Page 7 of Tarnished Vow

I nodded, “Why?”

“You’re not normally this…” he stopped, as if worried he had done something to upset me. “Indecisive.”

Oh. He was talking about the dresses.

“Just my grandparents freak me out. Especially my dad’s side.”

He frowned. “What’s that got to do with this?”

“The dress is for the dinner with them.” I paused at the rack. “Can they even call it a dinner, when no one will be eating?”

He looked at me, genuinely confused.

“I havethemeeting with my grandparents tomorrow night,” I repeated, as he still stared at me completely blank. “The formal one with his family,” I repeated it slower, so he could catch up.

There are rare moments I am envious of the Crow's family power, but when it comes to this, I am. So much power that merging with other families isn’t seen as necessary. Only needed to settle feuds, or if the Crows want to expand their operations.

I turned back to the rack. “I told my parents if I see any red flags before the wedding, I’ll be backing out. Regardless of the consequences.”

His silence made me look over my shoulder. “Are you okay?” he looked almost sick. Maybe that was what was wrong with him today.

“Fine,” he walked back to the seat, picking up his whiskey. “Try the last one on the second rack.” He pointed his glass behind me.

Walking to the second rack and pulling the dress down. Actually. This might be perfect. What would I do without him?

“We’ve got that new club and lounge opening tonight,” he lit a cigarette. “You’re coming right?”

“No smoking near all these dresses,” I pointed for him to put it out.

He did, but barely hid the fact he was annoyed with me about it. “So, tonight you’re coming, right?”

“Of course,”

He seemed to take an easy breath, still staring at me. “Turn around, I’ll do you up.”

Holding the dress to my chest. “Wait,” I took my bra off. Handing it to him instead of tossing it on the ground.

He started to do the clips

Now this style was perfect. Corset fitting. Black. Low cut front. Long and with a leg split.

His hand rested on my stomach, looking me in the eye. “Stunning.” He kissed my shoulder. “For tonight.”

Pouting, “Seriously?”

“Doesn’t really say dinner with the grandparents.” he kissed just below my ear, “But it’s perfect for you to wear sitting on my lap tonight.”

He was right. But I looked in the mirror at the racks, couldn’t stop the sigh.

Pulling me back to his chest, “Since when did I start having to talk you into shopping?” he held me tighter, “What about heels?” he moved my hair to the side, “You pick another dress, and we can change shops.”

I couldn’t even hide the delight. “And no whining?”

“Have I ever whined?”

I slowly moved my head from side to side. “No, you’re rather perfect.” Tracing my nails over his arm. “Undo me.”

Right now, any dress for that dinner would be fine. I should know better than to think I could pick one that mom won’t hate. If I was wearing it, and she hadn’t picked it, she’d hate it.

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