Darkly Devoted (Book 1, 2, 3)

DB Chapter 6 - Chastel Dreams

Chapter 6

AS PROMISED, not long after they arrived in Manna City, Julian took Vivienne shopping. Vivienne felt woefully out of place going into all these slick, high-society stores while she was still wearing her muddy boots and jeans. Of course, he took her straight to Safire Avenue, to Chastel, the most famous luxury store of them all.

Vivienne wanted to die of embarrassment. She couldn't look more out of place. Yet, strangely, as soon as the store clerks saw Julian, they were immediately polite and understanding. Vivienne had never been treated so kindly, despite being dressed so poorly.

"Julian!" The store managers immediately showed up to greet him with hugs and kisses as though he were their best friend. "And what a beautiful lady. What stunning eyes! Who is she? With a beauty like hers, she must be famous. Is she a fashion model?"

"Close," Julian laughed and wrapped his arm around Vivienne's shoulders, protectively. "She's all that and more. We need to show her what this city is capable of."

They were led into a spacious private room with luxurious leather couches. Immediately, desserts and champagne appeared. Vivienne didn't know where to sit. She felt terribly embarrassed that she had left mud footprints on the white carpet.

"Here," Julian offered Vivienne a glass of champagne as he spread himself across the couch, as though he was finally home. "Drink up."

"I can't. I've never drank before," Vivienne pleaded.

"You can."

"What if I pass out?"

"Then I'll carry you," Julian winked. "You need to relax. We aren't in Remin anymore. We're home."

"Your home. Not mine."

"Vivienne, you have a power that even a Child of the Great Families could only dream of. On the one hand, your boyfriend is the leader of one of the most formidable companies in this city. Some say it will one day rival Yagerin, although that may be a stretch. On the other hand, there is a fair chance he may one day become the leader of the Great Families. There are, after all, only six that truly matter, and he may have a fair shake at it. You have nothing to fear anymore. Nothing is out of your reach. All of Manna City is your home. All you have to do is enjoy it. So, drink this glass of champagne and let loose a little."

A group of sales ladies appeared, with racks full of clothing. They emerged bowing and whispering among themselves.

"Julian! We had to say hello. Where have you been all this time?"

"In literal hell itself," Julian moaned and kissed the most senior of the sales ladies on the cheek. "No, actually, I would rather reside in Mearnox than Remin." Then he retired back to the couch to down his champagne.

"And who is this? Jeffery told me you've brought a legendary beauty with you. My, my, what a memorable face, I don't think our finest haute couture dresses are worthy of her."

"Then she'll just have to have them all," Julian stated, and started sorting through the racks of marvelous dresses in every imaginable color and fabric. "You like black, don't you, Vivienne? I think it's time you tried a different color."

The first one he showed her was a white tiered dress with a black ribbon around the waist. It came with matching black satin gloves and a black velvet choker.

"Why don't you try it on?"

"Julian," Vivienne whispered as she touched the cloud-thin chiffon fabric. "This feels expensive. I can't possibly afford to buy this."

"You can. You can buy this entire store if you feel like it," Julian downed the rest of his champagne before approaching her with the dress. He held it up against her body even as Vivienne tried to squirm away to avoid dirtying the precious fabric. "Here. Just look at yourself in the mirror."