Axel was already in the car when I arrived, sitting in the back. I settled in and clicked my seatbelt.
"On time. Good," he murmured.
"It's still work," I replied, resting my head against the window.
"We're going to Miss Rose."
"What's that?"
"A boutique."
I sighed. "I don't want to spend much. I can go to a regular mall."
"Who said you had to spend anything?" His calm, commanding tone made me straighten my back instinctively.
I widened my eyes. "Don't even think about it."
"Do you remember why I hired you?" he finally turned to face me. "To obey me."
I said nothing after that, simply waiting until we arrived.
When we stepped into the boutique, I froze. The space was wide, elegant, filled with clothes I had never seen before. I walked slowly, feeling out of place. My hand brushed over a long burgundy gown, strapless and flowing.
"Try it on," Axel said.
I hesitated, but he gave a small nod to the sales assistant, who approached us.
"How can I help you? I'm Chiara," she said.
"Hi Chiara, I'd like to try this dress," I answered, uncertain.
"Of course, I'll take you to the fitting room," she replied.
Axel followed us and took a seat in the chairs just outside the fitting room I was about to enter.
"Are you going to stay here?" I asked, my voice tinged with surprise.
"I'm here to approve," he said calmly.
Chiara returned shortly with the burgundy dress and two more from the new collection, noting they would suit my height and figure perfectly. I took them all and closed the curtain.
As soon as I slipped it on, I stared at myself in the mirror. It was stunning—almost unrecognizable as me. When I stepped out, Axel was sitting with legs slightly apart, his gaze fixed on me, intense and unreadable.
"How do I look?" I asked.
"If you were mine, I wouldn't let you wear it," he murmured.
Heat rushed to my face. "Try the others," he commanded.
I went back and attempted the light blue dress, but I couldn't reach the zipper on the back.
"Axel, is Chiara still out there?" I called.
"What do you need?" His voice was closer now.
"I can't zip it up."
With a fluid motion, Axel drew the curtain aside and stepped into the fitting room. He stood behind me, so close I felt a shiver run down my spine. Calmly, he zipped the dress, and I felt his hand brush against my skin ever so lightly, almost imperceptibly.
"Thank you," I whispered.
"We'll take them all, get dressed. I'll wait outside," he said, then left.
I stared at myself in the mirror, stunned and conflicted. What was happening? Axel wasn't just my boss—he was engaged, soon to be married. Yet in those few minutes, he had made me feel things I shouldn't, emotions I never wanted to experience.
I ran a hand over my face, trying to gather my thoughts. I had definitely gotten myself into trouble.