Page 29 of A Deal in Darkness
“It’s perfect.” I’m mumbling, strangely lost for words. “Go try the next one on.”
Adriana bites her lip and debates arguing with me. Her pinched-up brow and heaving chest suggest she’s still considering it, even when I glare at her. She’s pushed too far, tested my patience and left me no alternative but to deal with her defiance. In public.
“What is the problem?”
She drops her head and sulks away, heading to the cubicle to avoid a confrontation. Unfortunately for her, I’m not letting this drop and I grab her arm. Tight enough to make her whine.
“I ask a question. I expect an answer.”
Those big blue eyes flick up to mine, and I don’t understand the emotion rippling through them. Damn, that’s new, and it’s fucking fascinating. Unnerving but absolutely enthralling. I’ve never been unable to divine the thoughts ofmortals, but this is a first and I am absolutely captivated, desperate for her to tell me what the fuck she’s thinking.
“It’s too much.”
I nod.
“I don’t want it. I don’t want any of it.”
My jaw ticks. “Why not?”
“Because I’ll owe you.”
I exhale. At least she’s got a reason. A sensible one, too. Her behavior may grate, but there’s a logical explanation behind it and now I realize my girl is terrified. I can manage this situation. Manage her.
The surrounding silence is tense as Eva cowers against the wall and the shop attendants stare closely, trying to understand what’s going on. They’ve seen Adriana’s fear and noted my hold on her. And their interpretation of the power dynamic isn’t wrong.
I smile and dip my head, bringing my mouth to her ear.
“You’re already mine, baby. This doesn’t change our deal. You don’t owe me any more than you did already.”
She swallows and flicks her head toward mine.
“I expect no more from you than I already did. Do you understand?”
Adriana shakes her head.
“I’m going to fuck you tonight, baby. The amount of money you spend has no bearing on how I choose to abuse that pretty little pussy of yours. Or how many times.”
She turns red and I resist the urge to shove her up against a wall and fuck her senseless.
“The only thing your refusal to cooperate is doing is pissing me off and you don’t want to do that, baby.” I drop my shoulders, attempting to show her I’m softening. “I said buy whatever you want. I meant it. As long as it’s in keeping with my preferences.”
I watch her freeze, and now I understand the dilemma she’s been facing. I haven’t given Adriana enough guidance and the poor thing’s petrified of making a mistake.
“You’re okay.” My voice is loud enough for the entire room to hear. “A bit overwhelmed.” My eyes flick to the shop attendants, who still seem concerned. “Just breathe for me, baby. There you go. Just focus on your breathing and it’s all going to be fine.”
The shop girls giggle and swoon, falling for the lie they’re so keen to believe is true. They’ve attributed my actions to that of a man determined to save his girlfriend from a panic attack.
Adriana heads back to a changing room, and I walk toward the manager. “She needs everything. An entire wardrobe. You work on commission, right?”
He nods, clapping his hands and immediately bringing the shop assistants to life. They rush off, returning with piles of clothes in time to see Adriana emerging in yet another stunning dress. Her legs are meant to be shown off, and the skirt leaves little to the imagination. It’ll be perfect to fuck her in, and there’s not a chance we’re leaving without it.
“Beautiful.”
“It’s too short.”
“It’s perfect.” I grin and I don’t give a fuck if she likes it.
The girls flock around her, adjusting the fabric and making minor adjustments that are unnecessary. They fetch shoes andAdriana finally begins to relax as she puts them on and looks like the princess she’s been hiding in her drab, baggy clothes.
