The Tycoon's Proposal(30)

"I know but she still needs me," Nicole said. She had to fight her attraction to Ryan every second of being with him and it was exhausting. She'd been wobbly ever since their passionate kiss in the elevator. That may be something he did on a daily basis but it knocked her off her feet and it took every ounce of her concentration to keep up in conversation with him.




 

 

She also found it extremely difficult to keep maintaining her distance to the man when he was charming, such as buying his staff lunch. He'd not actually admitted to being a bear around them but he'd apologized, none-the-less, with his gesture. She was sure he was already forgiven by his staff. The man had a charismatic way about him that simply made people want to jump to please him.

They arrived at some top end mall she'd never been to. The cheapest store in the place was way beyond what her budget would allow. She was a bit self-conscious, walking into the building in her current jeans and t-shirt combo. She held her head up high though because clothes didn't make the person. She didn't need fancy items to wear to make her as good as the other women around her.

As they walked around she couldn't help but notice the snobby looks she received from some women and the looks of envy from others. Most of the women probably thought she was a poor relative of Ryan's because he certainly fit in with the crowd in his custom made Armani suit and Italian loafers.

They walked into a store and the clerk approached them eagerly, practically purring at Ryan. Nicole felt a slight pang of jealousy and had to fight it down. Ryan grinned down at her, far too brilliantly, in Nicole's opinion.

"How can I help you?" she asked Ryan, completely ignoring Nicole. She was a bit irritated by it.

"We need to purchase an entire wardrobe. I'm sure you'll be able to help us," he practically purred back at her. The woman actually blushed a bit at his brilliant smile and Nicole had to suck in the words she wanted to shout at the piranha.

Then she realized they were in a woman's shop and what he was intending. Her face turned scarlet, as the woman turned towards her for an assessment. She could see the woman wanted to know who she was and she could also see she was hoping she was his little sister.

"I can certainly help you with new clothing, please follow me," she said and sauntered off, moving her hips much more than needed.

"What do you think you're doing?" Nicole accused underneath her breath, certainly not wanting the very elegant woman to overhear her.

"I'm purchasing you some clothes," he said. He then looked at her as if she wasn't too bright, since they were standing in a store.

"I didn't ask for you to purchase me clothing, nor do I want them," she hissed at him and started to walk out the door. He was so stunned by her refusal, he almost allowed her to walk out the door. At the last second, he snaked his arm out, grabbing her.

"You'll allow me to do this. You need to dress a certain way for occasions I want you to attend," he said to her. They glared at each other for several moments. Nicole was trying to figure out how to get out of the store without making a scene. 

"Are you coming?" the sales lady asked from the back of the store, with some concern in her voice. She was most likely worried about losing the huge commission he'd promised her.

"Yes, we are," Ryan said and literally dragged Nicole to the back of the store. Before she knew it, the lovely woman had her stripped from her clothing, standing in nothing but her bra and panties, taking her measurements.

Ryan sat there, cool as ice, as he watched her. She turned her face away and had to fight tears, she was so angry. The sales woman, whose name was Barbie, very fitting, Nicole thought snidely, was bringing different items out for Ryan's approval.

Nicole refused to comment on a single item so Ryan picked everything. She didn't need to try anything on, as the clothes were chosen from the measurements the woman took earlier. The entire ordeal lasted a few hours and by the time they were done, Nicole had a raging headache and couldn't have described a single item Ryan chose. He had all the clothes boxed, then had his driver come and haul them all out to his vehicle.

She figured he'd just wasted an incredible amount of money because she wouldn't wear one single thing he'd picked. He could save them for his next mistress. She wouldn't be bought.

They reached the office and she gladly left his car and headed over towards her own. She was done talking to him and wanted to go back to the house, have a hot bath and forget the day had happened. If she stayed around him too much longer she would end up smacking him in his gorgeous face.

Chapter Seven

Ryan had the opportunity to work on an amazing historical site. It was the first time in his life he wanted to turn the project away but in the end, it was simply too great of an opportunity to let it go. He couldn't believe he was even considering not doing it but Patsy wasn't ready to leave the country and there was no way he could take Nicole. She would be miserable, wondering how her sister was doing.