Page 30 of Madam Alana

I held the silky, sexy item aloft. There was no denying itsbeauty. And Christophe would certainly love seeing me in it. With the way headmired my body, especially after how he’d drawn me the other day, and theintimate time we’d shared this morning…I put my hands up to my cheeks as theyheated.

“See? You like that idea. I can tell,” Celine encouraged.

I checked the price tag and shook my head. It was a hundredand fifty dollars for a miniscule amount of fabric. “No way. I picked out fournightgowns already.” They were alsobuyone, get onefree, so I got four of them for just under two hundred. I was thrilled to scorethat deal, which was why I’d grabbed four.

“If you don’t buy it, I will put it on Darren’s card andgive it to you as a wedding present,” Celine threatened. I didn’t want to gether into trouble, so I tucked thedamnthing under myarm. We could return anything Christophe didn’t like or felt I’d spent too muchon.

I finished my stash with three pairs of silky panties thatcame in a set. The colors were fun and funky which I looked forward to wearing.My current underwearwereall raggedy white cottonthat I’d had for years. It would feel so luxurious to wear silk on my booty.Humming, I took my purchases to the counter.

A pair of large arms came around me from behind,Christophe’s unique, earthy scent filtering through the air as he tucked his chinto my shoulder.

“What have you found,cheri?”he asked.

I swallowed, suddenly nervous as I pawed through the itemsand showed him my choices. “Um, some basic sets, a few nightgowns for bed, arobe for me and, um, for you. And Celine is trying to force me to buy, uh…this.”I pointed to the sexy teddy.

He picked up that one item and my entire body becameengulfed in flames of embarrassment.

“I would very much enjoy seeing you in this.” He snuggled myneck teasingly. “This is all you need?” he asked with what sounded like doubtas Celine approached with a load twice the size of what she’d purchased at thelast store.

“These were allreally gooddeals.And I don’t need much right now. I’ll get more later in France,” I explained.

He shook his head and then backed away looking at the singlebag at my feet. Then he turned and noted the ten bags that Celine had near her.

He bent over and lifted my single bag, pilfering through it.“There are three items in here,moncoeur.” He furrowed his brow. “Did you not likeanything more?”

“Those are great pieces, and I can pair two of them withwhat I already own,” I admitted.

“Hmm, it seems I need to attend this shopping extravaganzaseeing as you are bad at it,” he huffed.

“I am not!” I fired back and then held my tongue, waiting tosee if I’d upset him with my heated reply.

“Darling, you are. Look at Celine’s bags.” He gestured toher alarming number of purchases. “She understood the assignment,” he teased,and I relaxed, smiling.

“See! Told you,” Celine laughed.

Darren suddenly entered the store. “Celine, I need to gomeet with someone about a new business deal.” His gaze landed on the enormouspile of bags. “I see you’ve earned a spanking later.” He grinned. “I’ll behappy to give it.”

She clapped her hands as though she was taunting him. Helooped an arm around her waist and pulled her against him, dipping his head andkissing her. They made out fully, him palming her bum and breast graphically. Iturned away, no longer capable of seeing this man paw my best friend as thoughhe owned her.

Christophe took the credit card I handed him back and paidfor the items I chose. Then he threaded his fingers with mine. “Why don’t Itake you both shopping awhile longer? When Darren returns, we’ll go ourseparate ways. How does that sound?”

Darren finally ripped his mouth away from my friend.“Whatever, man. Just keep an eye on my wife. If she spends more than ten grand,I give you permission to spank her pert ass.”

“I will do no such thing,” Christophe barked, a scowl marringhis handsome face in what looked like disbelief.

Darren rolled his eyes. “Figure of speech. Well, mostly.” Heput his hand to Celine’s neck, and I swear he used his hold to shove her towardthe counter. “You see all of these, wife?” He forced her by the neck to lookdown at them. “These are good girl presents. When we get back to our hotel,you’re going to earneach and everylast one of themon your knees. Nod if you understand.”

She nodded dutifully, and I had to hold back the desire topunch him in his nasty mouth. My stomach clenched painfully, and I couldn’tstand to look at the disgusting pig any longer. I bolted out of the store andinto the hallway. Christophe followed at a fast clip.

“That man…” I clamped my mouth shut as my nostrils flared.Anger sizzled along my skin like I was being stung by a hundred wasps all atthe same time.

“Will no longer be purchasing any of my art,” Christophesnapped. “He’s insufferable. Did you talk to Celine about the shiner?” heasked, irritation seeming to fuel his own frustrations at the other man’sbehavior.

“She claimed it was rough sex and that she liked it.Apparently, they have a rather racy sex life.” I crossed my arms over oneanother.

“Already? They’ve barely gotten to know each other.” Hefrowned.

I shrugged and took a full, calming breath. “Her life. Her choice.Her contract.”

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