“Take them off,” he says, voice still rough. “We’re buying the set, but you’re not wearing these home.”
I peel off the ruined panties with shaking hands, and he takes them from me, wrapping them carefully in tissue paper from the small basket in the corner of the fitting room.
“Get dressed, beautiful.”
I pull my original underwear back on—thankfully I have my own—then slip my dress over my head. The emerald lace bra stays on underneath, a secret reminder of what just happened.
When I step out of the fitting room, Alexei’s already at the counter with the saleswoman, looking completely composed. Like he didn’t just fuck my thighs and come all over expensive lingerie thirty seconds ago.
“We’ll take the green set,” he tells the woman smoothly, handing over his black card. “And these other pieces as well.”
The saleswoman smiles professionally, reaching for the emerald lingerie. “Wonderful choices. Let me just—”
“I’ll wrap it myself,” Alexei interrupts, already pulling out the tissue paper and carefully folding the bra and the cum-soaked panties he’s hidden in his pocket into the boutique’s signature box.
The saleswoman blinks, surprised, but recovers quickly. “Of course, sir.”
He finishes wrapping the set with meticulous care, then accepts the shopping bag with the other pieces. His hand findsthe small of my back as we leave, thumb stroking possessive circles.
“You did so well, beautiful,” he murmurs in my ear as we step out onto the busy street.
“Can we stop for coffee?” I ask, nodding toward a café across the street. “I need a break from consumerism.”
He lets out a short laugh and nods. “Whatever you want vedma.”
We cross the street as a unit, his men shifting their positions like chess pieces to cover our movement. We enter a cute little café that smells of rich espresso and fresh pastries. He quickly leads us to a table in the corner, choosing a spot where the exit is accessible and he can see the entire room.
I get my overly sweet coffee, and Alexei gets his boring black coffee, and we settle in. My attention shifts to a nearby table where four young girls are all talking at the same time. They look like they're in their early twenties.
“How am I supposed to finish two essays and study for exams?” one moans, throwing herself into the seat.
“Easy. You don’t sleep,” another suggests. All it takes is one second for them to burst out laughing. College students, clearly. Living their young, chaotic lives. I take a sip of my drink, the sugar hitting my system as I watch them. They look so carefree, so completely unaware of the world we're currently moving through.
A girl at their table notices me looking, and her hand goes up in a friendly wave, a bright smile on her face. Heat climbsmy neck as I wave back shyly. She stands and crosses over, completely comfortable approaching strangers. “MSU, right? Moscow State University?” Her tone is friendly.
“No, I don’t go there,” I tell her, trying to match her easy tone.
“Oh! My bad, I really thought I recognized you.” She grins, her energy infectious. “Anyway, we’re throwing a party this weekend. You’re totally invited if you want to come!”
Her gaze shifts past me to Alexei, and her eyes go wide. “Oh my god, your boyfriend is gorgeous.”
My mouth opens to correct her, but Alexei’s arm is already sliding around my shoulders, pulling me snug against his side. His warmth bleeds through my jacket. “You think so?” His voice drips smug satisfaction as he grins at them. “Do we look good together?”
“Oh my god, yes!” Her friend leans forward. “You two are literally perfect together.”
“And he’s built,” another observes, staring at Alexei’s shoulders. “Like, really built.”
I feel him sit a little taller beside me, soaking up every word the girl says.
“Right?” He’s completely serious now, leaning into the conversation with a sudden, unexpected charm. “I keep telling her we’re meant to be. It’s like fate or something.” He rests a hand on the back of my chair, effectively marking his territory while the college student beams at us. I take a very long sip of my coffee, trying to disappear into the ceramic mug.
“Stop.” My face burns.
“You two are perfect,” the first girl gushes. “Like, relationship goals.”
“Hear that,Vedma?” Alexei squeezes my shoulder. “Relationship goals.” Every compliment makes him worse. He’sagreeing with them, encouraging them, practically glowing. Meanwhile, I’m dying. This table needs to swallow me whole.
At last, they’re leaving. A flyer lands on our table, covered in scribbled writing. “That’s where the party is. Come if you can!” She’s smiling as they walk away. “See you!” The door chimes as they leave.