Violet digs her heels in. “Darius, this is too much.”
“It’s necessary.” I lean down to murmur in her ear. “Besides, I want to see you in silk.”
Her breath hitches, and I feel the shiver that runs through her. Good.
The boutique transforms into a whirlwind of fabrics and suggestions. The saleswoman, who introduces herself as Margot, pulls dress after dress, each more stunning than the last. Violet touches them like they might shatter.
“Try this one first.” Margot holds up a deep emerald gown thatwould bring out Violet’s eyes. “The changing room is just through here.”
Violet gives me a vulnerable look. “You’re staying?”
“Unless you want me to leave.” I settle into one of the plush chairs facing the changing area. “But I have opinions about what you should wear.”
“Of course you do.” But under the sarcasm is relief. She takes the dress and disappears behind a curtain.
I force myself to breathe through the wait. To focus on anything except the fact that she’s naked behind that thin barrier.
The curtain slides back, and my wolf goes absolutely still.
The emerald dress hugs every curve, dips low enough to hint at soft skin, and makes her look like some kind of forest goddess. She shifts uncomfortably, tugging at the neckline.
“It’s too much,” she says.
“It’s perfect.” My voice comes out rough. “But try the others anyway.”
She rolls her eyes. “We don’t have all day.”
“On the contrary.” I cross my arms over my chest.
She sighs, and I let my gaze travel over her slowly enough that her cheeks flush.
“Now, turn around. Slowly.”
“You’re so annoying. Let’s just pick one and go.” But she does it, and the way her body moves in the dress makes my mouth go dry.
She disappears again. The next gown is silver and makes her look ethereal. The one after that is black and makes me want to peel it off her immediately. By the fourth dress—a deep, wine red that should be illegal—I’ve given up any pretense of casual observation.
“What do you think?” She does a small turn, the fabric floating around her legs.
“We’re getting all of them.”
“What? No!” She plants her hands on her hips, and the movement makes the dress shift in interesting ways. “That’s insane. What about the budget?”
“The budget can handle it.” I stand and move closer. “You need all of them. There’s an event, and then there’s the dinner, and of course, you need a backup in case something happens.”
“Why would anything happen to my dresses?”
“You never know,” I say innocently. “Better safe than sorry.” I turn to Margot. “We’ll take all of them. Go change, Violet, and we’ll grab something to eat.”
I take her to a fancy human restaurant that I checked out online while planning this shopping trip. They have freshly baked croissants and a wide variety of breakfast items. I watch Violet dig in once the food arrives. She doesn’t seem to notice me staring at her.
Her happiness is addictive. When she smiles like this, I could watch her forever. As she chews her pancakes happily, I realize this is the first time she has let her guard down around me.
“Aren’t you going to have yours?” She eyes my plate, her own nearly empty. I push my waffles toward her. “I’m not really hungry,” I lie. “You want them?”
Her whole face lights up, and I try to hide my smile behind my cup of coffee.
We hit the shoe store next. Glass shelves display heels like works of art, and the carpet is so plush, my feet sink into it.
