Chapter 30
Our first stop was Nan’s. He wanted to ease her mind about me and Declan. Make sure she knew we were safe. Once that was done, he took me clothes shopping. He was so cute about it. How could I deny him the pleasure? Because that was what he said it was.
His pleasure.
I muttered something under my breath, still not convinced I wasn’t living in an alternate universe.
“What was that?” Andrew asked as he held the door open for me.
“Nothing,” I said brightly, feeling foolish.
If I thought shopping for books and journals was overwhelming, nothing could compare to Geraldine’s.
Walking into the high-end boutique, I stared around in awe.
Rows and rows of beautiful gowns graced one wall.
Marble floors glimmered beneath crystal chandeliers.
Racks of designer clothing filled the space.
My mouth hung open, and I stared in awe as a regal figure approached. Striding confidently toward us, she had to be six-feet-tall without the stilettos. The air in which she walked spoke of her sophistication, but it was her warm smile that had me transfixed.
Instantly, she put me at ease. “Welcome to Geraldine’s.
Dr. Marcel, it’s been a minute. How are you?
This must be Victoria. You, my dear, are radiant, exquisite.
I can’t wait to dress you. Come, let’s get acquainted and find out what you like.
Dr. Marcel, make yourself comfortable.” She gave a wave of her hand, dismissing him almost, and looped her arm through mine.
I hastily glanced at Andrew, feeling a rise of panic. “This isn’t necessary,” I stammered.
He stepped closer. “It’s part of the Freedom Package. Think of it as a starting over wardrobe. Everything we purchase will be something you’ve chosen.”
“I couldn’t,” I said, staring wide-eyed.
“You can, and you will, because a good girl always does what she’s asked. Are you my good girl, angel?”
I bobbed my head involuntarily as his soothing voice filled the space between us. “Yes, Sir.”
“Then go with Geraldine and make the most of it. If you’re comfortable, I’d love to see the outfits you like the most. It’s not mandatory, though, by any means.”
My eyes flickered over to the shelves filled with expensive shoes and accessories. She even had a counter dedicated to perfume.
“What is it?” Andrew asked, concern filling his eyes.
It was such a simple question. How to tell him?
I fidgeted, but took a deep breath and said, “I don’t know what I like.
I’ve not had a choice in so long. Can’t you just tell me what you like and I’ll get it?
That’s being a good girl, too. It’s a lot of pressure.
What if I pick something you hate? Maybe I should try it all on for you.
That way, if you don’t like it, you can—”
“No, none of that. Today’s trip is all about you figuring out small little steps you can make toward independence.”
“But I don’t know how?” I whispered.
“It’s simple. Touch something, hold it up. If it speaks to you, try it on. If you hate the way it looks, we try something else. I need you to do this for me. After we’re done here, we’ll get some new things for Declan. I’d like to check out a school.”
“School?” I exclaimed.
“Yes.” He chuckled softly and leaned in to kiss my lips. “We can’t have him going back to his original one. Nik found a connection between the headmaster and one of the clubs—”
“He knows about that?” I asked as shame coated my face.
“Hey, now. Nik is discreet, he would never judge you by the actions of others. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. A fresh start is what this is all about. For you. For him. Part of that is asking yourself, who do I want to be? This is a small step in that direction.”
“Come, let’s get your measurements and we can talk privately. Girls only,” Geraldine said reassuringly.
Reluctantly, I walked away from Andrew. He called out, “I’m going to look at the fragrances. Since I’m here, I may as well restock the girls’ stash.”
He winked as I grew nervous. The apprehension of meeting them loomed larger than life.
“I promise the process isn’t as overwhelming as it sounds. We’ll find your style,” Geraldine offered, combining my words with the look on my face, I was sure.
“It’s more about meeting the girls he’s restocking up for.”
“Oh, they’re lovely. Truely. Well, Isabella is pretty opinionated, but honestly, two of the nicest women I know.”
She led me to a tastefully decorated fitting room that was adorned with soft, muted colors and a full-length mirror.
I stepped inside. She closed the door gently and, with a reassuring pat on my shoulder, she said, “Let’s start with measurements. I want to make sure everything fits perfectly. Are you okay undressing in front of me for this part? You can keep your bra and knickers on.”
“Oh, no.” I wanted to kick myself. I had no idea this was part of the plan. And now, with my face turning a hundred shades of red, I had no choice but to tell her.
“It’s perfectly fine. I can measure over it won’t be as accurate, but we can make it work.”
“It’s not that. Andrew…um well, he said when I wear a dress—”
Her face lit up, and she shook her head softly.
“I think I know where this is going. Hang on tight. These men and their preferences, am I right? I’ll be back in a flash.
” She dashed out of the door before I could even say a word.
Within a few minutes, she was back with a pair of underwear and a handful of items to try on as well.
“What are you feeling? Casual, comfortable, sophistication, maybe a little party.”
“Oh, I don’t think I’ll need sophistication or party. I’m a mom,” I blurted out.
She laughed; the rich sound filled the space. “Moms come in all styles. We don’t discriminate here. You stay put. There’s something that came in today and I think it will look perfect on you.”
We settled into a comfortable conversation that was light and friendly.
She didn’t press, and it made me wonder if this ‘freedom package’ was a normal occurrence for her.
Within a short amount of time, she had me pegged.
Relaxing and giving into this experience, I ended up having the time of my life.
I insisted Andrew see the outfits, though.
In retrospect, I was glad I did because it gave me the opportunity to read him. Towards the end, I could immediately tell if he liked what I was wearing or not. It was the way his eyes raked over my body and the curve of his smile.
Once the last outfit had been tried on, she left me to get dressed. I stepped out of the room, and Andrew was waiting to escort me to the checkout area. His gaze was intense, and I worried maybe I’d taken too long.
“Will this be all for today?” Geraldine asked.
She gathered soft fabrics of some items that I hadn’t seen before. I wondered if they were for the girls.
“It is,” Andrew answered.
His hand lingered at the small of my back, and he traced light circles. I tried to not shift too much, but it was as if he could read my thoughts. The heat from his hand burned through the dress, and I shivered, unable to control it.
Gold, pastels, and crimson red bits of silk and lace fluttered among sheets of tissue paper.
Geraldine carefully wrapped and placed them into bags with the clothes I’d tried on.
She reached for a jet-black bra and panty set.
She folded it delicately as she casually mentioned.
“Dr. Marcel, did you see the garter and pair of stockings that match this set?”
“I did not,” he said, “But maybe I should look at them.”
“Yes, they’re sheer black, with a band made of the most incredibly soft velvet. It’s like a caress on the inner thigh.” She walked over to the display.
“A caress, hmm…” he murmured. His lips were so close to my ear that I shook. He pulled me closer. “Be my good girl and go look at them.” His hand lifted from my back, and I whimpered at the loss of his heat.
“Maybe you should try the outfit on completely to ensure you like it,” Geraldine said. “Go back into the room. I’ll bring the set over.”
Her eyes flicked to Andrew’s, and they seemed to have a silent exchange. Like a secret. I slipped away, feeling a slickness between my legs. My heartbeat quickened as I walked back to the room.
Seconds later, to my surprise, Andrew walked in with the outfit. I gulped as our eyes locked. A smirk played at the corner of his lips. The space seemed incredibly smaller with him in there. He leaned against the door.
“Change for me, Tori,” he commanded.
I immediately moved into action, practically ripping the dress off.
His eyes raked over my body, and I prayed that the lighting was soft enough to not point out all my flaws.
He sucked in his breath, and fire danced in his eyes.
He handed me each piece and waited until I had them on before speaking.
“Turn around and look at how beautiful you are,” he breathed.
Heat flared under my skin at his tone. The way he ordered me around was worlds apart from Cameron. His voice was husky, and the look of pure lust in his eyes caused me to shiver. Slowly I turned, keeping my eyes down, unable to bring myself to look at the reflection in the mirror.
Without warning, he roughly grabbed my hair, he pulled my head up. “I said, look at how beautiful you are,” he hissed.
I whimpered, but opened my eyes. Unfortunately, I didn’t see what he did. Instead, all I saw was an imposter. However, I did as he instructed. Once I had looked at myself for what was surely a sufficient amount of time, I looked at him in the mirror.
In a quick move, he wrapped a hand around my waist. He pressed me against the mirror as his eyes burned into mine. “You have no idea what you do to me. I fucking need you, angel. Do you consent?”
I startled. He didn’t want me—he needed me. The words burned in my head. Andrew needed me. A warmth spread in my stomach. The fire in his eyes matched my desperation.
“Yes, Sir. I consent.”