Amelie wandered through the opulent boutique, her fingers grazing the delicate fabrics of the extravagant gowns displayed on mannequins.
The shimmering embroidery and intricate beadwork caught her eye, finding each dress more exquisite than the last.
She let out a quiet sigh, taking in the grandeur of the shop, when a hushed conversation drifted to her ears.
Turning slightly, she found Gabriel seated on a plush lounge chair, one leg casually crossed over the other. A crystal glass filled with alcohol rested in his hand. He swirled the drink slowly, watching her with a gaze that was both observant and penetrating.
"They’ll take your measurements," he said. "I think a completely new dress should be designed for you, one that stands out from the rest." His violet eyes gleamed as he took a slow sip, his gaze never leaving her.
Amelie knew better than to argue. It would be a waste of breath. Instead, she followed the seamstress into the fitting room, where her measurements were taken. When asked about the design, she hesitated. She had no particular vision in mind, except for one request.
"It should cover the chest," she said after a pause. "Preferably up to the neck."
"That won’t do," came Gabriel’s low, velvety voice from behind.
Amelie startled, her breath hitching in surprise. Before she could turn, a warm hand draped lightly over her shoulder.
He leaned in, his voice near her ear as he began describing the ideal silhouette for her, speaking with such knowledge that made her muse, ’Has he majored in design rather than the business?’ She almost laughed at the thought but quickly shook her head.
’Rich people only get into business,’ she mused.
It was then that she caught the scent of his cologne. It was musky as if it would drew anyone toward him. Without thinking, she tilted her head slightly, drawn in by the allure of it. Her movements were unintentional, and her lips brushed against his neck in a feather-light graze.
"What are you doing?" Gabriel asked, his violet gaze pierced straight through hers, making it like he would dig some holes in them.
"Huh?" Amelie’s breath hitched as realization struck her. Her eyes widened in horror at what she had just done. She quickly averted her gaze, heat creeping up her neck.
"S-Sorry," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "It... it was an accident."
She squeezed her eyes shut, mortified beyond belief. Gabriel had to be smirking. She just knew it. Her excuse sounded utterly ridiculous, and the thought of him seeing through it only made her want to disappear.
’How could I do that?’ she scolded herself internally. ’Am I so shameless that I didn’t even realize my surroundings?’
Yet, despite her embarrassment, something nagged at her. The scent of his cologne lingered in her mind. It wasn’t an ordinary fragrance. It was captivating.
Before she could dwell on it further, Gabriel placed a notepad in front of her. "Do you wish to add anything to these details?"
Amelie shook her head without even glancing at the contents. "Everything seems fine."
Gabriel studied her for a moment before turning back to the seamstress. "We need the dress ready as soon as possible. Three to four days should be enough." His tone left no room for negotiation.
The seamstress gave a small nod, scribbling down notes. Amelie, still flustered, remained silent, hoping the moment would pass without further scrutiny.
"Do you wish to buy any dresses from here? We will have to attend lots of events together. Since we are here, you can pick a few," Gabriel suggested her.
Amelie sighed internally. She knew that even if she refused, he would still buy them for her. There was no point in arguing.
"We have an exclusive collection, Miss," the saleswoman chimed in eagerly. "If you’re unsure, I’d be happy to help you select a few pieces."
"Ah, okay," Amelie agreed hesitantly and followed the saleswoman deeper into the store.
Gabriel remained seated, silently swirling the amber liquid in his glass before taking another slow sip. His violet gaze drifted toward Amelie as she browsed the dresses, but his mind was elsewhere.
’Why did she kiss my neck?’ The thought nagged at him, his fingers tightening around the glass.
’She is a mystery to us, Gabriel,’ Valko, his wolf, rumbled in the back of his mind. ’I still can’t catch her scent. But every time she’s close, I feel something pulling me toward her. And did you notice the mark on her nape that night?’
’Yes,’ Gabriel confirmed.
’It looked... unusual,’ Valko remarked.
’Her wolf is sealed by a witch,’ Gabriel stated with certainty. ’That’s why she’s wolfless.’
’Are you sure?’ Valko questioned. ’It could be something else.’
’No. I’ve studied that mark before. It was placed on her at birth,’ Gabriel said in his mind, finishing the last sip of his drink.
Before he could dwell on it further, Amelie’s voice pulled him back to the present.
"Gabriel, I bought two dresses for now," she said as she approached him, carrying two neatly wrapped garment bags.
Setting his glass down, Gabriel stood and pulled out his wallet. He handed his card to the saleswoman without a second thought.
"Why only two?" His sharp gaze settled on Amelie. "If it’s about money, you don’t need to worry."
She hesitated for a moment before murmuring, "No, it just doesn’t seem right." Her fingers clutched the bags tightly. "Please don’t force me to buy more."
Gabriel studied her for a moment before exhaling softly. "Alright. I won’t."
Retrieving his card, he took the bags from her hands effortlessly, carrying them himself. With his other hand, he held Amelie’s and they both walked out of the store.
Sitting comfortably in the backseat, Amelie gazed out of the window.
"Take us to the restaurant up ahead," Gabriel instructed the driver.
Then, without warning, he turned his attention to her. "Why did you do that earlier?"
Amelie’s body tensed. The very question she had been hoping to avoid, now she had to answer it.