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My jaw clenches as I watch her proceed to select yet another dress for Annalise, this one a sultry red number that I have no doubt will look stunning on her. As much as I want to put an end to this seemingly endless shopping excursion, my desire to see Annalise radiant and confident in these new clothes trumps my irritation.
“Annalise, why don’t you try this one on?” Isabella suggests, holding up the red dress for her approval.
“Alright,” Annalise agrees hesitantly, taking the dress and disappearing into the dressing room.
“Isabella, I’m serious,” I say, trying to assert some control over the situation. “We can’t spend all day doing this. We need to get back soon.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t have insisted on accompanying us,” she retorts, her eyes narrowing in defiance. “Besides, it’s not every day that Annalise gets to enjoy something like this. Let her have her moment.”
I sigh, knowing that she has a point, but I can’t shake the nagging feeling that we’re leaving ourselves exposed by staying out so long. With each passing minute, the risk of being discovered by our enemies grows.
“Fine,” I relent. “But we’re wrapping this up soon, understood?”
“Understood,” Isabella agrees, a triumphant smile playing across her lips as she proceeds to pick out a few more items.
As much as it irks me, I know that I have to swallow my pride and endure this shopping trip for just a little while longer.
I watch, my pulse racing and jaw clenched, as Annalise steps out of the dressing room again. This time she’s wearing a fitted black dress that hugs her curves in all the right places, leaving little to the imagination. My desire for her intensifies with each outfit she tries on, and I can’t help but notice the wandering eyes of the other men in the store. They stare at her with lustful expressions, and it takes every ounce of self-control not to rip their gazes away from her.
“Wow, Lily, you look stunning,” Isabella gushes as she examines Annalise, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “What do you think, Nikhil?”
“Go back into the dressing room,” I snap, unable to keep the possessiveness from my voice. “You don’t need to parade around like this.”
“Excuse me?” Annalise narrows her eyes, her hands planted firmly on her hips. “You don’t control me.”
The tension in the air is palpable, and I can feel my self-control slipping away as I watch her emerald-green eyes lock onto mine, daring me to challenge her again. My jaw clenches involuntarily.
“Enough,” I growl, reaching out to grab her arm before she can protest. “Back in there, now.” I jerk my head toward the dressing room, my grip firm but careful not to hurt her. Annalise’s eyes widen with surprise, but she doesn’t pull away. Instead, she studies me intently, searching for something in my expression that I desperately hope she won’t find.
“Isabella,” I say, my voice sharp and authoritative, “give us a moment.”
“But—” Isabella starts to object, her eyes darting between Annalise and me with concern.
“Just do it,” I snap, silencing her. With one last worried glance, Isabella heads off to another section of the store, leaving Annalise and me alone in front of the dressing rooms.
Once she’s out of sight, I grab the back of Annalise’s head, clashing our lips together as I walk her backward into the dressing room…
Where no other men can see her.
19
ANNALISE
The dim light in the dressing room casts shadows on Nikhil’s face, making him look even more dangerous and alluring than before. I try to back away from him, but the small space leaves me with nowhere to escape.
“Enough, Nikhil,” I say, my voice trembling slightly. “I don’t want this.”
“Really?” he murmurs, taking another step toward me. His eyes are a stormy blue, filled with desire and something darker that I can’t quite place. “Because your body says otherwise.”
Heat rushes through me at his words, and I know he’s right. Despite my better judgment, I can feel my attraction to him growing stronger by the second. But I can’t give in, not when he doesn’t truly like me.
“Stop it,” I whisper, trying to sound firm. “Just let me go.”
“Is that what you really want, Annalise?” he asks, his voice low and seductive as he reaches out to push a stray lock of hair behind my ear. The simple touch sends shivers down my spine, and I hate myself for responding to him like this.
“Y-yes,” I stammer, unable to meet his gaze.
“Then why do you tremble like this?” he questions, his fingers tracing along my jawline and down my throat. My breath hitches, betraying the desire that simmers beneath the surface. “You’re a terrible liar.”
