Page 40 of Theirs to Corrupt

“I didn’t agree to be spoiled and pampered.”

Yes. You damn well did.“We’ll be going out for meals, and you’ll be expected to act as my hostess.” And I’d noticed the way she’d tugged on the hem of her shirt, then glanced down, maybe to hide the way her cheeks flushed when we walked into Maestro’s.

Now, though, her eyes flash with fire as she insists, “I’m sure we can find some place that resells designer brands, if a label matters to you.”

I’m about to lose what little hold I still have over my patience. “You are not wearing discards.”

A furious frown knits between her eyes. “If that’s the way you see it, maybe we should rethink this whole arrangement since I’m not good enough for you, Mr. Merritt.”

Confounding, annoying…

Pax clears his throat. “What Link means is that time is of the essence. We don’t have time to run all over the city. In the future, you’re welcome to shop anywhere you want.”

The fuck-all she can. My wife will wear clothing that is beautiful and appropriate for her. I scowl at Pax.

But both of them ignore me completely.

“Once you’re finished here, would you like to go to your apartment to pick up your necessities?” Pax offers.

The hell?

She looks at him. “Really? You’ll take me?”

“I will.”

Because his question deflected Tessa’s attention and that suits me fine, I don’t object.

“I would like that.”

Once more, Pax is her hero, and I’m the villain. Irritated, I drum my fingers on the side of my leg.

Then she looks at me, and her half-smile fades as she pushes back strands of her hair. “I’ll agree to get the bare necessities. We’ll keep a tab, and I’ll pay you back.”

I open my mouth to object, but Pax shakes his head sharply and tells her, “I’m sure you can come to some sort of arrangement.”

He’s good at soothing her out of her arguments.

I shove aside the voice inside me that tells me I could learn a thing or two from him.

At my age, I have zero desire to change who I am.

Tessa needs to stop challenging me.

I win my battles. Always.

“Shall we?” I invite.

Mira opens the boutique’s heavy glass door.

Tessa hesitates for a fraction of a second before stepping inside. I follow closely, as does Mira. The security agent takes her place near the door, nearby, but giving us privacy.

Pax and Torin remain outside.

The store’s interior is beautiful, with racks of clothing artfully displayed, and a soft glow refracting from the crystal chandeliers.

“Link!” Amelia, the owner, joins us. “So wonderful to see you.”

Tessa’s spine stiffens slightly, and she frowns. Wondering about my history here?

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