Page 77 of Love Lies Bleeding

With his elbow leaning against the window as he looks out broodingly, I would give everything I own to know what he’s thinking about or what he’d meant by calling me a queen. I know once upon a time he’d said I was his princess, but that was all a lie, wasn’t it?

Is it possible that what Jake had felt for me back then had been real? Am I cutting off my nose to spite my face by not giving him a real chance? It’s so terrifying to think of ever feeling that kind of pain again, but the temptation to let myself sink into everything that is how Jake makes me feel is too much. Luckily, I’m saved from any decision as we pull to a stop outside a lavish-looking building.

Bella Allure is located on the outskirts of the city and is appointment only. I look up, feeling my bravado waver, but snap out of it as Jake exits the car, and comes around to open my door. Prickles of memory tingle across my skin as he smiles at me and takes my hand, tucking it into the crook of his arm and walking us inside, where we are met by the owner of the store.

“Mr. Marshall, what a pleasure it is to have you visit us.”

Jake nods and turns to me as the woman practically drools over him, without a single glance my way.

“This is Cherry Baker. Isn’t she the most exquisite beauty you’ve ever seen?”

Summarily put in her place, the owner glances at me with an assessing eye. I’m not a docile wallflower, far from it. In fact, most people would call me an extrovert, but under this woman’s scrutiny, I feel every insecurity times a thousand. Shrewd blue eyes travel over me like I’m a prime piece of rib and I want to pass this imaginary test more than I should, especially with Jake watching.

“She’s like the flower she was named for, delicate and yet powerful.”

Jake nods his agreement. “Agreed. Do you have the dresses I requested?”

“I do, and I can’t wait to see them on her.”

Jake keeps his hand on my back as we are led through to the back, past white and gold accented walls with racks of designer garments. We pass through a black door where a dressing room is set up with Champagne and fruit in the shape of a flower, and long comfy couches and floor-to-ceiling mirrors along three walls. At the back is a velvet-curtained area, which I’m guessing is where I can change. It is opulent and classy and, as a designer, I can recognize what they are trying to achieve here; understated elegance, and it works.

“If you’d like to go in and slip off your clothes, I’ll bring the first dress in for you to try.”

“Okay.”

This passive woman is so not me, but I want to get my bearings and I’m still reeling from what Jake said in the car. Our past is so complicated, and it intrudes on every interaction we have, but if I were to examine who he is now, would I find a person I liked, admired, wanted? Probably, but letting go of the past means taking a risk and I’m not sure if I’m brave enough.

“Are you ready?” Bella calls.

“Yes.”

Slipping between the small gap, she enters the space and I stand in my underwear, thankfully having regained a little of my body confidence after her perusal.

“I have four options Mr. Marshall has picked out for you to try on. I thought we could try this one first and see how we go.”

The first one is black with a high neckline, but the back is open in a large keyhole shape with cap sleeves that clasp at the top. Nude fabric underlay is accented with contrasting black lace detailing that covers the shoulders, and bodice, and accentuates the hemline of the trumpet skirt.

It is stunning.

The fabric molds over my body, as I’m zipped into it, and makes me feel invincible, powerful like I can take on anything and win. I slide my feet into black satin four-inch-high pumps and let Bella clip the hooks at the neckline. It is snug, but I guess that’s the idea, and the length is perfect which makes me wonder if Jake had sent some of my measurements through because gowns like this are not made for women of five feet.

“Ravishing. Let’s go in the other room and allow Mr. Marshall a glimpse.”

I’m not the type of woman to allow a man to dress me or tell me what to wear, but Jake has hit this out of the park and I want to see his reaction to me in this dress. A bubble of excitement fizzes in my veins as I anticipate his reaction.

As the curtain swishes back, Jake looks up from his phone and my breath catches in my throat at the naked hunger I see in his gaze. He stands and comes towards me, hands tucked firmly in his pockets as if he doesn’t trust himself not to touch me. He doesn’t speak as he walks around me, his gaze like a whisper-soft caress over my fevered skin.

“She looks stunning, don’t you think, Mr. Marshall?”

Jake gives a slow nod as he appraises me. “You look breathtaking, Blossom, but do you like it? I know that whatever you wear you’ll bewitch every man and woman that lays eyes on you, but I want you to feel it.”

“I love it, but I want to try the others to make sure.” And also because I’m intrigued to see what else he’d chosen for me. Light dances in his eyes and I so want to feel his lips on mine. I want to revel in the way he makes me feel like I can conquer the world. Jake has always had that ability.

“Go, I’ll wait with bated breath to see which one you try next.”

While I was talking with Jake, Bella had hung the other three dresses in the room. One is a cornflower blue taffeta with a ruffle skirt. The next is a pale pink tulle A-line dress with a beaded bodice, spaghetti straps, and the last one is a blush pink sheath with a boned bodice, and beads covering the entire dress.

Deciding on the blue one, I put it on and again find myself holding my head higher, but not in the same way the black dress did. This one is lighter, I feel freer, and more myself in this one. Stepping out, I see Jake watching me, his features spreading into a smile that makes my toes curl.

---