Violet should have known better than to let four overgrown, egotistical wolves with minds of their own take her shopping.
Theyād been picking out outfits for her for the past thirty minutes with half of them absurd, half scandalous, and a dangerous few that had no business existing in public. Yeah, most were Romanās doing, or chosen by the others under his corrupting influence.
After mock-fighting over what looked best on her, they finally struck a truce: Violet would try on one outfit selected by each of them.
"How did my life get to this point?" Violet murmured, eyeing the mountain of bags now dumped across the plush velvet couch in the boutiqueās private fitting suite.
The boys had even gone as far as labeling the bags with their names so she wouldnāt mistake who picked what. Her heart went out to the staff who had to endure their antics.
"Well, letās get this over with," Violet mumbled, rifling through Romanās bag first. Alaric had insisted his be last.
"I want it to be the grand finale," heād declared.
Well, she had no choice but to grant his royal highness his wishes.
Violet slipped into the deep crimson romper Roman had chosen. The plunging neckline practically dipped to her navel, and had an open strappy back that made her feel like a walking scandal. The material barely reached mid-thigh and yeah, it hugged her pecky ass perfectly.
She stepped out, already regretting her life choices.
Outside, Roman let out a low whistle. "Youāre my favorite shade of danger."
Griffinās brows shot up. "Shit, baby girl. You tryna send someone into cardiac arrest?"
Alaric gave an appreciative nod. "I hate to agree with Roman, but damn. Thatās a look."
Asher didnāt speak. His eyes simply swept over her slowly like he was committing her to memory.
"You good?" Violet asked him.
"Iām fine," he replied with a tight voice, his breathing shallow.
Violet tried to ignore how warm her skin felt under their gazes. She spun half-heartedly in the mirror, then glanced at them.
"Well?" she asked for their collective vote.
Asher said. "Weāre buying it."
Okay... that was surprising.
"No, weāre burning it," Griffin shot back.
"Burning it after I take a photo," Roman chirped, phone already in hand.
"Sheāll wear it at home," Asher added. "With us. Alone."
Why would she even hear this expensive piece of clothing at home? Violet wondered. But whatever they said.
"Supported." Roman grinned wolfishly, taking more photos of her.
"Try the next one." Alaric called excitedly.
He obviously was really pumped up for this.
Violet groaned. "Iām going to regret this vacation, arenāt I?"
"Too late," Asher murmured, still watching her like a man half-starved.
"Well," she said, trying to breathe normally. "Letās see who else tried to make me public indecency material."
Back in the dressing room, Violet peeled off Romanās death-trap of a romper and slipped into Asherās pick which was a soft lavender two-piece that consisted of a cropped wrap top and a silky high-slit skirt. And okay, not to play favorites, but she loved this one.
When she stepped out again, her men were floored.
"There you are, shutting up every room without trying. " Asher said proudly, as if he knew from the onset how good sheād look in those.
Roman grunted. "Not fair." He narrowed his eyes at Asher. "Howād you make her look like someoneās dream and someoneās threat at the same time?"
"Itās called using your brain and not thinking about sex 24/7," Asher replied smoothly.
Roman mimed shooting him with finger guns. Violet ignored them both.
"Griffin?"
Griffin, mouth full of the chocolate-covered nuts heād found in the storeās snack corner, simply gave a thumbs up.
"Alaric?"
"You look perfect, my darling." He blew her a kiss.
"I know," she said, admiring the look. "I like it."
"Next!" Roman yelled on purpose.
It was Griffinās turn.
This time when Violet came out, she was wearing ripped black jeans, a fitted leather jacket, and combat boots. The effect was instant.
"Oh hell yes," Griffin beamed. "There she is. No oneās messinā with you."
"I love the boots," Violet said, stomping the floor to test them.
"I love that jacket on you," Alaric added. "Hate that youāre about to take it off."
"Thatās a Violet who punches problems in the face," Asher said.
"Donāt tempt me," she warned, mock punching the air.
"Last one!" Roman clapped, dragging her back in.
When he turned, all three alphas were glaring at him.
"What?"
"You do know youāre a problematic fellow?" Griffin deadpanned.
But Roman made a face and went back to his seat. Although he seemed carefree, deep down, Roman was anxious. Didnāt Violet like his gift?
Next, Violet stepped out barefoot, wearing a flowy white sundress. It was so simple, so sweet and deceptively angelic.
As soon as Alaric saw her, he smiled so widely it must have hurt. "No one suspects the devil in white," he said.
"Well?" Violet asked the room.
Roman blinked. "Youāre like a mirage. A sin in cotton."
Griffin clutched his chest. "My angel."
"Itās technically illegal how good you look in everything. You should be arrested, Violet." Asher made an attempt at a joke.
Violet laughed genuinely, and then spun. The skirt flared like it had wings while the guys looked enraptured.
"Thank you so much for all you do for me."
Four men snapped to attention.
"Itās nothing."
"No problem."
"Not at all."
"Youāre welcome."
They all answered at once, trying not to squirm at the visible reactions forming in their trousers. Hopefully, she didnāt notice.
"Although!" Violet clapped. "Now itās my turn. Iām picking outfits for you next."
Silence fell in the room. They were surprised at first but came to accept it. All except Asher who technically looked like someone just told him the moon exploded.
"No," he said, already backing up. "I donāt do fashion,"
"You do now," Violet said sweetly. "No chance against me, darling."
Roman laughed. "I am so loving this."
"Let me change, then the torture begins." Violet was going to enjoy this more than she let on.
She turned and disappeared into the changing room.
Barely a second passed before Roman was on his feet.
"Roman?" Asher warned.
"Cool off, papa. I just want her to feel inspired for her next show." He said, yet his grin was anything but pure.
He moved on.
Alaric stood as well, Asher and Griffin sharply turning towards him.
"Donāt say it," Griffin said.
"Too late. I also want to... inspire her."
And off he went too.
Griffin covered his face in shame.