Chapter 126 126.Men’s necklace
Tabitha’s POV
I carry the tray to the counter myself. Celeste blinks as if surprised to see me there, then takes the pieces and boxes them without comment. She turns right back to the brothers.
“These rings also come in platinum. You might prefer the weight,” she says, looking at Jace.
Jace slides the ring off and sets it down. “I’m good. Just pack the ones I’ve chosen earlier.” He turns to me and breaks into a grin. “You done picking your stuff?”
“Yup. You?”
Jace shrugs. “Yeah. It’s nothing crazy. You should ask Reed.”
We all turn to Reed who is practically glittering with all the 24k gold on his body. He looks at us and frowns.
We all look at Reed, who is practically glowing under layers of gold. He catches us staring and scowls.
“What? I’m just killing time.”
“Would you like me to bring out another set of our limited edition men’s necklace?” Celeste offers in a saccharine voice. She bites her lips and trails a finger on Reed’s arm.
Reed jolts back, briefly looking at me, then scowling at Celeste. He pulls his arm away.
“No need for that. I’m done.” He takes out the chain necklace he is wearing and hands it to Celeste. “Can you pack that one for me?”
Celeste’s lips quiver, the smile on her faltering. “Of course…”
“You know what?” Jace steps closer to the counter and taps the glass near the women’s display. “We’ll take that barrette with gems on it too. I think it’ll suit our stepsister,” he says, nodding at me.
“What? But I already bought too much.”
Jace winks at me. “Then adding another one won’t hurt.” He turns back to Celeste. “Please pack everything. We’re ready to pay.”
Her smile stiffens. “Right away, Mr. Aldair,” she replies.
We gather near the exit once everything is boxed. Celeste slips closer to Jace and presses a folded paper into his palm. She winks at him.
“If you ever need guidance on what suits your hands,” she says, smiling, “you know where to find me.”
Celeste proceeds to make a telephone sign with her hand. I gape in disbelief. Did she just give him her number?! I have to take a deep breath and reign in whatever words that are itching out of my mouth.
Jace frowns and takes the piece of paper. “Thanks,” he says before unceremoniously dumping the thing into the nearest trash bin right in front of everyone.
I see how Celeste’s smirk turns into unfiltered shock in seconds.
“Let’s go,” Jace beams and throws his arm around my shoulder as they usher me towards the paying station.
I bite my lip to suppress a grin.
Jerk.
At the counter, I reach for Alpha Emery’s card but Evren is faster. He places his card down, and the transaction goes through before I can protest.
“Evren!” I gasp. “We’re supposed to use your dad’s credit card.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He just shrugs and takes the shopping bags. Jace winks at me as he also carries his shopping bag.
I stare at Alpha Emery’s card in my hand and try to process what just happened.
“Let’s go, princess. Don’t just stand there,” Reed calls as the four of them head towards the exit.
Sighing, I hastily pocket their dad’s credit card before going after them.
The doors slide shut behind us, and the noise of the mall rushes back in. My phone buzzes in my pocket. Fishing it out, a message from my mom flashes on my screen.
Mom:
Darling, we’re jumping to the next mall because this one didn’t have the specific pumps that I like. Let’s just meet at the estate, alright? Love you! <3
“What the…”
“What’s wrong?” Jace asks.
“Uh, it’s my mom. She said they’re heading to the next mall to buy a specific shoe.” Unbelievable!
Luca hums. “Probably in KL. That’s the only other luxury mall on the island.”
“So, uh… do we just go home and wait for them or…?” I ask, rubbing my nape.
“Nah, they're probably gonna take a while. Let’s find some place to eat! I’m starving,” Reed suggests.
“You’re always starving,” I point out.
Reed smirks and licks his lips. “Yeah. That’s why we should find a way to get this beast fed.” He taps on his stomach. “Or else… I might find other ways to satisfy my craving…” he looks at me with those dangerous eyes and winks.
Jace gags.
“Ugh. Let’s go before Reed says another bullshit that will make me throw up.” Jace gags.
Luca snickers and Evren’s lips quiver into an almost smile. Reed cusses at his brothers and shows him the bird again. I just laugh and let them lead the way.
After a scrumptious lunch, Evren informs us that Gerald is waiting for us in the parking lot. Since their dad and my mom used the other car to drive to the other mall, we had to call the driver to pick us up.
“Wait, let’s stop by that store first,” Jace says.
I turn to see where he is looking. “A flower shop? Are you serious?”
It’s the same flower shop with the beautiful bouquet that I saw earlier. Although they probably had that one sold already since I’m no longer seeing it on display.
“Yup. Let’s go.”
Before I can complain, the four of them boldly saunter towards the mall as if they all agree to Jace’s crazy idea.