Page 57 of Savage Reign

“So, what do you think?” Valeria asks, pulling my attention toward her. She motions to everything laid out in front of me. It’s not a few items like I imagined, but a ton of clothes. Dresses, evening gowns, casual clothes, coats, boots, blazers, heels, and accessories, including silk pajamas.

My eyes go wide. “I don’t think I’ll have time to try everything on.”

Nikolai flicks his wrist toward the racks, his eyes glued to the phone in front of him. “Choose what you like, and we’ll take it.”

I like dressing up as much as the next girl, but I’ve always been on a budget. Even when my parents were trying to pretend we were still rich, I’d shop at the sample sales that designers held. Despite Roman and Liza’s wealth, I never wanted to take advantage. A fashionable wardrobe was never high on my list of things to spend money on anyway.

But right now, it seems I have no choice. Oh well, it’s for a good cause.

Four hours and a catered lunch later, I’ve tried on more clothes than I thought humanly possible. Valeria and her assistants have been tireless in their efforts to dress me, head to toe, for every occasion imaginable.

Each time I thought we were done, Valeria would waltz in with yet another must-have item I needed to consider. Everything is gorgeous, but I’m still holding out hope that I won’t be around long enough to wear half of it.

Whenever I start to say it’s too much, Nikolai casually reminds me how much money I’m raising for the dance school. He knows how to motivate me.

I thought he’d spend the day glued to his phone, doing whatever bratva bosses do, but instead, his focus has been entirely on me. It should have gotten under my skin, but it didn’t. Every time he zipped up my dress or knelt to adjust the strap on my heel, I liked how his touch lingered. I like how he looks at me with unapologetic admiration and tells me when I look beautiful or sexy.

When was the last time any man other than Alex paid me a real compliment? It’s been ages, and with Nikolai, I know he’s not saying it to be polite. He means it.

And that realization terrifies me because hate and anger are all I have to keep him at arm’s length. If I lose that armor, I’m in trouble.

I’ve tried on one last item, a slinky cocktail dress that caught my eye earlier. It’s completely unnecessary—just like the silk lingerie sets, riding boots, and faux fur coats I know will probably end up collecting dust in the back of a closet.

I step out from behind the privacy screen and stand in front of the full-length mirror. The dress is stunning—it hugs my curves beautifully and is made from a sheer, emerald-green fabric. The plunging neckline and thigh-high slit practically dare anyone to look away. Nikolai will hate it because it shows a lot of skin, which makes it worth every penny.

Plus, it’s for a good cause.

Nikolai stepped out of the fitting room a minute ago to take a call. I pop my head around the corner to find him pacing at the far end of the boutique, phone pressed to his ear. At the front of the store, Valeria and her assistants are busy packing up everything I’m buying, and given how generous I’m being with myself, it’s a hell of a lot. Everything they didn’t have on hand will be delivered to the estate later on.

I’m about to step back behind the privacy screen when something catches my eye on a side table tucked against the wall.

A phone.

Valeria’s cell phone. My heart thumps wildly. She must have forgotten it here after she called one of her suppliers to ask about a pair of suede boots I was interested in.

I bite my lip, considering my options. The phone is probably locked, and Valeria is bound to notice it’s missing, but she might not realize it was me who took it. And this could be my one and only chance to reach out to Liza and let her know I’m okay.

Screw it.

I dash across the room, and my fingers curl around the phone, lifting it off the table before I dart behind the privacy screen. Heat creeps up my neck. I don’t even want to think about what Nikolai will do if he finds out what I’ve done, but I have to take the risk.

I shimmy out of the dress and pull on my jean shorts and a floaty blouse I chose that I planned to wear home. Powering down the phone, I tuck it into the back of my waistband, right where Nikolai’s men holster their guns. It’s a snug fit, but the high-waisted shorts keep it secure.

“Did you want to take the dress?” Valeria’s voice causes me to freeze in place. “We’re all packed up at the front.”

“Uh, yeah, that sounds great. I’ll be out in a sec.” I smooth down my clothes, praying there’s no telltale bulge showing. As long as I’m careful to keep the blouse loose around me, it shouldn’t be visible.

I’m on edge as I step out from behind the screen, clutching the dress. Please, God, don’t let this be the moment she realizes her phone is gone. When I face her, she’s smiling, dangling a pair of sparkly gold heels from her fingers.

“I thought these might work well with the last dress you tried on,” she says, giving me a little wink.

“They sure will.” I force a smile. “I’ll take them.”

“Perfect,” Valeria chirps, clearly thrilled. “You’re going to knock your husband’s socks off, pairing that stunning gown with these sexy heels.”

“Oh really,” Nikolai’s smoky voice cuts through the room. Both Valeria and I look up to find him leaning casually against the doorframe, his tattooed knuckles brushing along the edge of his jawline. His gaze is fixed on me. “Not so fast, wife.”

What the hell does he know? A cold sweat breaks out along my spine. As I hold my breath, waiting for what he’s going to say, Nikolai’s lips curve into a slow, dangerous smile. “I think I’m going to need my own private fashion show at home for that dress and those heels.”

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