Page 85 of Wisteria and Cloves
His words sent a flutter through my chest—the implication that I might be that someone, that this connection between us could be lasting.
"Am I keeping you grounded?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Miles's expression grew tender as he reached out to trace one of the loose tendrils framing my face. "More than you know," he murmured. "You've changed everything, Lilianna."
A soft knock at the door interrupted the moment. "Lilianna? Miles? Everyone's ready whenever you are," came Julian's voice.
Miles's fingers lingered against my cheek for a heartbeat longer before dropping away. "Shall we?" he asked, offering his arm with a smile that made my pulse quicken.
I slipped my hand into the crook of his elbow, feeling anchored by his solid presence. "I'm ready."
The moment we stepped into the hallway and down the stairs, I heard Christopher's sharp intake of breath. By the time we reached the living room, all three men had turned to look at us, and the intensity of their collective gaze made my steps falter.
"Jesus," Christopher breathed, his gray eyes wide with something that made my stomach flutter. "Lilianna, you look..."
"Stunning," Julian finished, his hazel eyes dark with appreciation as they traveled over the green dress. "Absolutely stunning."
Nicolaus said nothing, but his blue eyes had gone molten in a way I'd never seen before, his usual analytical mask completely abandoned as he stared at me with undisguised hunger.
"The dress suits you perfectly," Julian continued, moving closer with predatory grace. "Miles chose well."
I felt heat rise in my cheeks at their attention, suddenly hyperaware of how the fabric clung to my curves, how the neckline revealed just enough to hint at what lay beneath without being improper. The way they were all looking at me—like I was something precious and desired—made my breath catch in my throat.
"Thank you," I managed, my voice barely steady. "Miles even did my hair."
"Of course he did," Christopher said with a soft laugh, though his eyes remained intense as they lingered on the elegant updo. "Is there anything you can't do, Miles?"
"Apparently not," Nicolaus said, his voice rougher than usual. He cleared his throat, visibly pulling himself together. "We should go before the stores get crowded."
Julian moved to my other side, and suddenly I was flanked by Miles and Julian while Christopher and Nicolaus followed close behind. The protective formation made me feel cherished rather than confined, especially when Julian's hand settled lightly at the small of my back. I was ready to get out of the house and spend time with them.
Chapter Thirty-One
Lilianna
The car came to a stop in front of a small, elegant boutique nestled between a bookstore and a café. The storefront featured a minimalist display with a few carefully arranged mannequins dressed in clothing that looked both comfortable and sophisticated.
"This is Evergreen," Miles explained as Julian helped me from the car. "Run by a mated pair—Olivia and Daniel. They specialize in helping people discover their personal style."
I smoothed my hands over the green dress, suddenly nervous about entering a shop that looked so refined. "It seems expensive."
"Don't worry about that," Julian said gently, his hand warm against the small of my back. "Today is about finding what makes you feel good, not worrying about what things cost."
Christopher moved to my other side, his gray eyes warm with encouragement. "And if you don't find anything you love here, we'll try somewhere else. No pressure."
Nicolaus, who had been quiet, gave me a small smile while we approached the already opening boutique's door. A woman in her thirties emerged with a warm smile, her auburn hair swept back in an elegant chignon. She wore a flowing emerald blouse paired with well-tailored black pants—effortlessly chic in a way that immediately put me at ease.
"You must be Lilianna," she said, extending her hand with genuine warmth. "I'm Olivia. Miles called ahead to let us know you were coming."
I accepted her handshake, surprised by how natural her greeting felt. "It's nice to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine," Olivia replied, her eyes taking in my appearance with professional appreciation rather than judgment. "That dress is gorgeous on you—the color brings out your eyes beautifully."
Heat crept up my neck at the compliment. "Miles chose it for me."
"Excellent taste," she said, glancing at Miles with approval. "He mentioned you're looking to explore your personal style—I love helping people discover what makes them feel most authentically themselves."
A tall beta man appeared beside her, his kind eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "I'm Daniel," he said, offering a gentle handshake. "We've set aside the entire morning for you, so there's no rush at all."
