Page 26 of Forbidden Obsession

“Please, Blade. You’ve already done so much, I can’t ask you to—”

“You didn’t. I offered,” I interrupted, shutting her down. “Wally World or the mall?”

“And you callmestubborn?” she countered before heaving a sigh. “Fine. The mall…please.”

I headed south, inwardly celebrating my victory. Not only had I devised a way to get her back to the ranch, but I also planned to convince her to stay—at least until I finished gathering my intel on her.

Once inside the mall, Emma’s eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning as she studied the directory of stores.

“This way,” she said excitedly, hobbling off.

I quickly caught up to her and cupped her elbow, then escorted her to a posh, clothing store. The minute we stepped through the door, a saleswoman dragged a critical eye over Emma’s gym shorts and tee and wrinkled her nose.

“Do you have an appoint—”

“No, I don’t,” Emma replied with a snobbish lift of her chin. “But I’m hoping you’d like to make an obscene commission and help me replace some of the clothes I lost in the tornado that hit near Denton. Or…would you like me to take my money elsewhere?”

I had no idea where her haughty demeanor had come from, but it was sexy as fuck.

The woman blinked and shook her head, then dragged an assessing gaze down Emma’s body. “I’d be happy to help you, ma’am. You’re a size six, correct?”

“Yes,” Emma replied on a grateful sigh.

“Right this way,” the woman eagerly smiled.

As Emma limped around the store, pointing to pieces of clothing while the salesclerk gathered them up, I finally caught sight of the pampered princess, born with a silver spoon. Yes, I knew her family had more money than God. But the entire time we’d been together, she’d been so…normal, the fact had honestly slipped my mind. Emma was kind and even thanked the clerk several times, but I found the aura of wealth pouring off the woman wearing my gym shorts and tee beyond fascinating.

While she did her thing, I meandered around, biding my time. As I passed a brightly lit recessed shelf, I nearly choked at the price tag on a basic, black handbag. Curiosity piqued, I continued strolling around, furtively checking prices of clothing.

After handing over nearly three-quarters of her cash, I wasn’t a bit surprised when the salesclerk only handed her two shopping bags. Lifting the packages from Emma’s fingers, I tucked an arm around her and guided her out of the store.

“If I remember correctly, the directory showed an elevator up here,” she said, pointing ahead.

“Forgive me being a typical man, but what the hellelseis there left for you to buy?” I grinned.

“Us dinner,” she replied, pensively peering up at me.

“You hungry?”

“I’m starving.”

“Why didn’t you say something? I would have been happy to buy you—”

“No. I want to buyyoudinner. Please, Blade? It’s the least I can do.”

“You don’t owe me any—”

“I do, but it’s not a debt. It’s a thank you.”

Her pleading smile and gratitude shimmering in her big, green eyes was like a punch to the gut. Though it went against every ounce of chivalry in my body, I refused to crush her and tell her no.

“All right.” I nodded, swallowing my pride.

“Thank you.” Her face lit up like the sun. “I saw a restaurant on the directory. It’s up on the third floor. Should we give it a try?”

“We can, or…do you like steak?”

“I love it.”

---