Page 49 of Secrets & Lies

It was easier to just do as he requested instead of arguing when I knew he wouldn’t leave until I did what Alek wanted. I took a deep breath and slid the lid off. It was covered in tissue paper, and on the top was a card. It was an invitation to a black-tie event being held in honor of the chief of police. A smaller card sat inside.

Kitten, I will come for you. You will accompany me.

He signed it with a hand-drawn hourglass, and I shook my head. Marcus was watching me, so I tried to be cool and not let him see how it was affecting me. I was completely overwhelmed.

Aside from Owen, no one had ever bought me anything. Aleksandr was sending a clear message by doing this—he wanted obedience from me. I was torn between wanting to do just that and hating myself for even considering it.

I lifted the material from the box. The dress was stunning. It was black, sleek, and sexy. It was shockingly low cut, and the skirt had Swarovski elements embroidered on it. I gasped. It was exquisite and expensive. There was more—a pair of Rene Caovilla stilettos.

The delicate pair of high stilettos had a thin band on the toe and foot. It had sensual spirals at the ankle and was covered in matching rhinestones. Romantic flowers were applied along the rhinestone bands and the snake spiral. They looked like they would be a perfect fit. I set the heels down, and Marcus gestured toward the bag. I hesitantly pulled the tissue paper out and gasped.

He bought me an embroidered lingerie set. It was deliciously wicked looking. There was even a garter belt and suspenders. The thigh-high stockings were silky against my fingers. I’d never seen anything so beautiful. Why would he do this?

As I stood there, a whirlwind of emotions consumed me. His attraction to me and my subsequent attraction to him had ignited some serious inner turmoil. And damn if it wasn’t plaguing my every thought. How could I deny the chemistry that crackled between us?

Was this grand gesture merely a means to an end—a calculated move on his part to get me to open up the tightly sealed vault of my past and spill my secrets? I asked myself once more, why would he do this?

Because he wants to fuck you as he has told you time and again.

The most terrifying part of all of this? Everything he’d purchased looked like a perfect fit. How could he know that? It was too much. I looked at Marcus. Overwhelming sensations struck me all at once. Nausea churned in the pit of my stomach, and my head spun.

It was getting hard to think, and I tried to grasp on to any amount of clarity I could. And as my stomach muscles clenched, a harsh realization cut through my racing thoughts—I had done this to myself. In my yearning for connection, I had willingly stepped into this intricate dance, unaware of what the hell I was doing.

“Ms. Taylor, are you okay?” Marcus asked, concern etched across his face.

I carefully put the items in the box. “I’m sorry. I can’t accept this. Please take it back. Give your boss this message from me.”

I took a pen from the counter and scribbled on the back of the smaller card.

I’m not a whore. You can’t buy me. I’m not for sale.

Chapter 19

Aleksandr

Yes, Finally

My newest hobby was off to dance class today. It was Wednesday—only three more days before date night. I needed to discuss the dress situation with her.

The note she left infuriated me. In no way did I think she was a whore or that she could be bought. I honestly wanted to do something nice for her. The dress and lingerie set was extremely tasteful and exquisite like she was.

I stood outside her line of sight inside the dance studio. I had a few hours to spare, so I sent Marcus to get lunch and took over watching her. Her tight dance leggings showed the curve of her ass perfectly. Her T-shirt was rolled up and tucked under her sports bra, baring her navel and waist. She was wearing heels, and my hands ached to touch her.

Lost in my thoughts, I almost didn’t hear Mr. Dulaine call out, “Partners, sensual bachata.”

What the fuck? It’s a partner class today? Thank god for the fool’s open-door policy.

A foreign sensation washed over me. My chest tightened, and my composure slipped. The thought of her dancing with any other man in class angered me.

Like hell, she would.

I pushed through the crowd. She was talking to Sarah, who still had her ankle wrapped from falling at the club. Kinsley was completely unaware of my presence. I put my finger to my lips to tell Sarah not to say anything. Some random dancer who couldn’t keep his eyes off my kitten’s ass touched her arm to get her attention. She turned, and that was when she saw me.

“I’d think twice before you look at her ass again.” I glared at the prick.

Her face flushed red, but the boy stepped back.

Damn straight.I glared at him until he backed up far enough away from her.

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