Black Rose

Chapter 3

When you're not used to having money, sometimes you don't understand the thrill of shopping without a care in the world. You find yourself sort of hating the people who know this thrill because all you can think about is your debt.

Now, when an opportunity like this lands in your hands, you take full advantage of it.

I landed on the couch, laughing. "This is so much fun."

"I don't think I've ever had fun shopping before," Grace commented.

"Technically we've only tried on clothes," I argued.

"Still having fun," she countered.

"Touché," I said before we laughed.

"Sorry to ruin the fun ladies, but Miss Kidman, you have your brother's game in an hour's time. Perhaps it's time we wrap this up," Fabio suggested.

"Right! Well, I still haven't found anything I like," I pointed out.

"What about this?" Grace asked, pulling out the most stunning dress I'd seen thus far.

"That is amazing," I said, a little breathless.

"Go and try it on while I find myself a dress," she suggested.

Having already experienced her pushy side, I knew better than to argue. I grabbed the dress and went to try it on. It fit me perfectly and I went out to show Grace and Fabio, except they both weren't there.

I walked over to the full length mirror and I couldn't believe my eyes. I hadn't even prepped myself yet, but I looked beautiful. The dress is a floor length golden beauty with sequins all over. It had a deep v-neck and it shapes my every curve perfectly.

I was still looking down at the bottom of the dress when something cool went around my neck. I gasped at the feeling and looked up to be met by a wall of a man. His height towered over mine, but that's not what had me speechless.

He is a beautiful beast of a man.

His light chocolate complexion accentuates his hazel eyes. His haircut was suavely styled, and his beard was clearly well groomed. Standing behind me, he was basically shielding me from anyone behind him.

Broad shoulders curved down to his visibly taut muscles. He was dressed in an obviously expensive suit and his cologne smelled like what I imagine heaven to smell like. I was looking at him through the mirror, and even then I felt my stomach flutter at the look he was giving me.

"The dress will look perfect with this."

Before I knew it, he was walking away, and I couldn't stop him because I was still stuck in a trance of sorts. I couldn't form a coherent thought. You know when they talk about time stopping because you've seen someone who takes your breath away?

I thought that was a myth until that moment.

"Miss Kidman, are you ok?" Grace asked me. I snapped out of thought to see her worriedly standing beside me.

"Uh, yeah, I'm ok. How does this look?" I asked, showing her the dress.

She whistled lowly. "It's definitely the one."

I laughed. "Thank you. I love your selection too."

"I was a bit sceptical when I grabbed it, but I like it. It's simple and elegant, even if I'm only thirteen so technically no-one should expect more than this from me," she joked. She'd gone with a simple black dress with crystal embellishments across the waistline.

"No-one is going to judge you Grace," I told her.

She sighed. "I wish you were right, but I'm the daughter of Olivier Black. People are always judging me."