Remington (The Theriot Family 1)

“And for you, Mr. Theriot?” Claude asked.

He considered for a moment. “Champagne for me.”

“Of course. I’ll be right back with your beverages, and Max will be out in just a moment to show you some of the options we have available today.”

Remington merely nodded his acknowledgment, and the young man scurried off into a room behind the counter.

A few moments later, I was sipping my perfectly made coffee, and Max, who I assumed was Maximilian, the owner, was showing me clothes unlike anything I’d owned—suits with fabrics so soft I wouldn’t want to take them off and shirts that were silky smooth and required cufflinks. Even before I was so deeply in debt, I only bought clothes sold at a bargain or thrifted things. I’d never imagined having the money for garments like those Max was showing me.

Remington spoke knowledgeably with Max about fabrics and mentioned colors I’d never thought to use to describe my clothing.

“What do you like, Henri?” Remington asked. I hadn’t been sure I’d get a choice, which would have been fine. I was doing this for Remington, and he was already paying me an enormous sum plus buying these clothes. I would wear whatever he wanted me to.

“If there’s something you prefer for me—” He interrupted me before I could finish.

“These clothes are for you. I want you to enjoy wearing them.”

Why did it matter? I was just an employee. “I really like this one.” I ran my hand over the fabric of a navy suit with pale blue pinstripes.

Remington smiled. “It’s gorgeous with your coloring.” Heat filled my cheeks.

“What else do you like?” Max asked. “Or if there’s not anything here, we have more options available.”

“Oh, no. This is… There’s so much here, I…”

“Take your time, Henri,” Remington said. “Choose whatever you like, then I’ll choose a few items I want to see you in.”

I looked over everything, feeling completely overwhelmed.

“Do you need anything else while you’re deciding?” Claude asked.

“No, thank you,” I said. I would like more coffee, but it would only add to my jitters.

“Beignets,” Remington said. “We would both like some beignets.”

Max told Claude to go to Café DuMonde and bring us back several orders of beignets. The young man nodded enthusiastically and took off almost at a run.

I couldn’t believe Remington only had to ask for something and everyone jumped to give it to him. No wonder he told me he could have whatever he wanted.

I selected several more outfits, then Remington requested to see a few other options.

Claude returned with the beignets, and Remington set one on a napkin and held it out to me. Trying not to cover myself in powdered sugar, I took a bite. It was so good I barely held back a moan as I chewed it. It was so soft and flaky but also crisp, warm, and sugary, and just perfect.

When we’d made selections, I tried everything on so Max could do any necessary alterations. I was amazed how easily Remington and Max had determined my size. Most of the items needed only minimal tailoring, and some didn’t need any at all.

When everything had been whisked to the back for the alterations to be made as we waited, I had another beignet, and Claude brought me a bottle of sparkling water.

I realized Remington was watching me. “Tonight I want you to wear the suit you chose first. You look amazing in it.”

“Thank you.” I hadn’t expected Remington to compliment me so easily. He really wasn’t at all what he seemed at first.

“This dinner…”

“We’ll be eating at Commander’s Palace.”

My eyes went wide. “Really?” From what I understood, they served some of the best food in the city.

Remington smiled. “Yes, really, and it’s as good as you’ve probably heard. The man I’m consulting with, X—”

“Wait. That’s his name? Just X?”

“He has several names for different facets of his life, but that’s what I call him.”

“Okay.” I had so many questions.

“He’s bringing his boyfriend, Emilio, who is a… computer specialist.” I got the feeling he wasn’t simply a computer guy, but something more criminal. “From what I’ve learned about him, I think you’ll get along well.”

“He’s probably so much smarter than—” Remington laid a finger over my lips.

“Don’t put yourself down. That’s a rule I expect you to follow during our time together—and afterward too.”

Again, I wondered why he cared.

Remington picked up the last beignet and held it to my lips. I took a bite, then he took one. He offered me the rest, but I shook my head. He polished it off, then kissed me, licking the powdered sugar from my lips, uncaring who might see.

It made my heart flutter. This man was dangerous in ways I hadn’t even realized when I’d first met him.

Max returned a moment later with several bags filled with all my new outfits. I could see why Remington liked this kind of shopping experience.