Falling In (The Surrender Trilogy 1)

He frowned. “If you were tired you should’ve told me. This could’ve waited.”

She had been tired, exhausted really, but since stepping into the limo her adrenaline kicked in. “I’m okay now. I must’ve gotten a second wind.”

He studied her face a moment then said, “I expect you to be at your best, Evelyn. If you require eight hours’ sleep, take it. If you need ten, then make sure you get them.”

His words were bossy and rude, but there was also a bit of concern beneath his censure. Underneath all of the gruff and growl, she suspected there was a soft little puppy. No, not a puppy, more like a bear cub or baby lion. She hid her smile.

They arrived in a section of the city she had never visited before. “Is this still Folsom?”

“Yes, the upper west side.”

Scout looked out the tinted window as the lavish stores and boutiques rolled by. Shoppers patronized the ritzy strip in high heels and designer suits. Glancing down at her tattered clothing and worn through sneakers, she frowned.

The limousine pulled to a stop outside of a pristine store she couldn’t read the name of. She swallowed as a lump formed in her stomach. Lucian placed his glass aside and flattened the front of his suit jacket. He’d forgone the casual air she’d grown used to seeing him in while in the comfort of his penthouse. Scout liked that Lucian better.

Dugan came around and opened the passenger door. She couldn’t move. Well-dressed patrons bustled past her vantage with dogs dressed finer than her. Her breath was coming too fast and she was going to be sick.

“Evelyn? We’re here.”

She looked at Lucian and he frowned. He leaned over her lap and said to Dugan, “Give us a minute.” He then pulled the door closed, submerging the heated car in silence.

“What’s the matter, Evelyn?”

“When you said shopping for personal items I thought you meant we’d hit a drugstore or something.”

He pressed his lips together and, again, took visual inventory of her clothing. His fingers pinched a loose flap of her bag distastefully, rubbing together as if he touched something unsavory.

“You can’t expect what you’re wearing to be appropriate for the places we’ll visit. You need clothes.”

“But you said the dinner wasn’t until tomorrow.”

“That’s right, we have a function tomorrow, but we still need to eat tonight. I have no problem with lunch or breakfast in the penthouse, but dining out is something I enjoy. What difference is there if we purchase some items tonight or tomorrow? Either way, you need an entirely new wardrobe.”

He was right, of course. Dressed the way she was, Scout was an embarrassment to a man like him. She looked out the window. But did they have to shop here? She’d be uncomfortable at a department store. This was beyond swank.

“Come on,” he said, nudging her leg and smiling. “Let me treat you. Clothing is armor. I prefer you feisty and I’m prepared to spend a great deal of money on you in order to have you that way. Let’s go buy some courage.”

“People will stare at me.”

“You’re beautiful, Evelyn. People will stare at you no matter what you wear.”

His words were sweet and warmed her heart, chasing away some of her trepidation, but not all of it. She sighed, resigned, and he tapped on the ceiling. The door opened and Dugan took her arm as she climbed onto the sidewalk.

Scout shivered and Lucian stepped out beside her. “Where’s your coat?” he asked, again frowning.

“I don’t have one.”

Her words seemed to render him momentarily speechless. He didn’t comment, merely nodded and headed toward their first courage outlet.

A woman with hair the color of silken wheat greeted them. Her nails were long and painted white at the tips. She carefully ignored Scout’s presence and purred up at Lucian. Scout’s brow pinched and she decided not to like her right off the bat.

“Mr. Patras!” she cooed. “What a pleasure to have your company today. Is there something particular I can show you?”

Scout curled her lip at the woman’s ridiculous advance. Lucian typed something into his phone. Without even looking at the woman he said, “Evelyn here requires an entirely new wardrobe. Do you think you can help her with that, Simone?”

The woman pouted. “Sonia.”

Lucian tucked his phone back in his pocket and looked at her in confusion. “Excuse me?”

“My name’s Sonia, sir.”

“Of course.” He nodded a halfhearted apology and came to Scout’s side. Slipping his hand around hers, lending some of his power and strength to her, he squeezed her fingers and smiled, sending her a sidelong glance.

Did he know the attendant’s name? Was he fucking with her? Scout’s lips twitched as she hid her smile. She squeezed his hand back. It was the first time he made her feel with him rather than against him or below him.