Connor tucks himself into his pants.
“Almost out. Did you find anything, Ekatia?” Dina asks.
“Yes. I’m wearing a little black dress.”
“Classic,” Dina says. “We need nice jewelry for you.”
Shit. I can’t afford that. “I can wear, like, a scarf or something.”
Connor encircles my neck with both hands and squeezes until the blood rushes into my cheeks. I don’t know what it says about me, but instead of being alarmed that he’s cutting off my airway, my shoulders slump, and I relax into his hold.
“What am I going to do with you?” He releases my throat and steps out of the dressing area. I take a moment to collect myself, touching my neck where he gripped it. I don’t understand what happens to me when I’m with this man. It’s as if he can tap into my deepest desires and forbid me from hiding them.
A man dressed in a suit rolls in a cart with champagne and orange juice. Soon, we’re sipping mimosas. I look around and imagine living this kind of life. It’s a weekend, and I’m tryingon dresses, talking about buying jewelry, with my hair already done, wearing light makeup, and my baby sleeps by the window in a space stroller with gold trim.
Even if I’m not a material girl, the comfort of this life is undeniable.
Dina walks out wearing a breathtaking gown. Layers of ivory silk tulle paired with lace and a form-fitting corset-style top with a plunging neckline with a trim of hand-sewn florals and pearls. The skirt part of the dress flares out from the waist into a dramatic, voluminous cloud with shimmer provided by the pearly glow.
Connor whistles.
I gape. “Oh my God, Dina, the dress! You wear it so beautifully. It’s stunning. What do you think?”
“I like it.”
“How many have you tried?” Connor asks.
“Five.”
“Why didn’t you come out so we could see?” I ask.
“They weren’t the right ones. I have two more I think might look nice.” Dina walks over, grabs a drink, and sips. She picks up a tissue and wipes the corner of my mouth. “You have something white there,” she says.
I snap my head toward Connor, who smiles the most wicked grin I’ve ever seen. There he was this entire time, looking at me and not saying a damn thing about his cum on my face. If looks could kill, mine would cut him down now. But for more dramatics, and in case he doesn’t understand that I’m trying to slay him with the force of my gaze, I narrow my eyes at him.
That just makes him laugh.
Dina looks between us.
“You look like you stepped out of a fairy tale,” I tell her.
She beams. “You think so?”
“I think this might be the dress.”
“I think you might be right. How about you? That looks sexy as sin on you.” Dina lifts my chin with a finger. “You’ve got gorgeous collarbones. Definitely need a necklace.” She steps in front of a mirror, and we follow.
“Do you think he’ll like it?” she asks, looking at Connor’s reflection in the mirror.
He’s watching me, but he says, “Mmhm.”
“Are you sure?” Dina’s now also looking at me. I can see myself blushing, so I hide behind him.
“Yeah, I’m sure,” Connor says. “When did you say the rehearsal dinner was scheduled?”
Dina gives him the date and time.
“See you then,” Connor says before leaving.