He smiled, adding them to his armload without hesitation. “Good choice. What about something for sleeping?”
My cheeks flushed hot. “I… um…”
“Perhaps the young lady would prefer to browse our sleepwear and lingerie selection privately,” Jennica interjected, her smile not reaching her eyes.
I tensed, anxiety clawing at my throat. The thought of being alone with this woman made my skin crawl. But before I could spiral, Tommas appeared at my side, green gaze twinkling mischievously.
“Nah, I think we’ve got it covered,” he said, winking at me. “Come on, Butterfly. Let’s find you the comfiest pajamas in this whole damn place.”
Relief washed over me as he gently steered me away, Dimitri following close behind. As we moved deeper into the store, I spotted Marco, his brow furrowed in concentration as he examined a rack of jackets. He had a small selection of clothing draped over his arm too, pieces he’d picked specifically with me in mind.
It warmed me from the inside out.
Surprisingly, I felt a flutter of excitement to try things on. To please these Alphas, who were trying so incredibly hard to make me happy.
Tommas had made shopping for sleepwear and undergarments fun, taking the awkwardness away with his charm and easy-going personality. Armed with new underwear, bras, and more loungewear than anyone truly needed, I moved to the back wall to look for a few more pairs of pants.
Every pair of jeans I showed a slight bit of interest in, every pair of yoga pants or leggings that made me sigh from how soft they were, ended up in Dimitri’s arms. I blinked at his growing collection.
“That’s far too much,” I blurted, eyeing the mountain of clothes he had draped over his arm warily. My stomach twisted with guilt. I’d gotten too carried away. “We need to put some of this back. I can’t possibly accept all of this.”
Dimitri captured my attention, his gaze intense yet gentle. “No, Kitten. It’s just the start. Go try these on, and then we’ll reassess where to head next.”
Next?!This was more clothing than I’d ever wear.
I hesitated, chewing my lower lip. I could always weed things out as I tried them on. Only purchase my absolute favorites and make excuses for the rest. It was ridiculous to think they’d all fit perfectly or flatter me. I was plenty aware that I was too thin right now, almost sickly looking. It would take time to regain all I’d lost and get myself into a healthy place again.
Dimitri must have sensed my unease. He snapped his fingers, beckoning Jennica over. In one fluid motion, he transferred the entire armload of clothing to her, nearly burying her beneath a sea of fabric.
“Take these to a fitting room,” he ordered. “We’re ready to try things on.”
“Allof this?” Jennica’s astonished face was so comical I almost giggled. I pressed my lips together, fighting back the urge. As much as I disliked the woman, I didn’t want to be cruel.
“Yes, all of it.” Dimitri raised a brow, waiting for her to lead the way to the dressing rooms.
Marco appeared then, carrying his own selections. He flashed me a cocksure grin. “I like to shop,” he admitted.
“Believe it or not, I knew that about you,” I told him, and when his brows rose, I explained, “The first day I met you, your style was so…you. Even though we’d never met before, I got a sense of your personality. It’s a reflection of what you like. Who you are.”
“What’s that mean for the rest of us?” Dimitri grumbled from my other side.
I panicked. “You have impeccable taste, too. It’s just different,” I tried to reason.
Dimitri chuckled, his expression morphing before my eyes. “I was just teasing you. Everyone knows Marco has the most distinct style among us. Gio is usually wearing sweats or workout gear. Tommas is a ‘jeans and t-shirt’ kind of guy. And me?”
“You wear a suit better than anyone I’ve ever seen.”
His steps faltered for a moment before he continued at my side. “You think so?”
I glanced up at him, surprised by his guilelessness. “I do,” I promised. “You’re striking,” I whispered, the words just for us.
Jennica interrupted by clearing her throat, jolting me out of the trance I’d been in as I’d stared up at the statuesque Alpha.
She addressed me this time, her tone professional, which was better than scathing. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to the room I’ve set up for you.”
The others hung back, sprawling in the seats outside the dressing area, while Marco followed me with his picks, depositing them along with all the rest. There was so much clothing, it didn’t all fit. Hangers dangled from the walls and doors, the hooks filled to the brim with choices for me to try on.
I felt instantly overwhelmed.