Chapter 15: 15.

ARTEMIS

Rows and rows of hangars filled with what I could see were exquisite clothes that belonged on the front page of cover magazines were brought into the room. I had to remind myself that my status was different now and I could gape.

As I mentioned before, my parents had been millionaires, and Van did really well, but this was another type of luxury that I had never experienced firsthand. The Billionaire treatment was on another level.

“We will start with dresses,” The manager announced with a pleased smile after the hangars had been adjusted so we could see them properly.

“Try them on,” Kieran murmured softly, “We’ll take the ones you like. I don’t want you selecting just one or two. If you like them all, we will take them all,” he said with a matter-of-fact tone, and a gasp echoed throughout the room.

Remember, Artemis. You should be playing the role of the pampered fiancée. No arguments or refusing. I reminded myself again in my head.

“Okay,” I agreed, then got up. “Where is the changing room?” I asked the manager, and she led me to it, while beckoning one of the staff to bring a rack of clothes with her.

The changing room was as big as an average bedroom. It had a mirror inside, but I knew I wouldn’t be using it since my fiancée was expecting a mini fashion show.

The first dress I removed from the hangar was a crimson red figure-hugging gown. It had a daring thigh-high slit, a halter neck and a flowing cape-like overlay. It was simple, yet provocative.

I shook my head and went to drop it. It was too much. There was so much skin that would be on display, and that was the kind of dress I never thought of wearing, before and during Van.

“That one would look marvellous on you. I bet it’s going to be one of Mr Kieran’s favourites.” The manager beamed, clapping her hands with delight.

“I don’t think I can pull this off. I’ll try something else,” I told the manager, but she snatched the hangar from me and was already taking the dress off it.

“Why don’t you try it on and see what he has to say? I promise, I would never suggest something I didn’t think was nice.” She said with an understanding smile and held the dress out for me, “What do you say? It wouldn’t hurt to try”

I hesitated, but like she said, it wouldn’t hurt to try. I could just drop it back if I didn’t like the way it looked.

Since it was just us and another female attendant, I removed my dress, and the attendant helped me put on the dress. The material slid onto my body like a second skin, clinging to me in a manner that wasn’t too tight, but fit perfectly.

The manager gasped and clapped excitedly. Her eyes were shining with satisfaction, “I told you it would look good on you,” she said, guiding me towards the mirror before I could say anything.

“Wait…” The words died in my throat when I saw myself in the mirror. My face wasn’t different, but I looked different. I didn’t think I had ever seen my body look this attractive.

“Wow,” I whispered in awe as though I was looking at someone else. I looked like those provocative, sexy, but powerful women I saw on TV commercials, and I had to admit, I loved it.

“Told you,” The manager whispered behind me. “Want to hear what he has to say?” She said with a knowing smile.

“Not like I have a choice,” I muttered, still with awe in my voice as I continued staring at my reflection in the mirror.

Did I always have legs this long and flawless?

“Come on,” The manager pulled me excitedly towards the waiting area of the VIP room. “She is here. What do you think, Mr Kieran?” She announced, barely containing her excitement.

Though Kieran’s expression was guarded, I could tell he was taken aback. I held my breath as he stood up in a slow and powerful motion and began to walk towards me. His eyes never left mine as he took my hand and led me to the mirror.

“Did you see yourself before you walked out of here?” he murmured huskily, as he leaned forward to rest his head on the crook of my neck while a protective arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me to his chest.

A gasp escaped my lips at the movement, and my eyes met his in the mirror, “I did,”

“And?”

“I think I like it,” I whispered.

“You look like mine in this dress. Sinful. Powerful. Dangerous and Deadly.” He whispered huskily, “I can imagine everyone’s eyes on you when you step out in this dress.”

I attempted to leave his hold, “I knew it was too much. I’ll change it.”

Kieran pulled me back, “Who said we aren’t taking it?”

My eyes widened, “But…”

“No buts. I want you in dresses like this all the time.” Him being this close was suffocating, but I couldn’t pull away.

My breath caught in my throat when his hands slid down to the start of the slit, and his hand moved under…

“Stop,” I whispered, catching the straying hand before it could touch me, “We are in public, Kieran. Behave,”

“That means you’ll let my hand roam when we are in private?” he asked, and I jerked away from his touch.

“Don’t do that,” My voice rose, and I didn’t care that there were people in the room.

“Do what?” he smirked, that infuriating grin appearing on his face.

“Act like this is real,” I snapped.

“Who said it wasn’t?” he countered.