Page 80 of Gilded Cage (Kovalyov Bratva 1)

Gritting my teeth in anger, I practically march into the store, indignation coursing through me.

Artem has some nerve, expecting me to whore myself up for his pleasure. He thinks I’m going to come back to his penthouse all dolled up in this shit?

I glance over at a bejeweled thong and shiver.

Not in a million fucking years.

But when I walk further into the store, I find myself stopping and glancing around with grudging admiration.

Their pieces are certainly sexy and very beautiful.

I end up in a dressing room again. This time, the saleswoman is a tall, statuesque red head named Monica.

Despite my annoyance, I can’t help but try a few of the pieces she suggests for me.

Some are subtle—black silk teddys with intricate details across the breasts.

Others are more risqué—sheer bras with body harnesses.

And there are other options that actually make me blush, like the selection of crotchless Ouverte briefs and strap thongs that reveal more than they hide.

After I’ve tried on a few pieces, however, I wave them all away and shake my head.

Something has just occurred to me.

A way to take a little bit of control back for myself.

Monica’s lovely, charcoal-ringed eyes go wide with disappointment as she glances at me.

“You don’t like anything, ma’am?” she asks.

“Actually, I think every piece you’ve shown me is gorgeous,” I tell her. “But it’s not what I’m looking for.”

She looks at me with confusion. I just give her a smile, refusing to explain what I mean. “I think I’d like to take a look around the store myself.”

I walk around for about fifteen minutes with Monica tailing me the entire time.

Until I turn and see a mannequin a few feet away from me and my eyes light up.

“That’s it,” I say, pointing. “That’s what I want.”

“Uh… are you sure, ma’am?” Monica asks, clearly surprised.

“I’m sure,” I say with a wicked smile. “Very, very sure.”

* * *

Ten minutes later, I walk out of the lingerie store feeling as though I’ve finally got one up on Artem.

It’s probably only a temporary high, but I’ll take my wins where I can get them.

There’s one other thing left on my own personal agenda, though.

Before I get into the car, I turn to Crew Cut.

“I want to stop by a pharmacy.”

He frowns. “Why?”

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