Page 45 of Brutal Promise

Hm.

“You mean the testosterone, fists, knives, and guns?”

“Exactly. You need to be careful of making him jealous. These men are possessive. If you so much as look at another man for too long, it will be an issue.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“No, these men are territorial and—”

“I’m his property.”

“Yes.”

Alena plops on the couch while I slip on the first dress. It’s crepe and cascades over my curvy hips beautifully, accentuating my waist and boobs. It’s amazing how a well-cut dress fits perfectly.

“That’s you. I love it.” She claps her hands together in glee. “Next!”

I slip out of it and go through her picks to find she has excellent taste.

A friendly saleswoman helps fetch different sizes, and eventually, we have enough suits, shirts, and dresses. We leave the pile of clothes with her and head to lingerie.

This section has everything and anything. I want to surprise Dmitry and pick up a sheer slip made of mesh. My nipples will show through the material. I hold up a piece with leather straps and wonder how to wear it.

“Oh, that’s awesome. You step into it. I’ll show you.”

Back to the fitting room we go. Dmitry will like that it’s crotchless, and I like how the straps hold my breasts in place and make them look even bigger.

“Is this too much? I mean, am I sending the right message?”

“It saysfuck me. Isn’t that why you left the club with Dmitry? It will be a nice surprise for him on your honeymoon.”

“At the club, I wanted to get laid. It had been so long, and our bodies have this incredible chemistry. It was too loud in there for words.”

“Sure, sure, he’s hot, let’s face it. He has piercing eyes and a brooding temperament. There’s something sexy about the strong silent type. I’m surprised he hasn’t had dinner with the don yet.”

“They do that?”

“Sure, it’s all hush-hush. His brother is in charge in Russia and London. They’re bigger than us.”

Now I know why I was paired with Dmitry and no one else.

“Once I’m married, how does everyone learn about my protection?” I ask.

“There will be announcements in the papers and on social media. The word on the street goes through the top men and trickles down. Trust me. No one wants to piss off the Volkovs.” She shrugs, trying on an outfit of black leather with silver studs and a collar to match. Who knew bedazzling was still in?

“That’s hot,” I comment.

“Thanks. Oh, we need to get you shoes and coats too. It’s the end of the season. I know of a place that has them at reduced prices.”

I buy crotchless underwear and a matching bra. I pick out a leather bra and a thong that is as thin as a slingshot. This should make him happy. The entire time I pick through lacy underwear, I wonder—am I buying this for me or to keep the fuckfest going?

17

IZZY

Alena’s bodyguards walk us to a waiting black SUV with blacked-out tinted windows. High on retail therapy, we clamor in, giggling like schoolgirls while the men pile our shopping bags in the trunk and hang our dresses safely inside garment bags onto the hooks behind us.

“We might need another vehicle,” I tease as we buckle ourselves in.

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