Page 89 of Serpent & Saviors

Declan launched himself out of his chair and squealed before turning his face to mine. “Please, Mummy. I’ll never ask for another thing in my entire life. You have to say yes, please.”

His excitement was so pure, so unfiltered, that I couldn’t fight the tears in my eyes from falling. Andrew once more squeezed my hand.

“So what do you say, Mummy? Can we take him to the park while the Counselor takes you out? I hear a new phone is on the agenda,” Nik asked.

“A ph-phone?” I stammered.

“Yes, angel. Every part of your life is getting an upgrade,” Andrew said, bringing my hand up and dusting the back with soft kisses. “What do you say?” he murmured.

“Okay,” I breathed.

Declan’s arms wrapped around me, squeezing tightly. “You’re the best mummy ever,” he said, his voice muffled against my body. “I love you so much.”

My heart cracked wide open. I bent down, pressing a kiss to the top of his head, breathing in the scent of syrup. When I looked up, every single man around the table was staring at us. These huge, sophisticated, rugged men looked like they’d just taken a direct hit to the chest.

Nikolai cleared his throat, then glanced at Aleksandr and Ivan. “We’ve got to get our girl on board. Like yesterday.”

The two nodded while Andrew laughed.

Our first stop was Nan’s. He wanted to ease her mind about me and Declan. Make sure she knew we were safe. Once that was done, he took me clothes shopping. He was so cute about it. How could I deny him the pleasure? Because that was what he said it was.

His pleasure.

I muttered something under my breath, still not convinced I wasn’t living in an alternate universe.

“What was that?” Andrew asked as he held the door open for me.

“Nothing,” I said brightly, feeling foolish.

If I thought shopping for books and journals was overwhelming, nothing could compare to Geraldine’s. Walking into the high-end boutique, I stared around in awe. Rows and rows of beautiful gowns graced one wall. Marble floors glimmered beneath crystal chandeliers. Racks of designer clothing filled the space.

My mouth hung open, and I stared in awe as a regal figure approached. Striding confidently toward us, she had to be six-feet-tall without the stilettos. The air in which she walked spoke of her sophistication, but it was her warm smile that had me transfixed.

Instantly, she put me at ease. “Welcome to Geraldine’s. Dr. Marcel, it’s been a minute. How are you? This must be Victoria. You, my dear, are radiant, exquisite. I can’t wait to dress you. Come, let’s get acquainted and find out what you like. Dr. Marcel, make yourself comfortable.” She gave a wave of her hand, dismissing him almost, and looped her arm through mine.

I hastily glanced at Andrew, feeling a rise of panic. “This isn’t necessary,” I stammered.

He stepped closer. “It’s part of the Freedom Package. Think of it as a starting over wardrobe. Everything we purchase will be something you’ve chosen.”

“I couldn’t,” I said, staring wide-eyed.

“You can, and you will, because a good girl always does what she’s asked. Are you my good girl, angel?”

I bobbed my head involuntarily as his soothing voice filled the space between us. “Yes, Sir.”

“Then go with Geraldine and make the most of it. If you’re comfortable, I’d love to see the outfits you like the most. It’s not mandatory, though, by any means.”

My eyes flickered over to the shelves filled with expensive shoes and accessories. She even had a counter dedicated to perfume.

“What is it?” Andrew asked, concern filling his eyes.

It was such a simple question. How to tell him? I fidgeted, but took a deep breath and said, “I don’t know what I like. I’ve not had a choice in so long. Can’t you just tell me what you like and I’ll get it? That’s being a good girl, too. It’s a lot of pressure. What if I pick something you hate? Maybe I should try it all on for you. That way, if you don’t like it, you can—”

“No, none of that. Today’s trip is all about you figuring out small little steps you can make toward independence.”

“But I don’t know how?” I whispered.

“It’s simple. Touch something, hold it up. If it speaks to you, try it on. If you hate the way it looks, we try something else. I need you to do this for me. After we’re done here, we’ll get some new things for Declan. I’d like to check out a school.”