Page 53 of Ruthless Desires: Vol. One

Even if it’s just for a weekend.

Even if they all look at me like they want to keep me.

I just can’t end up with a broken heart again.

I take a deep breath, and the tears building at the backs of my eyes dissipate. My hands run down my sides, and my fingers snag on something at my hips.

I gasp.

“Wren?” I hear Elliot say. “Are you okay?”

I turn, ripping the curtains open with a grin.“It has pockets!”

***

We stop for a quick lunch at a small diner. I expect us to head to my apartment next, but when we all pile into the SUV, Elliot takes us in the opposite direction.

“Are we going toanotherstore? You three are wild.”

Oliver is in the front seat, and he turns to give me a wink.

“Just so you’re aware,” Elliot says in a slightly annoyed voice, “this wascompletelyOliver’s idea.”

Rhett and I both give each other confused glances. I slide my hand onto his lap, and he only tenses for a moment before he covers it with his own.

When Elliot pulls into a parking spot a few minutes later, I only need to glance out at the storefront for a second before I burst into a fit of laughter.

Elliot seems relieved by my reaction, but Rhett still looks uneasy.

Oliver hops out of the car, opening my door and pulling me out. “I wanted to go here first, butsomeoneinsisted on getting you real clothes first.” He sticks his tongue out at Elliot.

I can’t help but giggle as we make our way inside. The boutique owner greets us, furrowing her brows at the sight of three men walking in with one woman, but I ignore the look.

“Oooh! I like this one.” Oliver grabs a cute bodysuit from a rack. It’s black, lacy, and—

“Of course you’d go for the boob-less one,” Elliot mutters.

Both he and Rhett look a bit uncomfortable, while Oliver is like a kid in a candy store. Actually, that’s not quite right. I think Rhett might be literally frozen in place by the door.

“Hey,” I say, grabbing his hand and then Elliot’s. “Why don’t you two comewith me.” I lead them to the back, where the dressing rooms are. They’re practically in their own room, probably for privacy’s sake, which is nice. “You two stay here, and Oliver and I will do the shopping. But don’t worry, you’ll still get to see everything I try on.”

Rhett lets out a giant breath, pulling me into his arms and kissing me with relief.

“Please don’t force Wren to try on things she doesn’t like,” Elliot says to Oliver in a cautious voice.

Pressing a hand to his chest, Oliver tries to feign a hurt look. “I’d never!”

I raise an eyebrow. “Then put the boob-less one back.”

His face falls. Rhett shoves him toward the front of the store, shaking his head, and Oliver listens without a second glance at me.

Turning to me, Elliot takes my hands in his. “If you get uncomfortable, or if you don’t want to do this—”

I kiss him to shut him up. “Just sit. I’ll be back soon.”

When I head back out front alone, Oliver already has an armful of lacy, colorful lingerie sets.

“To be approved by you, of course. And I put the boob-less one back. I promise.”