Page 45 of Possession of the Bratva

“Oh, it’s to die for,” I said as we got to the counter. “Two Fudgecles,” I told the young woman on the other side of the counter. She shook her head and rang it up. After paying for them, we moved to the collections counter.

Armed with our drinks, we could move on. It was time to shop. I pulled Aleksandr to the perfume shop. Aleksandr joined me in smelling about five bottles of perfume. “I’m going to be high if we continue this much longer,” he said, handing me a pink lacy bottle. “I like this one.”

“No,” I protested. “I am buying you one today.” I found one I liked that smelled divine on him. It was perfect, so I took it. It had a rustic musk smell, reminding me of Aleksandr’s natural scent. The scent combined with his made me want to smell himall day long. Aleksandr bought the other one, but he also insisted on getting me one.

Moving further into the mall, we passed a jeweler. Aleksandr took my hand and pulled me inside. “Pick something,” he said. “Anything.”

I picked earrings and a bracelet set that had small pink stones in it. I also looked at the men’s watches. Aleksandr pulled me in a gentle hug as he whispered. “I have a watch, dear.”

“I know,” I replied. “But if it breaks, you’ll have a spare.”

Tapping on the glass, I spoke to the salesperson. “We will take this one, please.” Aleksandr was behind me as he spoke again. “Please leave it, I don’t need it.”

I hadn’t realized how close he was until I turned. Our noses touched as we stared into each other’s eyes. I felt my heart picking up speed and my breath coming in quicker sessions. I felt the kiss coming. As I closed my eyes in anticipation, the man behind the counter spoke. “You can pay at the front,” he said.

Jumping around, I took the packet he was holding out. I made my way to the front quickly. Aleksandr was on my heels. Once I had paid and we stepped out, I turned to him. “You agreed that I could take you out. Please do not interrupt me if I choose to get you something.”

Aleksandr nodded but didn’t reply. Taking his hand, we walked in silence further. As we passed a small ‘quick snack’ shop, I stopped. Glancing at him, I spoke softly. “Do you want to get something to eat?”

He nodded and entered the shop. There were only three tables inside with two chairs at each. We sat in the corner. Aleksandr had coffee and a muffin. I had coffee and a croissant. Once we were done, we continued our shopping.

The next stop was a clothing store. As I pulled him inside, I noticed his mood changing. “This is going to be fun, I promise,” I whispered in his ear as I led him to the changing rooms where the seating area was.

“You wait here,” I said as I pulled him to sit on one of the loungers. “I’m going to pick a couple of outfits and model for you.”

As I walked away, leaving him there, I saw a smile crossing his lips. I practically ran through the rows, picking about ten items of clothing I felt he would appreciate. As I came back with my hands filled to the brim, I noticed Aleksandr was on his phone.

One of the sales ladies came over and assisted me to hang the clothes in a changing room. “Is everything okay?” I asked, walking to Aleksandr.

He looked up and placed his phone back in his pocket. “Everything is great, dear. No need to worry,” he answered, grinning. “Are you going to try all of those?”

Glancing at the changing room, I nodded as I went inside. First up were two pantsuits. One was a dark green, and the other an off-white. I walked in a circle stopping at one side and then the other so Aleksandr could assess the outfit.

“I like both, but the off-white is my pick out of the two.” He said as I headed back to change.

The next two were summer dresses, he loved both. As I came out in the first evening gown, I heard Aleksandr gasp.

“Now, that is a dress we must buy,” he huffed as he stood and pulled me into his arms. “Do you like opera?” he enquired.

“I’m not sure,” I replied, turning out of his arms and heading back to change.

Coming out in the second one came with the same result. Aleksandr pulled me close and kissed my neck as he whispered. “Can I come to help you change?”

Laughing, I shook my head. One of the staff brought us two glasses of champagne. Taking a sip, I placed the glass down and went to try on the last four outfits. These were more everyday wear. I selected two pairs of jeans, with tight-fitting tops. Then there was a short pantsuit and a jumpsuit.

I danced, struck poses, and walked up and down with each item. Aleksandr and I laughed as I tried a different pose with each of them. I was relaxed and having fun. Once done, we decided to buy them all. Aleksandr paid for the clothing, and we moved on.

Walking past a couple of shops, I pulled his arm, turning direction. He studied the shops ahead of us and then stopped dead in his tracks. I felt his hand closing around my arm as he pulled me to a stop. “Yes,” I asked, looking at him.

His eyes were slightly larger as he looked up at the beauty salon. “I’m not going there,” he mumbled as he looked into my eyes.

“I promise it’ll be fun. Come on, please,” I begged.

“What am I supposed to do in there?” Aleksandr questioned, squeezing my hands.

“We’ll get a couples massage; you will enjoy it,” I said, pulling him with me as I walked towards the salon. As we got closer, he gave up and walked with me. I could tell his mood was shifting again.

Entering the salon, the owner came over and hugged me. “Mila, it’s been a long time,” she said, eyeing Aleksandr.

---