Page 22 of My Shining Stepbrother

“When do you want to do that?” Reese sits next to me again before grabbing my hand and asking.

“Tomorrow, I will have enough in my bag until then.” I throw my head back with relief that I don't have to see her again today.

“You know I can always take you shopping. You don't have to go back for a while if that would help you.” He leans forward, placing his empty hand on my jaw.

I smile and shake my head at him. “I might go shopping just to get an outfit for tomorrow, but you are not buying me any clothes, mister.” Damian retakes his seat, and we all laugh at my statement.

“Yes, ma'am.” Reese says teasingly.

We stay at the table for some time before Reese drags me out of the chair to take me shopping. He took my car keys and handed them to his dad, telling him to call two people named Matty and Trigger. He told me they were a conversation for later, but he trusted them.

He drove me to the mall after I told him only one store, and he wasn't to pay for anything. I know he thinks I'm joking, but I'm not. I won't allow anyone to buy me anything unless we are together, and right now, I have no clue what we are.

I see him out of the corner of my eye, gripping the steering wheel tighter and tighter. I notice he is overthinking something, but I brush it off. Maybe it has something to do with my mom, or perhaps he is just frustrated about something. I feel like I barely know him, but I trust him for so many reasons. I want to know everything about him. I want to know what kind of business he has or just how many would be nice as well.

Chapter 11

- Reese -

The fear of telling her the truth about my jobs is eating me alive. How do I tell her I'm her boss and a horrible man? How do I walk away from her?

Bringing up Matty and Trigger may have been a wrong choice on my part, but I only trust them with her vehicle.

I have known them almost my whole life. They are the brothers I was never blessed with. They are also my right-hand men and my business partners. They know about Rose and have listened to me over the past eight months as I gushed over her.

I need to tell her. I know I do, but how?

This may be something I should ask my father. He went through the same situation when he met my mother.

We pull into the mall parking garage, and I park my car. I know she said one store, and I wasn't allowed to buy her anything, but I wanted to spoil her. She deserves the world, and I want to give it to her.

- Rose -

I should have known he wouldn't listen to me when I said he wasn't buying me anything. Three stores later, here we are. Reese has bought me five outfits even after I told him no repeatedly. He has shown me another side of him today. One so full of happiness that his eyes shine.

I notice a lingerie store out of the corner of my eye, which reminds me I need an outfit for Centers. With an embarrassed expression, I turn to Reese, thinking of the best way to get into that store without him.

“I'll be right back.” I turn to walk away, but he grabs my wrist, stopping me.

“Want me to come with you?” he asks with a growing smile.

“That might be a little weird. Wouldn't you say so?” I ask him with a raised brow.

“Not at all.” He takes my hand, leading me inside the store.

I start looking around, noticing all of the beautiful sets. My personal favorite is a blue lace set, but as I touch it, it doesn't feel right. Looking around a little more, I find myself looking at all the red sets. A color I never used to like on myself is now becoming one of my favorites. What caused the change?

I notice Reese staring at one set in particular and sneak up behind him, placing my mouth at his ear. “Are you wondering if they have it in your size?” I tease him.

“Maybe not in my size, but I would love to see if they have it in yours.” He turns around and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me into him.

After a moment, I pull myself from his arms and grab the set in my size. I take it into a dressing room and try it on. The red lace barely covers anything. Thick straps cover my nipples, and I notice the underwear is crotchless. This might not be an outfit for the club, but I can think of a better way to use it.

I changed back into my clothes and took the set with me. The lady working took it from me and put it behind the counter so I could continue shopping. I grabbed one other set before stepping to the counter. Reese met me there again, not letting me pay for the items as he swiped his card before I could even get mine out.

Shaking my head with a laugh, I take the bag from the cashier, and we leave the store. I tell Reese it's time to return to his house because he has already spent enough money on me today.

The ride home is spent with laughs and his pouty lips. He wanted to see me in that set so badly, but I refused. One day, if we are lucky, I will be able to show him. He is truly one of a kind.

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