After the home goods section and make up counter, I raise my arms for Jaeger to lift me. “I think we’ve done enough damage for today. I’ll pay you back for the makeup.”
“No, you won’t.” He leans in and nuzzles my neck, smelling the perfume sample I tried.
I shiver, and the tingles spread through my core. “Stop it,” I whisper.
“Stop what?” His lips ghost past my ear. “This?” He bows his head and kisses the spot where my pulse is pounding.
I turn my head. Unfortunately, we’re in the jewelry section of the store, and I spy a ring that makes me gasp.
“What is it?” Jaeger raises his head, as alert as ever.
“Nothing,” I say. But I can’t take my eyes off the ring. It’s made of delicate rose gold, with tiny, tear-shaped diamonds surrounding a pink center stone.
He moves us closer. “That one?” He studies the display.
I can’t say anything. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.
“Can I help you, sir?” an attendant asks.
“She wants to try that ring.” Jaeger nods to it.
“No, I don’t.” I curl my hands into fists. I’m close to crying for some reason.
The attendant is already taking the ring out of the display case. “Are you sure, Miss?”
“Just try it…” Jaeger tips me so I can offer my hand. The salesman slides it on my ring finger.
It fits perfectly.
“Beautiful,” the salesman gushes.
“I don’t want it,” I whisper. I pull off the ring and hand it back.
Jaeger just responds with a “Hmmm.” I keep my eyes fixed on the black shapes of his tattoos swirling out front under his collar.
After a moment, he moves on. I breathe a sigh when he carries me out of the shop.
“Lunchtime,” he announces. I don’t say anything. I’m trying to unravel my freak-out in the shop. I’m mostly fine with Jaeger literally carrying me off to his home, treating me like I’m helpless, buying me anything I need. Fixing my problems. Fucking me anyway he wants.
What is it about me that I just accept this, but when I see something that I want, I freeze up in fear for no reason? Am I so ground down by life that all I can do is keep my head down, going from problem to problem and just trying to survive?
Will I ever have the courage to reach for what I really want?
7
Elodie
When Jaeger carriesme into the shadow-filled foyer of Inferno, the black-haired hostess with a ruby-jeweled nose ring does a double take.
“Elodie?” My friend’s eyes widen when she sees who’s carrying me.
“Hi, Daria.” I give her a little wave.
She gulps as Jaeger approaches and grabs two menus. “This way, sir.” Her tone is brisk and professional, but she glances back a few times while leading us through the club.
“Did we have to come here?” I whisper to him.
“You want to get paid.”
