But the more I watched, the angrier I got. Each of them picked out the same thing, and after a while, it became clear.

They’re getting fucking friendship bracelets.

So annoyingly childish. Drinks. Scented soaps. Small little trinkets.

Addi was given a black card. A world of possibility at her fingertips to buy anything she wanted.

Yet those were the things she seemed to want the most.

How did the once grossly materialistic girl change into someone so… simple?

The reports I’d asked for had come back. I knew Addi wasn’t doing well since everything had been taken from them.

“Definitely not stalking, boss.” Ares’ voice rang from behind me, but I didn’t have the strength in me to snap at him.

“Let’s go,” I said and turned away from the store.

“Huh? That’s it?” Ares asked, running to keep up with me. “I thought you were going to go in there and put on a show! I don’t know, force her to kneel for you or some other kinky shit⁠—”

I turned to glare at the offending man, who already had a wide smile on his face.

“Do not push me, Ares,” I grumbled, then continued to walk away from the store and put some space between Addi and me. “I have some self-control left.”

At least for now.

* * *

I couldn’t stay away.

I had no reason to go to her room. No reason to seek her out. I could have easily waited for her to come down when she was ready, but instead, I found myself lingering by her door, listening for any signs of life.

After five minutes had passed, I reached to open the door, unable to keep waiting.

At first, she was nowhere to be seen, but then I watched as she stepped out of the bathroom.

My breath stopped short at the sight of her. Her makeup was done. Long lashes and blush that made her look far more innocent than she proved to be when she had my cock in her mouth.

She was still wearing her silk loungewear, but everything else seemed to be done. There was a ring on her finger and a necklace around her neck that weren’t on the statement.

My eyes fell to her hair that was in a twisted updo.

Perfect.

Tempting.

And all mine. If I wanted to, I could go in there, push her up against the wall, tie her to the bed…

My cock twitched at the thought. I totally forgot where I was for a moment.

“Can I help you?” she asked with a raised brow.

There’s that attitude again.

Fuck. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold myself back. Nor did I understand why I wanted to in the first place.

“Are you… Is that how you’ll wear your hair?” I asked, unable to find the words.