Page 23 of Corrupt Vows

I hesitate before turning in an awkward circle, then give him my back as I whip the fabric over my head. As I toss the skimpy dress toward the no pile, I snatch the next off the hanger.

I freeze as Nico’s body heat seeps into my back. He’s too close. My skin tingles and my lungs constrict. I hold my breath as he runs the tip of his finger over my shoulder.

“There’s something I need you to always remember,” he murmurs. “My suit is the only civilized thing about me, at least when it comes to you.” He draws designs down my shoulder blade and leans down so his lips brush against the shell of my ear. “Capisci, principessa?”

I swallow and nod. He steps back. I slip the dress over my head and reach back to pull the fabric together, but he brushes my hands away and pulls the zipper up without touching me.

Not quite knee-length, with a simple, elegant design and a layer of lace fitted over the bodice, the dress looks made for a beach wedding. My stomach lurches.

“I can’t wear this. We’re announcing our engagement, not getting married, right?”

His only response is to cup his hands over my shoulders and guide me in front of the mirror.

“This is the dress you’ll wear tomorrow.”

My mind launches into a million different possible hidden meanings behind the words.

I know he isn’t responsible for our sudden engagement, but doubt creeps through me. His lack of a definitenomeans there’s a high probability of ayes,and I’m not ready to get married. I don’t want to walk down the aisle tomorrow.

Even if we’ll basically live as a married couple starting tomorrow, I’m not ready to be legally tied to him for the rest of my days. I need the next four months to come to terms with my new life.

“No.” I shrug his hands off my shoulders and reach for the zipper. “I’m not wearing this.”

He covers my hands with his. I still and meet his eyes through the mirror.

“When we say our vows, you’ll be wearing the most expensive dress in New York City. We’ll have the lavish wedding every little girl dreams of having. Flowers, guests, photos, food, everything will be over-the-top. Everyone will envy us. Nothing is off limits,” he says. With gentle nudges to move my hands out of the way, he pulls my zipper and continues.

“This sexy little dress is perfect for announcing who you belong to. You’re mine now, Serenity. I want every man in the room to know you’re off limits.”

He turns and opens the dressing room door.

“Why are you—?” Natalie starts, but Nico steps aside.

I twirl around and nearly lose my balance as I meet Natalie’s gaze. Her eyes widen as she checks out my dress.

“Oh my god, Nitty, that’s perfect!”

She leans in and tugs me out into the viewing room. Nico silently maneuvers around us, ready to catch Natalie if she trips, but judging by her firm grip and sparkling eyes, she doesn’t need his help.

“Look at you! You’re like a summer goddess. All you need is a mani-pedi, some sandals, and jewelry. This watch is already perfect, but you need a new purse, a necklace, and some rings,” Natalie says.

“No rings,” Nico growls.

Natalie rolls her eyes and lifts our joined hands to show off my fingers.

“She has ten. You only need one,” she sasses.

Nico crosses his arms over his chest, leans his shoulder on the mirror, and pierces me with his dark grey eyes.

“My ring will be the only one on her finger from now on,” he says.

My core clenches.

“Wow, now I see why she’s mad at you. When’s the last time you had your rabies shot?”

“I’m overdue.”

His deadpan response sends fear down my spine. I curse my wayward body as my senses heighten, highlighting my sensitive nipples and pulsing clit.

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