"Hello! Handsome, welcome!" Armanda spread her arms and walked up to Alpha Kane in a very stylish, but decent, form-fitting dress.

She was a petite woman in her early fifties, with platinum hair cut very short. Her rosy cheeks spread into a kind smile: she seemed genuinely happy to see Alpha Kane.

"Nice," he responded in her delight. A rare smile touched his lips as he released my hand and briefly hugged the short lady.

"You are a wonder to these eyes. Who is this lucky lady?" Her intrigued gaze darted to me, and I gave her a sweet smile.

"Armanda, meet my girlfriend: Zara." Alpha Kane’s hand fell on my lower back and he touched me gently, pushing me forward. The tenderness of his touch radiated throughout my entire body.

I extended my hand, and Armanda shook it with the warmest of feelings.

"You are such a magnificent lady. Welcome, and tell me how I can help you."

She led us inside, my gaze wandering to the glass cases where all manner of elegant dresses were displayed in the warm, golden glow of the bulbs. Jewels, sequins, and pearls danced and sparkled in the reflected light.

"I need something that will make her stand out, but not overshadow her beauty," Alpha Kane had spoken frankly to Armanda, explaining what dress he preferred.

"Don’t worry, I will have something that will highlight her natural curves, and you will love her." She patted Kane’s other hand, offering me hers.

"Tell me what you like," Armanda asked kindly, and I picked out three or four evening dresses that fell into the sophisticated category.

I loved bright colors; the more the merrier, but judging by Kane, I felt he would prefer something elegant and less flashy. So I couldn’t choose my usual purple, pink, and red.

My choice was satin blue, black, and silver-gray.

I tried them one by one, and Armanda picked them out for me before I introduced myself to Alpha Kane. He was settled in one of his camel-colored chesterfields. His long legs were elegantly crossed, his nose buried in a fashion magazine, sipping a glass of sparkling champagne.

"So what do you think?" I asked, adjusting my black V-neck maxi dress. His long lashes lifted to reveal intrigued eyes, but the excitement faded as quickly as it had faded.

"No, try something else," Alpha Kane said simply. I nodded and returned with Armanda.

She showed me some of her best pieces.

"Try this, flower. The empire will show off your curves beautifully." She handed me a dusty blue empire dress.

The small wrinkle on Kane’s perfect forehead spoke of his displeasure. The same was true of the ten other dresses I tried on.

I considered myself picky. I always irritated my mother with my demandingness, but my Alpha was on another level.

Rejecting the twelfth dress I tried on, Kane put down the magazine and the empty flute. Standing up from his seat, he straightened his shirt and followed me to the display cases.

Alpha Kane brushed a few stray strands of hair from his forehead and pondered for a long moment, moving from one dress to the next while I waited patiently at his side.

He finally stopped in front of a silk velvet robe. It was a pearl-toned gown that was the epitome of sophistication. Pearls and diamonds covered the bodice generously, and a belt accentuated the waist.

I avoided such light colors; they seemed lifeless and too figure-hugging to me. But there was something about this one that drew me.

"This one... I want to see her in it," Alpha Kane said without a shadow of a doubt.

"What a fine eye you have. This is one of the dresses I made myself." Armanda seemed impressed with the selection as her assistant pulled the dress out of the display case for me to try on.

"Excellent, there can’t be another one like it," Kane said without hesitation, finding Armanda with his eyes and nodding with a smile.

"Let’s see how it fits."

I was led away, and Armanda tried on an elegant dress. It sat perfectly on my skin, the fabric so soft and flowing like water.

She turned me to face her and smoothed the dress. Her face shone like a small sun when she saw it on me.

"Perfect." She kissed the tips of her fingers and blew in my direction. "Let’s hear your boyfriend’s opinion."

With confident steps, we reached the place where he was waiting for me, leaning against the glass display case, arms crossed, head thrown back.

A wave of excitement flashed in his dark eyes as he slowly but hungrily looked me over.

His gaze, like a thin laser, slid over every inch, taking its time, while we all waited for his answer.

***

Kane’s POV

Zara appeared in the pearl dress that I had chosen for her. I liked the blue color the best, but it was only for me. Her innocence demanded this shade, and I knew that she would be simply gorgeous in this dress.

Expectant blue eyes looked at me... Her cheeks glowed as she waited for my approval. My gaze never stopped wandering over her luscious body. I saw every inch of her glowing skin and her delicious curves.

The elegance with which that dress clung to her beautiful figure drove me crazy. This woman was simply perfect for the role I had chosen for her.

"How do I look?" She broke the silence between us with words full of curiosity.

I turned my gaze to Armanda, as I had asked.

"Can I have a moment alone with my girlfriend?"

"Of course! Of course!" She happily agreed, snapping her fingers, and her assistant walked away, followed by her. The door closed behind them, leaving us.

A line of confusion ran across her forehead as I approached her. Those stupid glasses had to be removed, for now; I wanted to see her without them. I was Curious.