buttocks. Her entire back was exposed, and the sun-kissed color of her skin stood out against the yellow-green dress, making her auburn hair and green eyes pop.
She’d never felt more beautiful. More feminine. More powerful.
After she’d returned from the clothing shop, she’d bathed and twisted the ends of her hair in tight ringlets. Once it dried, she combed through the locks, smiling at the beautiful loose curls stopping just past her shoulders.
Blu had been an excellent help. Attentive, sweet, with a sharp eye for fashion as he picked out everything for her and tailored it to fit. The wizard had given her a pink rouge and a dark eye kohl on the house, and the same kind of bone and black cream pot Evie had used on her eyelashes.
Orelia had just finished painting her lashes when she heard Vade enter the room. She checked herself in the mirror again and fluffed her hair. Her heeled sandals clicked across the wood floors as she came to stand in front of him. “Will this dress work?” She twirled in a slow circle.
“Fuck me . . .” Vade said in a barely audible volume. He seemed to realize he said the words out loud and abruptly cleared his throat. “Uhh . . .you look nice.” Color crept into his bronze cheeks as he looked her over.
His reaction had her chin lifting proudly. “Thank you. Blu was a fantastic help and an absolute sweetheart. Why in the Three Hells is he friends with you?”
Vade rubbed the back of his neck, eyes dipping to her breasts. “What?”
She smirked. “I said, why is Blu friends with you? You have completely opposite personalities.”
He averted his eyes. “Long story.” Vade smoothed his hair and pushed his shoulders back, composing himself. “Well, uhh, we better get going.”
He’d never fumbled over his words before.
“If something happens in there and you need to get out of a situation just play with the emerald on your necklace as a sign, and I’ll understand.”
She clasped the gem around her neck. “What’s going to happen?”
“I just mean if someone does something you don’t want them to do, or says something you don’t like, mess with your necklace, and I’ll handle it.”
The protectiveness in the gesture tugged at her heart. “Okay. Are you wearing your leathers?”
“Yes.”
“I thought we were supposed to look rich, not like we’re here on a murder mission.” She quirked a brow, and he actually smiled.
“Always on a murder mission, little lamb.”
Orelia rolled her eyes and flipped her hair over one shoulder. They met at the door, and Vade paused with a hand on the knob. “Remember, we both have roles, just like in Ricaboro. You’re my whore, and I’m a rich asshole.”
“My role will be harder to pull off than yours, but I’ll give it my best shot.” She winked, and his tawny cheeks turned a deep red.
