“Feel free to look around.” I stood there awkwardly, looking at the variety of things on display while trying to figure out what the hell was happening in my life.
“I need matching bras and panties in these styles. Sizes are here.”
“Of course, Mr. King. Do you have a preference for colors?”
“Nothing red.” I shook my head. This was crazy. Had I fallen down the rabbit hole inAlice In Wonderland?
“Did you have something to say?” He leveled a stare in my direction and raised one eyebrow. Clearly, he was testing me.
“No, Sir, I’ll be pleased with whatever Alek has chosen.”
“Don’t forget Ivan.” He flashed me a crooked smile.
She rushed off to do his biding and returned with a few things for him to approve. Finally, she said, “Those will be delivered in the next few days, Mr. King. It was a pleasure.”
She hadn’t once acknowledged me. He gestured toward the door. I sighed wearily as we left. Soon we were headed home. The rush of emotions left me speechless. I stared out the window, trying to rationalize the day, when his phone rang.
“Hello, Mother. Yes, Iwasat Bellefleur’s.”
I whipped my head around, gawking. My heart raced, and I prayed he wouldn’t say anything embarrassing.
“Why am I not surprised? Really, Mother, do your friends have nothing better to do?” He chuckled loudly at the look of horror on my face.
“Umm, well, she needed a few things. Alek’s the one who insisted. We went dress shopping too. Can’t have her naked for dinner, now, can we?” He winked. Embarrassment warmed my cheeks. “Tell Father I can hear him in the background. Yes, she’s the girl who was at the gala event and is currently staying with us. Look, I promise it isn’t like that in the least. Yes, me too. Love you, got to go.” He hung up.
“Nik, why did you tell them that? Your parents are going to think…” I froze as his face tensed.
“Malyshka, I sure hope you’re not planning on saying something you’ll regret.” His tone was unmistakable.
“No, Sir, I, um. Thank you for today.” I said the words I knew he wanted to hear instead of what I really wanted to say. He gathered me in his arms, and I realized I was exhausted.
The day of shopping and the emotional roller coaster were overwhelming. I closed my eyes and drifted off. What felt like minutes later, he shook my shoulder. I pulled away sharply, not realizing where I was and who I was with.
“Easy, now. You fell asleep.” He brushed his soft fingers over my face.
“Oh, we’re home already?”
“Yes, and Ivan is waiting for you. Better get changed and get to it. I’ll see you at dinner.” He kissed me on the cheek.
I spent another grueling three hours sweating with Ivan. He was happy with my progress and that I remembered what he taught me the day before.
“Did you have fun with Nik?” he asked in the elevator.
“It was nice. Overwhelming, truth be told. I don’t think I’ve tried that many outfits on in my life at one time.” I laughed nervously. I knew Nik would tell them about our conversation, so I didn’t want to make him upset with me too.
I excused myself and went to my room, closing the door and locking it. I dug out my phone, pulled up my playlist, and jumped in the shower, making a mental list of things I would need to get to plan my getaway. Though a huge part of me wanted to stay and see how all of this would unfold.
Stop it, you stupid girl. You can’t stay, nor can you see where this goes.
If the package came from a super fan or, worse, someone working for the Mask, I didn’t have the luxury of seeing how far things could go. Something told me that if I wanted to take it there, they would respect my limits.
But at best, I had a few weeks. It was partially why I was struggling with the shopping spree Nik had taken me on. I turned my attention back to what mattered the most. Getting the items I needed and solidifying a plan.
I had to find a way to Skagit, plain and simple. Owen had strategically planned it, and the ID I had in Skagit wasn’t the only one. He had more stashed in four different locations around the world. So I’d need to slip away from the Kings. But if they kept this twenty-four seven routine up, it would be impossible.
And what I really needed to know was what my file had in it. I needed to know what I was dealing with. How much did the Kings really know? If I had to guess, it wasn’t much. The only connection to Mischa they had was Pasha. I just needed to stick to my story.
I took out my phone and typed Romanov into Google and hovered over the images tab, but I couldn’t click on it. I wasn’t ready. I sighed, closing the browser.
