Page 23 of Hayes
“I will have my guards take her to our famous shopping center,” smiled Omar.
“Will she be safe?” asked Hayes.
“Hayes, son, I would trust his guards with anyone in our family. Anyone,” said Luke. Hayes nodded.
“My apologies. I meant no offense, sir.”
“None taken. A beauty such as this should be protected. I will send her with my men, and two of yours can accompanyher to be sure she gets what she needs. The mall has all of the famous brands, designers, and much more. She’ll come back an entirely new woman with a wardrobe that will make others envious.”
“My first in-person shopping experience, and I’m so excited I might come back with more than necessary,” she laughed. Luke looked at the others as she walked off with the guards, Jak, and Gator.
“No doubt in my mind, she’s going to burn through a credit card.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“This is probably the last thing you guys wanted to be doing. Shopping,” smirked Victoria. Jak and Gator laughed at her, while the two bodyguards of the sheikh just nodded.
“I don’t think any of us minds, Victoria. Honestly, it’s nice to see you off the property and out of the house, although this was definitely not what I thought of for you,” laughed Gator.
“Me either,” she smiled. “Kind of strange that it just took getting that message from Hayes to get to me. Maybe he should have tried that sooner.”
“No,” said Jak, looking around the mall. “Hayes is too good of a man to ever do anything like that to you. Well, you’ve got plenty of choices in stores. Where do you want to go?”
Victoria did a little circle, staring at the dozens and dozens of high-end retail shops. Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and much more.
“Isn’t there a Target or Walmart near here?” she said, crinkling her nose. Gator and Jak chuckled, then looked at the local bodyguards.
“Miss, the sheikh has ordered the shops to give you whatever you need. This is his treat. I would suggest you buy everything you like,” he smiled.
“Oh, no. No, I can’t do that,” she said, shaking her head. “I only need a few pairs of jeans, some comfortable shoes, and undergarments.”
“Wait one moment,” said one of the guards. He turned and walked into the shop for Chanel, and the woman smiled, nodding at Victoria and waving her over. She stepped inside, and the woman simply pointed to a chair.
“Please have a seat. We will have all the things brought to you. I’m guessing you are a size four.”
“Yes. You’re very good,” said Victoria.
“Thank you, madam. I will get you some juice.” She returned with a tray of juice and tea for the men, along with a small plate of fruit, nuts, and other snacks. Thirty minutes later, six large bags were placed in front of her.
“What is this?” asked Victoria.
“Everything you need. If we have missed anything, please just call, and we will have it delivered to you.” The bodyguards picked up the items and began walking out.
“Wait! How do I know that it fits or I like it?” asked Victoria. The bodyguards turned, frowning at her.
“Madam, I have never known a woman who does not like Chanel, Dior, or any other designer featured here. Trust Malai. She is the best at what she does and has never misjudged anyone’s size.”
“Don’t argue, honey,” said Jak. “You’ve got yourself some clothing, and you’ll be just fine.”
As it turned out, she had more than clothing. There were handbags, watches, bracelets, earrings, dresses, six pairs of shoes, including two pairs of comfortable shoes.
“Where on earth will I ever wear any of this?” she asked.
“I’d say we’ll be doing a lot more dinners out,” smirked Hayes, walking into the room. His hand was bound in enough layers of gauze to look like a cast. He looked tired and weak.
“Hey, are you alright?” she asked, walking toward him.
“He’s done considerable damage to that hand,” said Cruz. “The surgeon sent by the sheikh was amazing, but it’s highlylikely that he’s not going to have full feeling in that hand again. I’m not sure what the Navy is going to say.”
