“Hi! Can I help you?” A chipper blonde greets me. She gives me that look—like she wants to help with more than just the shopping. A year ago, I’d have taken her up on it.
Hell, I might’ve even railed her in the dressing room.
But not anymore. Not since my pumpkin. And if Selene were here, this girl wouldn’t survive her wrath.
“Yes, actually,” I say, pulling out a slip of paper. “These are my fiancée’s measurements. Pull everything you have in her size.”
Her whole vibe shifts. She even looks a little embarrassed now. Good.
“Yes, of course,” she says, voice pitched a little higher.
“Just bring it to the register,” I say, already heading toward the back of the store. I’m not trying to spend more time here than I have to. One of everything will do just fine.
Once she’s gone, I make a beeline for the toys and accessories. Selene likes to read, and from what I’ve seen, she’d be down for a little exploration. Well…except dildos. She’s got enough dicks in her life.
I grab a flogger, a collar and leash, a blindfold, a paddle, cuffs, a ball gag, and an under-bed bondage kit.
Fuck, we’re gonna have so much fun.
When I return to the front, the girl’s just finishing loading a massive basket with lace, mesh, silk, and leather. She blushes again when she sees the gear in my hands, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes.
“Would you like this gift-wrapped?” she asks.
I nod, right as my phone rings.
Thank God. I was running out of tolerance for small talk.
I answer.
“The fuck are you doing?” Keir barks.
“Getting my gifts, duh,” I say casually.
“You buying the whole damn store? You’ve been in there twenty minutes.”
I chuckle. “Not quite. Getting rung up now.”
“Well, hurry up or we’ll be late.”
I glance at the time. Shit. Between my wandering and shopping, we’re cutting it close.
“Yeah, yeah—don’t get your panties in a twist.” I hang up.
The cashier finishes ringing everything up and practically faints when I hand her my black card.
I grab the four large gift boxes, thank her, and walk outside.
Keir and Kaz are waiting in the SUV. They pop the back and I load in the boxes before sliding into the back seat.
“Christ, Dario,” Keir says. “What did you get her?”
“Lingerie,” I say, grinning. “Think of it as a gift for us too.”
I catch his eye in the mirror and wink. He shakes his head, but I see the twitch of a smirk. He’s definitely into it.
“Let’s go,” Kaz grumbles.
The moment he says it, it hits me—we’re really going. My chest tightens. What if she turns us away?
