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15

EVA

I t feels like I’m floating in a dream. One of the good ones, where everything is right in the world, and nothing can bring me down. Hell, to make sure it wasn’t actually one, I pinched myself as soon as Arthur dropped me off at the mall.

How couldn’t I, after spending the night cradled in his arms?

Against his better judgment to take me home, not to rouse suspicion of what we’ve been up to, I declined. Luckily for me, when I told Father I spent the night at Clarissa’s place, he didn’t pry. He even offered to pick me up after my shopping trip. Not fighting him at every turn about this arrangement with Arthur does have its perks.

“Good morning and welcome to the Couture Corner. My name’s Cindy. Please let me know if I can help you with anything,” the high-spirited brunette says as I enter the store. She has a beaming smile on her face, and I match it with one of my own.

“Nice to meet you, Cindy. And yes, please, I’d love some help,” I answer. I already know what I’m looking for, but it’s always nice to have a helping hand.

“How can I be of assistance, ma’am?” she asks, walking me deeper into the clothing outlet.

“We’re like the same age. Call me Eva.” Her outstanding professionalism makes me chuckle. “I’m leaving the country in a few weeks, and I need a few outfits for the first bit while I’m away. Going to London and I hear it’s kinda cold there.”

My plan was to spend a few hours in the mall. Get a few jackets, shirts, and pants, but after my night with Arthur, I decided on Couture Corner for its extensive lingerie selection.

Why not get something to treat my man too?

We spend a few minutes gathering a variety of outfits, including risque sets. Different colors and looks, but mostly see-through lace. I’m sure Arthur’s going to love it. After every try-on, I step out of the changing cubicle to get Cindy’s thoughts. She has a keen eye for fashion, it seems, and a second opinion can’t steer you wrong.

“What do you think of this one?” I ask, pulling back the curtain, but it isn’t Cindy waiting outside.

An ice-cold wave of fear courses through my entire body at the man standing in front of me.

“Hey, Eva. Funny running into you here.” It’s Toby leaning against the wall and blocking my way out of the changing rooms. “For what it’s worth, I think the outfit looks great.”

It’s a loose-fitting, multi-colored sweater and tight-fitting jeans. Toby’s eyes drift down my body while he speaks, lingering awfully long on my breasts. Thank goodness, it wasn’t the deep V blouse I had on before this.

“How did you know I was here?” I spit. Rage replaces my fear in an instant. Not long ago, this abrupt interaction would’ve left me paralyzed. But staring him dead in the eye, I refuse to be afraid.

I’ve worked too hard at Arthur’s side for someone like Toby to ruin my day. Arthur left me panting and breathless, so sore I could barely get out of bed the next day, and it was for this exact reason.

Better to know and not need it, a line that sounded like utter bullshit at the time has never rung more true.

“Didn’t.” He shrugs. “I was grabbing a snack and saw you walk in.”

“Is everything okay?” Cindy asks from somewhere down the narrow corridor. She sounds nervous. “I thought I’d let your boyfriend have a peek at what’s waiting behind the curtain.”

His eyes widen at her statement.

“You told her you’re my boyfriend?” A frantic laugh follows.

Between the laughter and what I said, Toby’s face sinks.

“Why don’t you want to go out with me?” he asks. “You’re leaving in a few days. I’ve been trying for years. One date isn’t gonna kill you. I don’t want to go my whole life thinking of what could’ve been?—”

“You can pull this sad puppy shit somewhere else,” I hiss through clenched teeth. “I don’t want to go out with you. Never have, never will.”

I’ve rejected him so many times, tried every trick in the book to get him to drop it, and yet, he’s still persisting right up to the end.

Enough is enough.

I smash my way past him, expecting him to touch me. Maybe even hoping, just a little bit, so I can kick his ass the way Arthur taught me to. But he doesn’t make a move, not until I’m back at Cindy’s side and we’re heading for the checkout counter.

“I’ll take all of them,” I say, and she starts scanning my items.

“I’m so sorry about that,” Cindy says when Toby leaves the store with his tail between his legs.

“No, don’t mind that. You couldn’t have known,” I reply. “And like I said, I’m leaving anyway. So I can put all of it behind me.”

We finish up, and instead of going to the next shop, I call Father to pick me up. Arthur and I still have a session this afternoon, and I don’t want to be late again.

But thinking about what happened the last time I was, maybe I do.