I straightened my skirt nervously as I tried to move some more. It was hard to find a position where I wasn't in bodily contact with one of the two people on either side of me. They were babbling about something and I sighed, leaning more towards Popuri and trying to get out from the strong arm Kai had resting around my shoulders. Of course Popuri had our arms linked and had repeatedly told me that I would thank them later. But Goddess knows that they had gotten me into enough bad situations. Well…more embarrassing I guess.
I snapped my head towards Kai as an all too familiar ring tone began to sound once again. I glanced at my cell phone, wanting so desperately to pluck it from Kai's large hand. I reached for it when I thought he wasn't looking, only to let out a squeal when I found his face in mine, his lips brushing over my own. I jerked back and into Popuri, who then nuzzled my neck.
"Please…just let me answer it to tell him I'm alright. He's going to be so worried," I began to explain, my face flushing deeply at what had just transpired. I didn't know what kind of relationship these two had, but honestly it made me somewhat nervous that they both considered me some what of a interchangeable play thing for them and Gray.
"Good. I want him to be worried. The sudden relief when he sees you will be enough to make him forget how mad he should be long enough for the surprise to distract him," Kai drawled out, muting the ringer on my phone and smirking down at me.
"So we will long be on our way back to Kai's. Safe and out of the way of any wrath that Gray Cameron might be willing to impose on us," Popuri finished cheerfully, her red lips pressing against my cheek. "Though I must say its tempting to just steal you away with us and have our way with you."
I blinked into her ruby eyes, my mouth opening some in slight shock. I was about to meekly protest when I felt Kai pull me more towards him.
"As lovely as that sounds, and as much as I would like to know what tone range Claire can sing in, I am quite partial to body parts that I might lose if my brother discovered our weekend tryst," Kai chuckled, and I blushed even darker at the meaning of his words. Suddenly the bitter cold from outside chilled my skin when the door was opened, Kai stepping out and pulling me with him.
There was no escaping as he held my elbow firmly once I was on the sidewalk, his free hand reaching in to pull the voluptuous pink haired woman out behind me. Popuri was in a stunning black business suit, her hair loose and wavy down past her shoulders while Kai was dressed in black slacks and a long sleeve button up purple silk shirt. The pair just seemed to fit together, and passer buyers seemed to agree, their eyes glancing at them enviously.
They really did make quite the stunning couple, and I was sure compared to the two of them I looked rather plain. I hadn't had a chance to return my reading glasses to their case in my purse, so they sat somewhat skewed on my face due to the slight rough housing during the ride. I pushed my stray bangs back behind my ear and fixed my glasses, eyes flickering down to my white blouse and long black skirt and mary-janes. I frowned, my eyebrows knitting together in frustration at my somewhat…childish appearance. I glanced over to a shop window, my fingers absentmindedly running over my immaculate hair bun.
I looked back at the couple as Kai spoke to the driver, Popuri threading her arm into his as she waited patiently for him to take the lead step. I felt a hot feeling grow in my chest, knowing that more than likely when Gray and I were out that…people didn't think of us like this. That we looked so perfect together. Gray might not be as charismatic as Kai, but he was still stunningly handsome. I on the other hand…
"Now what thoughts are causing that sad look on your beautiful face?" I blinked up, seeing Kai leaning down to my height and giving me a large grin. He seemed to read my mind and pushed Popuri towards me, his eyes shutting thoughtfully. "Take her and get her a few sexier looking outfits," he chuckled, leaning in to give Popuri a kiss on her cheek. "Have fun with her and doll her up all you want," he added teasingly when Popuri began pulling me into the entrance of the mall.
"I know the first place we'll go," she said cheerfully, pulling me down the corridor of shops and into the first large department store she came across. She lead us directly to the salon and stepped up to the counter.
"Eve!" she called out as she entered the place, and I winced some, finally catching sight of my purse on Popuri's arm and digging out my eyeglass case and returning my reading glasses to their proper place.
"Why Popuri! What brings you back so soon?" called a cheerful voice from the back, and I glanced up at the sound of heels rhythmically hitting the floor and a petite woman with long dirty blond hair and bright green eyes appeared behind the counter. Her eyes were warm, somewhat sparkling as she looked over Popuri, then narrowed examining me.
"I take it you have brought me a new project?"
"Sort of," Popuri giggled, her hands squeezing my shoulders. "Claire just needs to be freshened up and to realize how beautiful she is." She explained and I shook my head.
"It's really not necessary. Its just a waste of time," I said weakly, pulling my blouse down.
"Darling, nothing is a waste of time when it comes to helping women like yourselves see how breathtaking they can really be." Eve chided, her head turning back to Popuri. "How much lead way do I have?"
"The boyfriend seems to be partial to her hair," Popuri commented, her hand coming up to the bun and poking it. "There is a good bit of hair hidden in this thing, but make sure you leave all the length you can. I'll leave it to you to bring out her inner Goddess."
"Where are you going?" I asked as Eve grabbed my hand, leading me deeper into the salon. Popuri shrugged and pointed out to the department store. "To find you some clothes to try on. I'll be back soon."
A few hours later I had been primped, plucked and prodded to the point I didn't much recognize myself. Eve had trimmed my hair, layered it, and managed to give it a nice wave with a curling iron. I would like to say I had never seen this part of myself before, but it would be a lie.
I used to do this to myself all the time, get up early, put on makeup, do my hair. All for a man I had loved…
It had been something I had once wanted to be true, the love I had held for Rock. I had always been told I was a selfless person.
It was only fate I would fall for such a selfish one.
Rock had been my first everything. And in beginning he had been a very loving man. Very affectionate…
He just wasn't very faithful.
But I was willing to believe his lies. Every last one. When he came home at night smelling like perfume I just ignored my gut, and would snuggle up to him.
She didn't mean anything babe. You're the only girl I want to be with the rest of my life.
"You look gorgeous." The words were echoed by the camera sound a cell phone makes, bringing me out of my thoughts to look up at Kai. I flushed some as he approached me, circling around and nodding in approval. "Alright, two more things to check off my list before I can return you to my brother."
"Could you at least text him to let him know where I'm at?" I pleaded again.
"In due time, my dear," Kai teased, linking his arm with mine, and the other was linked by Popuri's. The two lead me swiftly down the hall and it was only when I saw what store they were intent on taking me too that I began to protest.
"Oh my Goddess, stop it you two! There is no way I can…that is a…"My sputtered protest fell on deaf ears as they practically lifted my off my feet to take me into the shop, the scantily clad maniquins covered in bits of lace and sequins decorating the windows.
A lingerie shop…
Yeah- I'm leaving it there. I'm sorry I made Rock a cheater but- eh someone had to suffer. And seeing as how he had just reminded me of what an ass he could be with his DS cute heart event where he raves about Lumina- it was him. Next chapter is already written- 95 percent at any rate. Will post in the next few days when I finish editing it.