Page 51 of Doubts & Fears

He laughed as we pulled up to the salon.

Chapter 16

Kinsley

Shopping With The Crow

Iheld a little more confidence as the morning progressed. It helped that I’d navigated his initial questions, and he didn’t ask any more. But he wasn’t lying; he had appointments for me. It was another full spa adventure, not quite like the one in Portland, but similar. Except this time, he was the one hovering, telling them what he wanted.

“Mr. King, you’re being quite bold for someone not in authority over me. Not to mention you’re very specific for someone who is taking another woman as his plus one on Wednesday.”

He merely grinned before teasing, “I’m pretty sure you know how this works, young lady. This isn’t your first rodeo. Maybe I should ask youthosequestions.”

I squirmed in my seat. I needed to come up with a story about how I knew what I did without having actually practiced the lifestyle.

“And if you have any complaints about today, I suggest you take it up with Alek.”

While Nik may have laid out some rules for me, I knew Alek was ultimately the boss. He made the final call.

“And we’re just getting started. We haven’t even gone clothes shopping yet.”

“You do realize I bought a bunch of stuff the other day? I don’t need clothes other than a dress, I suppose.”

“Too bad. I’ve got my instructions.” His gaze caught mine in the mirror.

“Yes, well, the two of you are going to go broke. How often do your little playthings get to go shopping?”

“Never, you’re the first.” A sinister smile tipped his lips and humor danced in his gaze. “Don’t look so surprised. I should probably warn you, though, it’s all three of us. Ivan has a few requirements as well.”

My heart leaped in my chest, and confusion washed over me. This had gone beyond grooming protocols; they were adding dressing protocols as well. What the hell was next, and why did the thought destroy my panties?

When I was done being pampered at the spa, Nik took me to an expensive restaurant uptown for lunch. Everyone in the restaurant knew who he was. They greeted him by name and took us to his “regular” table. I wished he had told me earlier we were going somewhere fancy.

He was wearing an expensive business suit, making him look polished and sophisticated. The black slacks wrapped around his waist exquisitely, and his suit jacket fit him perfectly. I looked down at what I was wearing and suddenly felt out of place.

“I’ll bet by the end of the day, my mother will have heard about this. Oh, the questions she’s going to have.”

I swallowed, shooting glances in all directions. I suddenly couldn’t eat. My nerves took over, and I grew quiet.

“What is it?” he asked, ever so observant.

“I don’t belong here with you,” I whispered, blinking back tears.

“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard in a long time. Why would you say that?” He frowned.

“I’m not properly dressed, for one…” I looked down at the leggings and T-shirt.

“What else? If you say something like you’re ordinary or simple, I’ll take you into the bathroom and paddle your ass. Is that what you were going for?” His voice was low.

“No, Sir. I was going to say, what’s your mother going to think?” My voice broke as the words tumbled past my lips.

“What do you think she is going to think? Are we back to you being a whore? Answer me.”

Questions and doubts swirled in my mind. Unable to articulate them, I looked back down into my lap, fighting the emotional storm brewing inside.

With each passing second, the weight of it grew, and I ached with uncertainty. As I struggled to come to terms with my feelings, he gracefully rose from his seat and made his way toward me.

“Nikolai, please. I’m sorry I upset you,” I stammered, looking into his eyes.

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