Page 69 of Made For Ruin

"I'm sure about us, Lainey. I want to give you everything. I want to show you how good it can be when you let go and trust me completely."

I lean into him, my body molding to the hard planes of his chest. "I do trust you, Marcus. More than I've ever trusted anyone."

"Good." His lips brush my temple, sending shivers down my spine. "Because tonight is all about you, baby. I want you to feel powerful and sexy and absolutely fucking irresistible."

"And the dress?" I ask, my mind conjuring images of the exquisite gowns I glimpsed on the racks.

"The dress is for you," he confirms. "I want everyone to see how stunning you are. I want their jaws to hit the floor when you walk in on my arm."

A thrill runs through me at the thought of commanding that kind of attention. Of being seen as a force to be reckoned with instead of just sweet, dependable Lainey.

"Will I be on your arm all night?"

His hand tightens on my thigh, his eyes flashing with possessive heat. "Absolutely. You're mine, Lainey. I'm not sharing you with anyone."

A rush of relief mingles with the arousal simmering in my veins. As much as the idea of the third floor excites me, I'm notsure I'm ready to explore that side of myself with anyone but Marcus.

"Good," I whisper, holding his gaze. "Because I only want to be yours."

The curtain parts before he can respond, and the associate returns with an armful of gowns in jewel-bright hues. She hangs them on a rolling rack by the mirrors, each one more stunning than the last.

"I've selected a few options based on your preferences," she says, smoothing her hands over the luxurious fabrics. "Please let me know if you would like to see anything else."

Marcus rises from the loveseat, his presence filling the room. "I'd like to see her in red. Something bold and sexy that will turn heads."

The associate nods, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "I have just the thing."

She selects a gown from the rack, holding it up for our inspection. The dress is a deep, vibrant red, the color of passion and seduction. It's made of luxurious silk that seems to shimmer under the lights, the fabric flowing like liquid fire.

The bodice is fitted, with a plunging neckline that promises to showcase my curves. Delicate spaghetti straps crisscross in the back, leaving my shoulders bare. The skirt flares out at the hips, falling gracefully to the floor.

"This is our most popular style this season," the associate says, running a hand along the gown's smooth lines. "The color is absolutely stunning, and the cut is both elegant and alluring. I think it would look incredible on you."

Marcus steps closer, his eyes raking over the dress with undisguised appreciation. "Let's see it on her."

The associate leads me to a spacious changing room, helping me slip into the gown with practiced efficiency. The silk whispersagainst my skin as she fastens the delicate zipper, the material molding to my curves like a lover's caress.

I step out from behind the curtain, my heart pounding in anticipation. Marcus is waiting for me, his amber eyes igniting with desire as they sweep over my form.

"Fuck, baby," he breathes, his voice rough with want. "You look incredible."

I turn to face the mirrors, my breath catching at the sight of my reflection.

The dress clings to my body like a second skin, the rich red hue a striking contrast against my creamy complexion. The neckline dips low, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of cleavage. The skirt flows around my legs, the slit rising high on my thigh to offer a flash of skin with every step.

I look powerful. Sexy. Like a woman who knows exactly what she wants and isn't afraid to take it.

Marcus comes up behind me, his large hands settling on my hips. I can feel the heat of his body through the thin silk, the evidence of his arousal pressing against my lower back.

"Look at you," he murmurs, his lips brushing the shell of my ear. "So fucking gorgeous. So perfect for me."

I meet his gaze in the mirror, my pulse jumping at the raw hunger in his eyes. "You like it?"

"I love it." His hands slide upward, skimming over my ribcage to cup my breasts. "I love how it shows off these pretty tits. How it hugs this sweet little ass."

He punctuates his words with a firm squeeze, and I bite back a moan. The associate is still hovering nearby, her expression carefully neutral even as her eyes dart between us.

"We'll take it," Marcus says.

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