Her dark blonde hair is pulled back in a high sleek ponytail that shows off her slender oval face. Flawless makeup highlights her high cheekbones and almond-shaped amber eyes.
“Bo.” She purrs, wrapping him in a hug that lasts too long. “It’s so good to see you.”
Bristling at the disrespect I scowl.
“Likewise, Jenny.” He slips from her grasp. “Ylva just graduated from college, and she’s looking to upgrade her wardrobe with things that are befitting her new station.”
“Of course.” Jenny turns and looks me over. “She needs the works you know? Hair, a little makeup.”
Her words are tiny daggers digging into my self-esteem. I grit my teeth, careful to keep my emotions off my face.
Jenny taps her lips. “I think she’ll shine up well, like a little diamond in the rough.”
“I trust your discretion,” Bo says with a wink.
“We’re pleased you chose Graceful Garb.”
“Off you pop.” He shoos me away like some British Lord. as Jenny links our arms, and I mentally scream. This is not how I wanted to spend my day.
“You are one lucky she-wolf. People have been after Bo for years.”
“It’s an adjustment.” I choose my words carefully.
She laughs. “That’s not the word I’d use for it. I’ve heard the man knows his way around a woman’s body.” Jenny sighs. “Not everyone does.”
I nod, soaking up information. We move to the tri-mirror setup. I won’t deny I’ve noticed how sexy my mates are. I bite the inside of my cheek as I remember the feel of Cadoc’s body pressed to mine, and Kirks warm hand on the small of my back. Small touches, have started a slow burning fire that refuses to be extinguished.
What would it be like to be with Bo? If the chemistry between us turned sexual it’d be explosive. I smother the thought, ashamed.
“I’m going to take your measurements and then I’ll start putting what I think will work. You can try them on and we’ll show Bo.”
“I can make my own choices.”
“Yes, but he’ll know the spaces you’ll be traveling in. It’s not a gender thing. I’m just trying to give you what you need.” She places a hand on my shoulder. “I know you’ve been away from the pack for a while, but the women stick together.”
“Thank you, Jenny.”
She smiles and starts up small talk as she grabs a measuring tape and gets to work. Waving a hand toward the changing room, she sends me to undress and dives in head first.
Dressed in skirts, dresses, slacks, and blouses, I make the walk to the viewing area many times. Bo’s eyes darken with each trip.
“Princess it’s a crime that you’ve kept all this secret.” Rising he grabs my hand and spins me in a circle that flares out the white maxi dress with large pink peonies. “She’s walking out in this.”
“Bo—.”
“I insist.” He licks his lips and my cheeks warm.
“I’ll grab the scissors.” She rushes off and Bo yanks my body to his.
“Wh—.”
A slight shake of his head quiets my protests. I glance around and find his latest fling and her friend trying to drop me to the floor dead with their hateful stares.
“If I knew this was what you looked like under all that paint, I might have come to you on my own.”
Did he think anyone would buy this? I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from sharing the biting remark dying to roll off my tongue.
“Hmm.” I give a small smile.
“Playing hard to get, Princess.”
“Oh, there’s nothing to play about. I like a man to prove he’s worthy of me.”
He snickers. “Is that right? I enjoy a challenge. And a chase.” He skims his hand down my side, gripping my hip with his large warm hand.
“Here we go.” Jenny returns and I scramble out of his hold as she snips off the tags.
It’d be easy to buy into his false admiration if I hadn’t spent my life on the receiving end of his torment.
“I want to pick some other things, Jenny.” He looks toward the lingerie section in the back corner of the shop.
“I can do that on my own.” I rush ahead with his laughter trailing behind me.
I pick up one of the small metal baskets and riffle through the fine silk. I’ve never spent this much on something only I would see. That won’t be the case for much longer.
I shove the wayward thought down as I find my sizes and make matches.
“I see you couldn’t wait to spend his money.” A high-pitched venomous voice asks. I recognize the cotton candy scent of Andrea; the flavor of the month Bo had been in the forest with earlier this week.
