Page 34 of Blood & Snow

"Sir, perhaps we should consider more practical options as well," the woman suggests diplomatically.

"Practical isn't the priority today."

I stand and move closer to examine the dress from different angles, walking around her in a circle so I can admire every curve of her body.

"What do you think, Nadya?"

"I think it's beautiful," she admits, smoothing the fabric over her hips.

"But I don't know where I would wear something this formal. The salesperson is right, Xander. This isn't work attire."

Her tone is tense and rushed.

She’s feeling the heat of my gaze, and she's lucky she's not feeling my hands right now.

I'd love to be tracing those curves.

"You'll find occasions."

I let my gaze travel from her facedown to her legs and back up slowly, making sure she sees my appreciation.

"Trust me on that."

The flush in her cheeks deepens, but she doesn't look away.

For a moment, attraction overrides embarrassment, and I see desire flicker in her eyes before she turns back toward the dressing room.

She senses it too, the chemistry that haunts me and makes it hard to focus on ensuring she does her job well now.

Fuck if I'm not losing my mind around her.

"Try the others," I order.

She models four more dresses, each one revealing different aspects of her figure.

By the time she's finished, I've seen enough to confirm what I suspected during our previous encounters.

Beneath the worn clothes and exhausted demeanor lives a woman who could stop traffic if properly presented.

"We'll take the black dress, the red one, and the blue suit," I tell the sales associate while Nadya changes back into her own clothes.

"Excellent choices, sir. Shall I show you our accessories selection?"

I smile and turn as Nadya emerges ready to peruse the rest of the store.

By the time we finish shopping, I've spent enough money to cover her living expenses for six months.

Dresses, shoes, jewelry, undergarments that will look incredible against her skin.

Everything needed to transform her from desperate woman to elegant companion.

"This is too much," Nadya says as we load the packages into my car.

"I can't accept all of this."

"You can and you will. Consider it an investment in your professional development."

"What will my sister say?" she hisses, and I see the tremor in her hand.