AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The moment I stood straight, I released him. Distance. That was what I needed. But he must have sensed my intention because he slung an arm around my waist, holding me close.
Isobel would hate this. Me? Not so much. Before I could work up a good protest, he led me across a sidewalk and toward a doorman, who opened a glass entrance for us.
We entered a spacious shop filled with, well, not clothes, as I’d expected. Hmm. A couch, two floral print chairs, a coffee table, and a couple plants. Behind the couch, servers held trays lined with drinks and snacks. Full-length mirrors hung from every wall.
Callen ushered me to the couch and urged me to sit. He unbuttoned his jacket and eased beside me. The moment we were situated, the staff rushed around to offer us champagne, tea, or whiskey and a hundred different varieties of finger sandwiches and cookies. Dazed all over again, I filled a small porcelain plate with treats and selected a glass of lavender tea.
The waiters and waitresses scampered off and newcomers pushed racks of clothing into the area.
“See anything you wish to purchase?” Callen asked, all kinds of satisfaction in his tone.
My jaw dropped. T-shirts, sweaters, yoga pants and sport bras abounded. There was even an array of tennis shoes. Everything I’d searched for and more. “Seriously?”
I set my glass and sandwiches aside, then rose andmade my way to the shirts. Did I hear angels singing? I’d entered the mothership of comfort.
Reaching out, I traced my fingertips over a white sweater featuring an adorable black cat. Oh! So soft. Maybe the softest thing I’d ever handled. “Is this cashmere?”
I fished out the tag and gasped. “Are you paying?” I glanced at Callen over my shoulder.
He stretched his arms over the top of the seat and rested an ankle on his knee. His pant legs pulled up, revealing his socks. They were black with a colorful cartoon dog. An unexpected touch of whimsy from a very serious man.
“Buy whatever you wish,” he said. “Just know you’ll be wearing it. In public. If you select even one garment, your closets will be empty by the time we return home.”
“Seriously?” I repeated. I jumped up and clapped, a smile blooming. A new wardrobe and zero punishments. My grin only grew wider as I reclaimed my sandwiches and dug in. “No need to look any further.”
“Because you changed your mind about your latest style preference?” Callen asked, arching a dark brow in challenge. “You intend to buy nothing?”
“Wrong. I intend to buy everything.”
Chapter
Eight
Staying Flexible: The Best Adventures Can Begin With a Plan and End With a Detour
FromA Beginner’s Guide to Berserker Bliss
Author Unknown
Ichuckled as I hung the plethora of comfortable T-shirts, sweaters, and cardigans in my empty closet. What an amazing day this had turned out to be, all things considered. Mission progress achieved, new wardrobe acquired, and major punishment avoided.
Callen had expected our expedition to take a different route. Judging by his silence the entire drive home, I’d surprised and irritated him. Obviously, I wasn’t winning him over. But it was clear he would soon tire of my company and seek to get rid of me. Without losing his temper!
Where was he, anyway? He’d dropped me off and drove away.
In the pocket of the world’s most cozy yoga pants, mycell phone buzzed. I withdrew the device and checked the screen, my lips pursing.
Isobel: I need money!!!!! Send me some.
Oh no, she did not. I jabbed my finger into the keyboard, typing,As if! You come back to Scotland and get it yourself.SEND.
Isobel: But you’re so poor.
I could hear the whine in her voice.
You’re the one who stole my life. What’s going on with my family? And don’t you dare block me again. Are you immortal like Callen? Am I? What happened when his brother died and he lost his temper? Did you use Roderick or love him? Why does his severed head resemble a wolf if he’s a berserker?
The phone rang. Isobel! Heart thumping, I hurried to answer. “Tell me!” I demanded instead of offering a greeting.
