Don't Explain

four

The next morning, we started our day at Saks Fifth Avenue. The grand department store stretched out before us, its displays of luxury gleaming under the soft lighting. Prince walked beside me, his presence calm yet commanding, as if he owned every space he stepped into. I couldn't help but feel a little giddy—it wasn't every day I went shopping with him.

As we wandered through the high-end racks, I spotted a sleek black gown hanging in one of the sections, elegant and understated. It was the kind of dress I imagined wearing to the opera—a thought that had been on my mind since we'd arrived in the city.

I turned to Prince, a playful smile tugging at my lips. "You know, I've been thinking... Since we're in New York, I'd love to see the opera. But I'll need something nice to wear."

Prince raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into that familiar half-smile that always left me weak. "The opera, huh? You want to go all out."

"I do," I replied, running my fingers over the silky fabric of the gown. "And I'll need something that fits the occasion."

Without missing a beat, Prince gestured to the gown. "Try it on. Let's see if it's worthy of you."

I slipped into the changing room and slid the gown over my body, its smooth fabric clinging in all the right places. When I stepped out, I caught the way his eyes darkened as he took me in. He stood up from the plush chair he'd been lounging in, his gaze never leaving me.

"It's beautiful," I said, smoothing the dress over my hips. "But I think it needs something else."

Prince nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You're right. Wait here."

Moments later, he returned with a small, velvet box in his hand. He opened it slowly, revealing a strand of real pearls, each one glistening under the store's lights. My breath caught in my throat. They were delicate, timeless—the perfect complement to the gown.

He stepped behind me, draping the pearls around my neck with a gentle touch. I looked at our reflection in the mirror—me in the gown, the pearls resting just above my collarbone, and Prince standing behind me, his eyes fixed on mine.

"These are perfect," I whispered, turning to face him.

Prince nodded, a satisfied glint in his eyes. "You'll look stunning at the opera." He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear as he added, "And you'll wear those pearls for me tonight."

I smiled, feeling a surge of excitement. The opera, the gown, the pearls—it was all coming together, and I couldn't wait to see how the rest of the evening would unfold.

After Prince draped the pearls around my neck, a sense of satisfaction filled the air between us. But I wasn't done. I could feel the energy shift—he was in the mood to spoil me, and I intended to make the most of it.

With a playful glance, I turned to him. "You know, if we're going to the opera, I'm going to need more than just this dress. I don't want to be caught without a few options while we're here."

He raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. "More, huh?"

I nodded, grinning. "Just a few more things—something for dinner tonight, maybe a chic outfit for tomorrow, and, of course, the perfect shoes and accessories to match." I said it casually, knowing full well how easy it was to convince him when he was in this mood.

Prince smirked but didn't protest. Instead, he gestured for one of the store's assistants to follow us as we moved through the different sections, my eyes scanning for pieces that caught my attention. I selected a sleek, tailored jumpsuit that hugged my body just right, imagining how perfect it would be for an evening out in the city. Then, a few more outfits—another elegant dress, a casual but chic ensemble, and a soft, luxurious sweater that practically begged to be worn.