Enticing Their Mate(37)

When she ran a hand down his arm, he stiffened then groaned as if her touch altered something inside him. This little shopping spree was going to be a delicious diversion.

Sarah led him to the women’s department where she gathered several flowing skirts, with the tag that said One Size Fits All. Too many of the women were emaciated, and the fullness of the material would hide some of their thinness. She then stocked up on tops, camisoles to act as bras, and sweaters as the women often complained of being cold. “Now for lingerie.”

Riley cleared his throat and glanced off to the side. “I think I’ll check out the men’s department. I could use some things.”

Really? “Sure.” Sarah worked hard not to smile.

“I’ll pay for all of this and Statler will reimburse me,” he said.

That worked for her. “I won’t be long.”

She picked up some socks for when the women weren’t being paraded in front of the buyer and then tossed in underwear. Since she was moving in with the men, it wouldn’t hurt to add a few pairs of sexy panties for herself. She had planned on holding them up for Riley to judge, but from the way his scruff had thickened and his eyes had lightened, he was fighting not to shift. Hopefully, his change wasn’t anger-driven but rather one of a sexual nature. She felt sorry for him. He had no idea how much she would enjoy tormenting the poor man.

* * *

As soon as Sarah and Riley entered the warehouse with their purchases, Connolly met them, his face strained. “The buyer just called and said his assistant will be here in two hours.”

A band tightened around her chest. “That’s not enough time to get the women ready.”

“You’ll have to do your best. I’d help, but I don’t think—”

She didn’t need him touching them. “That’s okay. All I ask is that you stand guard to make sure they don’t get the drop on me.”

“Can do.”

She nodded to Riley who was standing there holding most of the items. “If you’ll set the packages inside the door, I’ll get started.

He followed her in. “Call if you need me.”

As if his comment had been difficult for him to say, he turned around and left. She didn’t have time to figure out what that was about. The man could go from charming to demanding to distant in a heartbeat. Didn’t he understand that a little bit of honesty could go a long way in helping him heal? If he’d be willing to discuss his issues, she might have been able to convince him of that…she stopped her train of thought.

Convince him of what? That she wouldn’t leave him? Sarah wasn’t ready to commit to anything right now. Given what they did for a living, perhaps it was for the best not to become too emotionally involved.

Focus.

While she wasn’t going to tell the women the reason for the clothes and makeup, most likely they’d guess.

“Ladies, I have some presents for you to help cheer you up.” Sarah wanted to puke at the lie. Most pushed up on their elbows, and for the next five minutes, she distributed the clothes. “Put on what you can, and I’ll be around to unchain you one at a time. You should be aware there are guards right outside the door.”

The women grunted, but they genuinely seemed pleased with their new gifts. One by one, she helped them dress, and then led each one into the bathroom so she could apply the makeup. Sarah had to admit a little color went a long way in making them look presentable.

Of the ten women, seven looked healthier than before, but even with makeup, their skin appeared sallow and their hair lifeless. If she had the strength and ability, she’d kill Statler herself. Riley’s comment about it being easier to save the girls once they were on their way to the buyer helped boost her energy.

As she was finishing up with the next to last girl, Connolly knocked and opened the door. A tall man with graying temples, wearing an expensive suit, strode in.

“I want all of the girls lined up against the wall. Now.” His command had a military roughness to it.

Sarah stood. “Would you like me to unchain all of them?”

He advanced. “Didn’t you hear me?”

She straightened her shoulders like a good Statler employee would. “Yes, sir.”

Sarah prayed none of the girls would be stupid enough to try anything. Connolly and this man could easily take out all five girls in seconds. She unchained them, but only three managed to walk on their own to the wall.

The buyer’s agent strode over to Nancy. “Get up.” Nancy groaned and the bastard kicked her side, eliciting a whimper.

Sarah saw red. What she wouldn’t give to be a werewolf right now. With her long talons, she’d gouge out his eyes. “Leave her alone. She’s ill.”