10. Julian
10
JULIAN
I want to see how well my girl behaves outside of the apartment. Besides, as much as I like having her here, having her be solely mine, I'm not so disillusioned to think the two of us can just never leave again.
So I planned a surprise for her.
I lift the garment bag from my closet, already anticipating Ivy's reaction. The boutique had delivered everything last night while she slept - a fitted cashmere sweater dress in deep burgundy, Italian leather boots that will hit just below her knees, and the centerpiece: a diamond choker that doubles as the most sophisticated tracking device money can buy.
"Arms up." I help her into the dress, watching as the soft material clings to her curves. The hem hits mid-thigh - modest enough for the public but still displaying those legs I can't keep my eyes off of.
Ivy runs her fingers along the material. "This is gorgeous." Her amber eyes light up as she twirls in front of the mirror. "And actually covers everything. I'm shocked."
I crack a smile at that. "Sit." I guide her to the vanity chair, gathering her dark hair to one side. The choker gleams as I fasten it around her neck, diamonds catching the morning light. She traces the intricate pattern with a fingertip.
"This must have cost a fortune." Her reflection meets mine in the mirror.
"You're worth every penny." I adjust the choker until it sits perfectly centered. The tracking chip is undetectable, nestled between the stones.
She stands, sliding her feet into the boots I hold out. "So we're actually leaving the penthouse? In real clothes?"
"You sound surprised." I zip up each boot, letting my hands linger on her calves.
"Well, your usual shopping list consists of lingerie and nothing else." She gives me a playful smirk. "A girl needs variety."
"You'll get plenty today." I help her into a wool coat that matches the boots, another custom piece. Everything she wears marks her as mine - refined, expensive, carefully chosen.
She twirls again, the dress flaring slightly. "I feel like a princess."
"Better." I cup her chin. "You're mine."
Her cheeks warm under my touch as she leans into my hand. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see." I press a kiss to her forehead. "Ready?"
She nods, completely trusting. No questions, no demands - just pure acceptance of my lead. Perfect.
The Chicago winter bites at us as we step outside, but Ivy stays close, her small hand tucked into mine. No hesitation, no glancing around for escape routes. Just her warmth pressed against my side as we walk to the car. It makes me want to reward her more for being my obedient girl.
At the boutique, the staff greets us with practiced smiles. I've arranged for private access - no other customers, no distractions.
"Try this." I hand her a silk blouse in deep emerald, paired with a pencil skirt that will hug every curve.
She disappears into the dressing room while I settle into a leather armchair. When she emerges, the sight steals my breath. The silk drapes perfectly across her chest, and the skirt...
"Turn."
She obliges, a slight smile playing at her lips.
"Beautiful." I gesture for another spin. "We'll take it. And bring the red version too."
My phone buzzes. Thompson's name flashes on the screen - probably about the contract he desperately wants me to sign. I switch it off without looking away from Ivy. Her eyes widen slightly at the gesture, shock and warmth blooming there. Interesting.
"No interruptions today." I select a backless cocktail dress next. "This one."
Each outfit reveals more of her - a shorter hemline here, a deeper neckline there. She flushes under my attention, but there's pride in her stance when I praise how the clothes fit her.
"The way this hugs your waist..." I run my hand along the latest dress, feeling her shiver. "Perfect."
"You don't have to buy everything." She fidgets with the strap.
"I want to." I signal the attendant to add it to our growing collection. "I like seeing you in beautiful things."
The truth surprises me - I do want this. Want to spoil her, protect her, keep her close. The realization should unsettle me. I've never wanted anyone, and yet, I knew the second I saw her she was different.
Maybe my obsession should encourage me to put distance between us. Instead, watching her beam at her reflection, I feel something crack open in my chest. Something I've never felt before.
For the first time in my life, someone else's happiness matters more than control. Lucky for me, the two are entwined.
As we exit the boutique, a familiar voice cuts through the winter air.
"Ivy? Oh my god!"
I recognize her friend Jessica from the bar. She stands on the sidewalk, bundled in a charcoal wool coat, her designer glasses fogging slightly in the cold. Her fingers are intertwined with some guy I vaguely remember from O'Malley's. Her usual stern expression melts into surprise.
Ivy tenses beside me. I slide my arm around her waist, pulling her closer.
"Jessica! Hi!" Ivy's voice pitches higher than normal.
Jessica's dark eyes narrow, assessing me with that lawyer's precision. "I've been trying to reach you for days. Radio silence isn't like you."
"That would be my fault." I raise a hand guiltily. "I'm not sure if you remember me. We got paired up for Secret Santa last week and haven't quite managed to rejoin society yet." I let my smile turn apologetic. "I'm afraid I've been monopolizing her time."
Jessica's perfectly manicured eyebrow arches. "A week? That's... unexpected." She glances at Ivy. "You always return my calls."
"I know, I'm sorry." Ivy leans into me. "We just got caught up in-"
"Each other," I finish smoothly. "Sometimes that happens."
The man beside Jessica wraps an arm around her. "We know how that can be. Right, Jess?"
Jessica's professional mask slips for a moment as she looks at him. Her expression is almost reverent, and it makes me curious. "I suppose spontaneity has its merits." She turns back to Ivy. "But next time send a text so I know you're alive? I know Soph and Lily are out of town, but my firm's party is next week if you want to go."
"I'll…let you know." Ivy's smile is genuine now.
Her eyes narrow. "Okay." Jessica checks her watch - a Cartier, interesting. "We're late for brunch. Call me later?" The question carries weight, loaded with unspoken concern.
"Promise."
I make a mental note to send Jessica a message on Ivy’s behalf, informing her that unfortunately she can’t make it to the party. Pity.
We watch them disappear around the corner, Jessica's heels clicking against the pavement.
As soon as they're out of sight, Ivy sags back against me, tension melting from her shoulders. I wrap an arm around her waist to steady her.
"Want to head home?" I brush my lips against her temple.
She nods, pressing closer. "Please."
I guide her to the Bentley, now stuffed with bags from our shopping excursion. The leather seats warm quickly as I start the engine, and Ivy curls into the passenger seat like a contented cat.
"You were perfect today." I take her hand, running my thumb across her knuckles. "So good for me. The way you carried yourself, how beautifully you showed off everything I chose for you."
Color rises in her cheeks as she ducks her head. "It was nice. Being out with you."
"You deserve a reward for being such a good girl." I lift her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to her palm. Her pulse flutters beneath my touch.
Back home, I help her out of the car, leaving the bags for later. Right now, my focus is entirely on her. In the elevator, I cage her against the wall, one hand braced beside her head.
"I want to taste you." I trace the line of the diamond choker. "Want to mark every inch of you as mine."
Her breath catches. I capture her lips in a deep kiss, savoring the soft sound she makes. When the elevator doors open, I guide her inside to the couch, settling on my knees before her.
Hooking one leg over my shoulder, I wrap my hands around the smooth thighs I'm about to cover in marks. "Let me take care of you, sweet girl."
And I don't know what is sweeter, her punishment or reward. Both have her trembling and coming all over me.