Page 27 of Dancing With Distraction

I take a deep breath. “Eveningwear,” I repeat. “Any particular occasion?”

Smiling like a schoolgirl, Vivian glances at her friends like there’s some big secret. One of her friends leans closer and says, “She’s waiting for a very special proposal.”

I stiffen at the words. “Yes, and my father wants me to be ready. I can’t have my picture taken unless I look perfect,” adds Vivian.

I swallow down my anger and pick up the nearest collections folder. “Let’s take a look, shall we?”

“I have Dmitry’s credit card,” I hear her tell her friends. “He said there’s no limit.” They giggle, and I roll my eyes. She’s clearly laying claim, letting me know Dmitry is hers, which is more than he’s done. And now, he’s made it clear I can’t ask questions when it comes to his private life.

I watch as Vivian skims the pages, turning her nose up at most of the things in there. “I was thinking of something with more class,” she mutters. “Actually, maybe if you bring some of these things to me, it might help.”

“You want me to grab random things for you to look at?” I ask.

She stares at me like I’m stupid. “Yes.”

This shop is huge, and most of the eveningwear in the female sections is spread over this floor and the next. “Usually, you pick a few samples and then I have those brought to you,” I advise.

“Well, I want you to go and fetch me some garments to view.”

I grit my teeth in frustration. “Fine. Any particular colour?”

She smiles. “Red. My Dmitry loves to see me in red.”

I run around the shop floor, snatching anything red I see. I don’t bother with brands or price seeing as she’s given me nothing to go on. By the time I get back into the room, Karen has provided them with Champagne. She only does this for clients who she knows are big spenders.

I begin to hang the garments on a rail. “Tina,” calls Vivian, and I roll my eyes again before turning to face her. “I’ve changed my mind on the colour.” I stiffen. “I’d like black.”

“Black?” I repeat through gritted teeth.

She smiles sweetly. “I feel red is the sort of colour I should keep in the bedroom, for his eyes only.”

Her friend nudges her. “Oh, maybe you should get some lingerie. You know how wild it sends him.”

Vivian grins. “Oh my god, yes. He loves silk, and not the cheap kind. Find me red silk.”

I want to say ‘I know’, but instead, I reply, “Of course.”

“And maybe a little lace. He likes the sort that doesn’t cover all the important parts, if you get my meaning.”

“Christ, he’s so hot.” Her friend sighs wistfully. “You’re a lucky bitch.”

Vivian smiles smugly. “Tell me about it. And once I get him up the aisle, he’ll be all mine.”

I head back out to find underwear, pulling my mobile out and sending off a quick text to Dmitry.

Me: You said to keep your private life out of it, yet she’s here in my fucking place of work. What do I do about that?

The reply comes almost immediately.

Distraction: I’ll deal with it.

When I get back to the room with a small selection of underwear, Vivian has stepped away from her friends and is in the corner of the room, speaking into her mobile. I give a smug smile when I hear her trying to explain herself. Then she disconnects and grabs her bag. “Ladies, we have to go. Dmitry wants to see me now. He’s sending his driver.”

“What’s so urgent?” one asks.

“You know he likes to be spontaneous. I’m sure he’s got a long afternoon planned for us both,” I hear her reply as she waltzes out with her mean girl companions.

Karen rushes in a minute later. “Where are they going? Why the hell weren’t they loaded with bags?”

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