Page 19 of The Pakhan's Arranged Bride

He reaches up and wraps his hand around my waist.

“Be careful, little fox. You looked lost in thought, there.”

I stare up at him in disbelief.

For a moment, confusion races through me. What the hell is he doing here?

But the confusion is very quickly replaced by anger.

“Did you follow me here?” I snap, stepping away from his heated touch against my skin.

“Am I not allowed to make sure my wife is safe?” He cocks his head to the side, challenging me. “Were you thinking of buying the black one?”

“Is that a yes? That you did follow me?” I push for an answer, my mind racing. Does he know why I’m really here?

“The black would look incredible on you—or the red, or the white—or that baby-blue set.” He looks around the store, a sly smile touching the corners of his mouth.

I close my eyes for a second and do the best I can to slow my racing heart. It’s fine. He’s my husband. He has a right to know where I am. I can’t be angry with him for following me here. It’s not unusual for a husband to surprise his wife while she’s out and about.

If I overreact about being followed, it’ll create suspicion.

Benedikt’s eyes shoot wide open.

I throw him a look that saysI dare you to tell me I can’t.

His brows lift and his mischievous smile widens.

“I’ll give you my card, buy all of it if you like.”

“I don’t need your card,” I huff.

“I insist. Would you like to try it on, and I can tell you which looks best?” The glint in his eyes is shining so fiercely it’s making my cheeks heat.

“You can’t watch,” I stammer.

He steps closer to me, his solid body pressing in to me, his imposing height towering over me. “I’d love to, though.” He reaches up and brushes his thumb over my cheek. “Your gorgeous, sun-kissed skin would look amazing in any color, but personally I’d love to see you in that blue set. It’s naughty and cute at the same time.”

My mouth drops open as I stare at him. My heart is racing a hundred miles an hour, and I have no idea what to say to that.

The way he’s looking at me know tells me he’s been watching me browse the lacy pieces for a while, and he’s already thought about this. Suddenly, I want to parade myself around for him in something sheer and erotic. Heat pools between my legs and my breathing catches.

He notices the subtle change and brushes his thumb over my lips.

“Try it on for me,” he whispers.

Focus, Ulyana, he can’t be here when Miron arrives. You have to get rid of him.

Shit.

“You can’t be here when I choose my lingerie. It would—"

“Spoil the surprise?” he asks.

“You have to go. You can come back later.”

“Mm. How much later?”

“However long it takes me to choose what I want. You can’t rush a girl when she’s shopping.”