Page 114 of Seasons of War
“This one.” Mellie picked up a beautiful emerald dress. “It matches your eyes.”
The material felt so smooth. Kira tried it on, smoothing the fitted skirt down her legs. Mellie really did have a knack for styling people. It fit Kira perfectly, hugging her hips and highlighting the shape of her thighs. Even if Kira couldafford this, she wouldn't have picked it out for herself with the neckline plunging low and how snugly it wrapped around her waist. But the dress looked incredible.
Almost too flattering. She felt embarrassed when Mellie cried out from the doorway.
“I knew it was perfect.” Grabbing Kira's arms, Mellie's eyes scoured the outfit. “I would pay money for your hips. A large sum of money.” She twirled her finger. “Spin.”
Without even thinking, Kira did as she asked, caught in Mellie's whirlwind.
“The back is even better. You're gorgeous, and I should be a designer. I searched all week for this. Worth it.”
Soon, Mellie was doing Kira's makeup and curling her hair. By the time she finished, she looked ready for a magazine shoot.
“Stunning.” Mellie picked out a dress for herself. “My turn. This is too fun.”
Helping Mellie with her make-up reminded her of late nights in the children's home. Kira's best friend hated make-up, but always let Kira apply it to her anyway, just happy to see her have fun.
“So, I feel worse about this than ever.” Mellie kept looking at her phone. “I'm not innocent in all of this pampering.”
What did that mean?
“If you had said someone special was waiting, of course I wouldn't have brought this up, but… Brock is a very nice guy. You should think about it.”
Uh-oh. “It's not a good time for me to date.”
Mellie covered her face. “This was a terrible idea. You're going to be so mad at me.”
“I'm not mad. Really.”
“No… I messed up, and I'm sorry. I got carried away.”
Her shoulders dropped. What had Mellie done?
Suddenly, she ran out of the room. “Sorry!”
Kira rounded the corner to see Mellie hurrying down the stairs and followed, making it halfway down when the front door opened to two soldiers' uniforms.
Zayne walked through the front door, three days early. With Brock alongside him.
Oh… Mellie, no.
Embarrassment flushed through her, and she stopped on the steps, eyes meeting Zayne's. Mellie ran into his arms, and he caught her, but he stared right at Kira, looking as shocked as she felt.
For several seconds, he didn't look away, the anger likely building and building, because he didn't want her getting close to his family.
When Mellie jumped back and gave a little twirl, she drew Zayne's eyes. “Surprise. What do you think?”
The tight bodice of her scarlet dress cinched at her waist, her skirt fanning out high up her thighs. She looked great.
Zayne nodded. “Beautiful, Mel.”
Mischievous eyes found Kira when Mellie glanced her way. Now, a pointed look at Brock. “Doesn't Kira look great?”
Brock nodded, eyes shifting from Kira to Zayne while everyone stared at him. “Mhm. Sure does.”
Kira stood at the bottom of the stairs now, indescribably uncomfortable. While Mellie seemed too busy to notice, Zayne did not look happy. Why was he so mad? Couldn't Kira have one nice day before the Phaedra murdered her?
Stupid jerk.
