Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 29

I opt to be the first one awake, mainly because I want to get out of this city and find our way to France as fast as possible. The longer we remain here, the longer we are a target, and another town doesn't need to suffer for our presence. 

Verando had made his way to the restroom in the night and was taking full advantage of the cool tile floor. I spy his naked form curled up with his back against the basin and shake my head as I cautiously lay a blanket over him. 

"And yet you still drink," I whisper to myself as I watch him for a moment, assure myself he is breathing, and depart to go to town to shop for some clothes for our group. Everything aches just as much as it did last night. I place my chilled hand over my wrist to soothe the throbbing. 

While it would be ridiculous to travel in our royal wares, we need something more than nightgowns and underlayers, considering the man shredded a lot of our worn clothes from last night. My cheeks grow hot at the thought of last night; maybe I should suggest he drink more often?

It feels good to be alone as I wander through the inner city, picking up clothes for early fall that still look presentable enough to wear on a trip. I'm almost concerned about our appearance once we arrive in France. Still, I can only figure that having Anuetta will offer enough validity to assure them we were chased from our castle. 

I feel the fabric of one of the shirts, lingering on what I'd like to dress him in. My gaze sweeps for colors that might complement his eyes and tanned skin; what would he value enough to preserve and not remove before he shifts? 

It makes me smirk as I select a burgundy waistcoat coupled with a complimentary dark gray frock. I look forward to the expressions he'll make as I pack the items away into my various bags. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to go shopping on my own, as I'd forgotten how much I enjoy it. 

I receive various items for myself and the other members of my group as I conclude my adventure with an article of clothing that I'm sure Verando will appreciate. 

It's a short walk back to our room. I set my parcels down, hurriedly changing into my new clothes, delighted to be rid of the peasant wear that had practically lost me my title. Looking at what remained of my clothes, I'm shocked any of the merchants saw me fit to sell to.

"Are you alive?" I ask as I pull on my pants, tying the strings as I observe myself in the mirror.

"Unfortunately." Verando sighs, making his way out of the bathroom, his hair still wet from a bath. He hesitates when he sees our overflowing bed and gives him a hard look. "Really?"

"What? It's how I handle stress. We all needed clothes, and I needed to unwind." I take a step back to look at myself, pleased with my pants choice. "Do you know how long it's been since I've been able to pick out my clothes and care how they looked? This is a rare opportunity, and I won't let you ruin it for me." 

I grab the cream-colored long-sleeved shirt and slip it on, rolling up the sleeves to my elbows as I pull on the matte emerald waistcoat. "What do you think? Do I look fit to travel?"

His eyes scan over my body, and I almost feel self-conscious as he makes his way over, resting his hands on my hips as he bends to kiss me. "Irresistible, yes. Travel? I've seen worse." 

I roll my eyes at him and hand him one of the bags. 

"Get dressed. You're awfully smart today for someone asleep on the floor." 

He makes a face at the pants, and it brings me a significant amount of joy. I busy myself as I near the mirror, running a hand through my hair as I watch him through the reflection. 

"Nic. Really. Did you size Reid to get these?" His accent rolls out in his frustration, but I turn to admire my handiwork.

Approaching with as innocent an expression as I can manage, I grasp the button, pulling it around his waist with an appreciative sigh. "These fit you, novel as that is. You're always wearing leggings, and these are trousers. For adults." I smack him on the ass as I turn him around. "Yep. Leggings are nice, but I do like these. Much more professional."