Vivienne’s smile warmed by several degrees. “Excellent choices. I’ll set up a suite on the fourth floor. The lighting is much better for appreciating colors.”
“I don’t need three gowns,” Ava whispered as they followed Vivienne to a private elevator.
Victor’s hand settled at the small of her back. “The retreat has multiple events. Cocktails, activities, the gala.” He leaned closer,breath stirring her hair. “Besides, watching Lilith’s face when you walk in will be worth every penny.”
The suite was larger than Ava’s apartment. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors multiplied them into infinity. A crystal chandelier threw rainbows across cream walls. Champagne waited in a silver bucket, though it was barely noon.
“Shall we start with the blue?” Vivienne suggested.
Behind a carved screen, she helped Ava into the dress: hidden zipper sliding up her spine, silk adjusted across shoulders. The fabric felt like being wrapped in moonlight.
“Perfect,” Vivienne murmured. “The color brings out your eyes. Let’s show him.”
Before Ava could lose her nerve, she stepped out from behind the screen.
Victor looked up from his champagne. His glass stopped halfway to his lips.
His eyes traveled slowly: hem to waist to neckline to face. The dress fit like it had been sewn onto her body. Deep V neckline just daring enough. The way it nipped at her waist before flowing to the floor.
“Turn for me.”
She did a slow spin, hyperaware of how the silk moved against her skin. When she faced him again, Victor had set down his glass. He crossed to her in three strides.
“We’ll take it,” he told Vivienne without looking away from Ava’s face.
The burgundy was different. Shorter, hitting above her knees. Long sleeves that made it more provocative, not less. The color made her skin glow.
“That one too.”
The champagne dress was last. Beading that caught every bit of light and scattered it like stars. The fitted bodice showed curves she usually hid under blazers and pencil skirts.
Victor stood when she emerged. Said nothing, his expression caught between want and restraint.
“All three,” he told Vivienne. “And shoes to match.”
“It’s too much,” Ava said.
“The firm is paying. Mandatory attendance.” He moved closer, adjusting the shoulder strap with careful fingers. The touch sent heat racing down her spine. “Besides, the retreat is us going to war. You need every advantage.”
“Expensive clothes are an advantage?”
“Confidence is.” His hand moved to her waist, steadying her in the sample heels. “And you look…”
“Ridiculous?”
“Dangerous.”
“I’m mostly harmless,” she said.
“Mostly?”
She looked up at him. Met those dark eyes, catching the light wrong, something inhuman flickering behind them.
“Kiss me.”
“Ava…”
“We’re sharing a bed in three days. If we can’t kiss in a fitting room, we’re doomed.”
