Page 102 of Brutal Savage

She looks like one of those highbrow kinds of women, dressed in a white blouse that probably cost more than my weekly paycheck, her blonde hair coiled up in a perfect bun.

“I’m Vera, and you must be Mrs. Quinn. It’s a pleasure!” She takes my hands in hers and air-kisses both sides of my face.

“Thanks. Nice to meet you too.” I glance around the large space with shiny marble flooring, a glistening chandelier overhead, and racks of clothes, bags, and shoes all around us.

“We have arranged a wide variety of items, per Mr. Quinn’s request. You may follow me so I can show you some of the pieces we have waiting for you in the dressing room.”

“Sure.” I glance back at Brody, sitting near Rogue.

“I’ll watch him, ma’am. Don’t worry.”

“I’ll be out in a sec, okay, buddy?”

Brody nods, looking a little sad.

My heart sinks. I hate leaving him, but it’s Rogue and he works for Tynan, so I know he’s in good hands.

When she takes me back there, I expect to find a tiny dressing room; instead it’s huge, with so many outfits waiting for me.

“Mr. Quinn mentioned you would need not only work attire, but casual and evening wear as well.” She picks up a long black silk gown.

I don’t even want to look at the price tag, yet I find myself grabbing it.

Holy fucking shit.

$9,990.

I mean they could’ve just rounded up. Ten thousand dollars for a single dress? I can’t even fathom that sort of money.

She gives me a concerned look. “If you don’t like anything in this assortment, I have plenty more for you to try on.”

“Oh…” I laugh nervously. “It’s not that. I’m just not used to all of this.”

Her mouth forms a tight line. “Understandable, but you’re a lucky girl. Now why don’t you start trying things on, hmm?”

“Okay, sure. Thanks.”

She exits and shuts the door while I look around at all these clothes hanging around me.

My mother never wore designer, and neither have I. I’ve always felt it was crazy to spend so much on something you wear, but now, looking at the beautiful pieces, I can’t help wanting them. What does that make me?

I start removing my clothes and slide into a black pencil dress that would be perfect for work. When I look at the price tag, my pulse spikes. Two grand. For one dress. I mean, better than ten, but still…

So much good could be done with this kind of money. I feel almost selfish for buying this stuff.

Except when I put it on and look at myself in the mirror…it’s beautiful. A pair of nude pumps lies on the floor beside ten other pairs of shoes, and I slip into them before exiting the dressing room.

“Wow!” Vera gushes. “Look at you!”

She’s not alone this time. Two other store reps stand beside her. One, though…she doesn’t seem to like me, unless that scowl is just her face.

“Thank you.” I run my hands down the soft material. “I’ll definitely take this one.”

“Great!”

“Will you actually show me where the bathroom is?”

Probably should take this dress off first before I dirty it, but I don’t think I can wait.

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