I look up from my book. "What?"
"Come with me."
He leads me upstairs to his bedroom.
Our bedroom.
On the bed is a garment bag I've never seen before.
"What is it?"
"Open it."
I unzip the bag slowly.
Inside is a dress.
Not just any dress.
The most beautiful dress I've ever seen.
Black silk that looks like it costs more than most cars.
Simple but elegant.
Sophisticated.
The kind of dress that would make heads turn in any room.
The kind of dress you'd wear to the Consortium showcase.
"I don't understand," I say. "We're not performing. Why would I need a showcase dress?"
"Because we're still going. We're still attending. We're just not performing. And I want you dressed appropriately. Want them to see exactly what they're losing when I choose you over them."
I run my fingers over the silk. "It's beautiful."
"Try it on."
"Now?"
"Please."
I take the dress into the bathroom, strip off my jeans and sweater, and slip the silk over my head.
It fits perfectly. Of course it does.
Vaughn knows my body better than I do at this point.
The dress clings to every curve.
Modest enough to be elegant but fitted enough to showcase everything.
The neckline is low but not scandalous. The hemline hits just above my knee.
I look like I belong in that world.
Like I could walk into a Consortium event and no one would question my presence.
