Page 32 of A Mate For Matrix
“Oh yeah,” she said emphatically. “He’s practically glued to me now.” Her lips quirked fondly, even as she grabbed a handheld basket with a resigned sigh.
Ten minutes later, Matrix stood sentry near the dressing rooms, a pile of silky garments draped over one powerful arm while his gaze tracked Jana’s every movement like she was the only lifeform in the galaxy.
Jana disappeared behind the changing curtain with a huff and an armful of dresses. “This is ridiculous,” she called over the top. “I’ve never spent this much on clothes in my life!”
“Clothing is armor,” Matrix replied solemnly. “And you are preparing for a trip that is literally out of this world.”
Jana snorted. “Right. Since when did you become a comedian? This is highway robbery! I could get this same outfit—well, almost the same, except for the material and the cut and the—Oh. My. God. This blouse and skirt fit me as if they were made for me. I’ve got to have them,” she groaned, stepping out to swirl in front of him.
Penny reappeared from behind a rack, holding up a matching set of lace lingerie in pale pink and cream. “Can I interest you in our silk and lace intimates collection?”
Jana started to shake her head—until Matrix beat her to it.
“Yes,” he said, his voice a low purr. “She will need these—and more.”
Jana blushed, looking from Penny who was grinning like the Cheshire cat to Matrix, whose eyes were glued to the scraps of lace and silk.
“Matrix—”
Her blush deepened when Matrix rattled off her exact measurements. “No synthetic blends: I prefer soft fabrics, and her inner thigh is sensitive. May I see that one in crimson as well?”
Penny’s lips parted, and she nodded her head as if she were in a trance. “You… memorized her measurements—and where she is sensitive?”
He tilted his head and smiled that devastating smile of his again, amused at the effect it had on the women around him.
“Of course. She is my life mate. I enjoy touching her—all over.”
Penny dropped the lingerie. “Oh my, gracious.”
Jana’s jaw dropped before she breathed out. “I cannot believe you just said that.”
Matrix’s brow furrowed. “Why not? It is true. Just as I enjoy it when you touch me—all over.”
Penny, now definitely flushed, handed Matrix a silk chemise with trembling fingers. “You are… welcome to shop here any time, Mr.…?”
“I am Matrix.”
“Of course you are,” she sighed.
“Show me more of this. I will pick this out for Jana while she continues to try on the other clothing she will need,” he instructed.
“Yes, uh, this way.”
“You are incorrigible,” Jana hissed, half-laughing as she tried to glare at him.
He chuckled, following the flustered Penny to a section near the changing rooms. He picked out several dozen pieces before he reached out to touch a piece of lingerie called shapewear. His brow furrowed in confusion as he studied it. It looked more like a torture device than lingerie.
“What function does this serve?” he asked, holding the piece of material up like it was a weapon.
“Compression,” Penny offered helpfully.
“Does it cause pain?”
“Not… intense pain. More like discomfort. Although, after a few hours, it is a relief to take it off,” she hedged.
“Then why wear it?”
“It, um… helps smooth things out. Makes women look smaller.”
