The head salesperson glances down at Jaeger’s skull ring and flies into action. “Oh, uh, yes… yes, of course.”
In no time, I’m settled into a comfy armchair and given a glass of champagne. Jaeger takes point, standing beside me and ordering the staff around. Clothing piles up around me. I feel like Cinderella, but instead of a fairy godmother, I got a giant, scary godfather.
“That too.” Jaeger points to a nearby mannequin displaying a slinky cocktail gown in white sequins, and I have to speak up.
“I do not need a dress,” I argue. “Besides, that won’t fit me.”
“We’ll have it fitted,” the salesperson assures me. “We just need your measurements.”
I open my mouth to say, “I can’t afford that,” but Jaeger speaks first. “Good. Take the measurements.”
The salesperson’s eyes light up. “And undergarments, what are we thinking?”
Jaeger turns to me, silencing me with his heated stare. “Lingerie. Lots of it.”
“This is ridiculous,” I say when I’m back in his arms, being carried out of the shop and wearing a brand-new outfit. Jaeger paid for everything. I didn’t ask how much it cost, but the head salesperson had a big smile on her face when she promised to have the bags delivered to his penthouse.
Outside, the shop windows reflect the sight of Jaeger carrying me. I look good in my new vegan leather skirt and off-the-shoulder sweater. Jaeger is sexy in a black leather jacket, but he always looks sexy.
The worst part about him carrying me is how good he smells. And I’m up close and personal with his perfect profile, the golden stubble on his high cheekbones. Even though I’ve only known him for two days, my body is primed and ready. I’m soaking my new lace thong.
“We need to stop and get crutches,” I argue. “You can’t carry me everywhere.”
“Yes, I can.”
He’s certainly strong enough.
“This isn’t practical. I’ll tell Atticus. He’ll agree with me.”
“Atticus can’t see you until tonight. There was an emergency at the fight club.”
I bite my top lip. The underground fight club is something Fraternitas is famous for. File it under stuff I don’t want to know.
“You just like carrying me.”
“You’re right, bunny.” He smiles with such warmth I have to look away.
Up ahead is a popular department store. “At least take me there to buy some more makeup,” I grumble to distract myself from him.
“You don’t need it,” he says, but he makes the detour.
“Yeah, but your place could use some throw pillows.” I point to a display in the home goods section.
He halts, staring at the display. “What is their purpose?”
I roll my eyes. “They make things homey. Have you seen where you live? I’ve been in corporate lobbies with more personality.”
He sets me down in an armchair and waves over a sales associate. “Pick what you want.”
“Are you serious?”
In answer, he picks up two candles. One is pine-scented, and the other reads ‘spiced apple cider.’ “Red or green?” he asks.
In the end, we get both candles, a bunch of throw pillows, and knickknacks. It’s weird to decorate for a Fraternitas enforcer, so I pretend I’m window shopping with Margot.
Jaeger’s penthouse is going to look like my favorite hygge magazine when I’m done with it. Will he look at it and remember me when I’m gone?
I can’t think about that right now.
