Page 158 of Innocent Intentions

“But this is different! You have all day to get ready. I–”

“How long have you known?”

“… A few days.”

“Argh!” I throw my hands up. “Why would you do this to me again? You suck! I have nothing to wear!”

I nearly hurl the mug at him, then reconsider. No need to waste perfectly good coffee. Instead, I grab a pillow and launch it at his smug head.

The asshole shamelessly catches it without flinching. Ugh. Fuck him.

I fly out of bed and storm into the closet, rifling through clothes even though I know I don’t own anything gala-worthy.

“I can’t go! I have nothing to wear!” I yell.

His arms wrap around me from behind. I struggle to free myself, but he’s too damn strong.

You love his strength when he’s throwing you around.

Well, I don’t love it now.

“Get off me!”

He just holds me tighter.

“Calm down, sweet girl. I–”

“DON’T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!”

“Shhh. I got you a dress. And shoes. And jewelry. I have everything figured out. I hope you like it. But if you don’t, we’ll find something else. I picked it all just for you.”

He gently turns me toward the end of the closet. Hanging front and center is the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen.

A floor-length, jade green gown. Green, gold, and crystal beads radiate from the center like a starburst. Sharp shoulders glimmer with intricate gems. A sheer beaded cape draws from the back, curling around the arms like delicate sleeves. It’s surprisingly conservative, except for the plunging neckline. It’s elegant. Ethereal.

All I can do is stare.

It’s breathtaking. Fit for a queen.

“I knew it was the one the moment I saw it,” he murmurs. “Green looks great on you. The shimmery stuff reminds me of you, spitfire. Also, your tits are going to look amazing in it. I mean, you’d look gorgeous in anything, but this’ll make you shine.”

His lips brush against my ears, sending shivers down my spine.

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper.

“Try it on.” His command is soft and paired with a gentle nudge.

That’s when I realize I’m still naked from last night. It’s not exactly rare for me to wake up naked after nights where Matty fucks me to sleep.

I grab a green lace thong. Even though panty lines won’t show under the flowy skirt, a dress like this deserves something decadent. I can feel his scalding gaze on me as I slip it on.

I run my fingers over the fabric. It’s softer than anything I’ve worn before and probably worth more than my yearly salary, pre-tax.

I lift the cape, spot the hidden zipper, and step into the gown. I’m tugging it up when a warm hand catches mine.

“Allow me.” His voice is husky.

He drapes the cape over my shoulder, fastens the hook-and-eye, and slowly pulls the zipper up. His fingers graze my spine, shooting sparks through me. He adjusts the cape and gently lets my curls fall down my back.

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