Page 36 of Poisoned Roses

She laughs softly. “I doubt Titus’s credit ever needs resetting. I’m guessing this baby has an unlimited one.”

She produces his card and nods to the dressing room.

“Go on, try them on. I can’t wait to see how they look.”

I set the glass down on the table and my legs shake as I head to the dressing room that is luxury on another scale. Full-length mirrors frame me from every angle and as I try on the first outfit, I’ve never felt so good.

I never realized how clothes can alter your mindset. Costumes, definitely, but an outfit to wear to dinner or a small gathering, I never thought much of it. Now I understand. It giftsme a confidence I sorely lack and as I spin on my toes, a huge burst of happiness surrounds me.

“Hurry up, I’m waiting here.” Clarissa calls and as I exit the dressing room, she gasps along with the assistants.

“Tia, you’re beautiful.” She says, her eyes wide and full of admiration and as the assistants agree, I must admit that is exactly how this dress makes me feel.

White silk fabric is pulled together from every angle and fixed with a silver clasp that shines with diamonds. At least I hope they’re not real ones.

The fabric spills from the center and drapes to my knees and shimmers as the light catches it. The top is strapless and boned with white crystals and white embroidery, almost bridal in its appearance but more simple. It dusts just below my knees and there is a white fur stole that fastens around my shoulders and a matching white silk purse with silver diamante straps.

“You are an ice princess.” Clarissa gasps and holds up the credit card.

“We’ll take it.”

“No! Oh, I’m—it’s too much.”

The assistants hover with uncertainty, and Clarissa says with determination, “She’ll take it. Please box it up and charge it to this card.”

I am shepherded back into the dressing room and like Nadia, they help me off with the dress and as I change back into the pale blue pant suit that I wore for breakfast, my head is spinning with the entire situation.

I never saw the price tag but saw a similar one that was seven hundred thousand rubles and I am faint with anxiety at the idea of spending so much on a dress. Correction, that Titus will spend so much on a dress.

Clarissa must sense my discomfort because, while the assistant wraps it into a tissue-lined box, she whispers, “Pleasedon’t worry about the money. Titus has probably earned it back in a few seconds already. You do know money will never be a concern when you are married to him, don’t you?”

“I suppose, but I never considered how much things cost before. I’m not used to this world, Clarissa.”

I lay my heart on the line and she smiles sympathetically. “That’s what I’m here for.”

She pulls me down onto the silk-covered couch with the most exquisite detail embroidered on it and says softly, “Look around you, Tia. This is your life now. Titus asked me to take you under my wing because he knew you would struggle to adjust to it.”

“He did?” I’m astounded, and she nods, a sad gleam in her eyes.

“You are the lucky one. He isn’t one for dating. I’ve known him for a long time; dated him myself, but it only lasts for two dates at the most. He has never wanted a girlfriend or a wife. It’s common knowledge, which is why it’s such big news now.”

She laughs softly. “You are the envy of all the women and he is the envy of every man because you make the most dynamic couple. So, enjoy the experience and know I’ve got your back because if I can’t have that man, I’d rather you did.”

I am sad for her. It’s obvious she has feelings for him that she blinks away with a smile.

“Get used to it, Tia, because by the time Titus returns, we will have visited every designer shop in the mall and maxed out his credit card.”

CHAPTER 19

TITUS

My meeting went well. Then again, it always does because most men and women are desperate to align themselves with Romanov Industries. Some say I possess the Midas touch. I plan everything down to the last detail and leave nothing to chance. Questions are answered with clarity and determination, steeped in knowledge, and I’ve never lost a deal yet.

As I prepare to make my way back to the mall, Simeon calls.

“Boss, we have a situation.”

“A situation?”

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