Nykyrian led her to a lift where they got off on the second floor. Huge glass counters were filled with accessories and trims. Clothing styles were hung over abstract mannequins, showing how they might look on various life-forms.
Kiara glanced around at the luxurious fabrics, then realized the upper floor contained the most expensive items in the store. "There were several attractive dresses below," she said, awed by the price tags.
Nykyrian caught her arm as she started to turn around, his jaw tense. "I'm more than capable of supplying you with several wardrobes from the items up here."
"But- "
"But nothing, mu Tara. Start shopping."
Kiara bit her lip in agitation, unwilling to give in so easily. "This really isn't— "
"Kiara," he growled low in his throat.
She sighed in a huff. "Fine. When you're bankrupt, remember I tried to stop you."
A smile curved his lips. Entranced by those gorgeous dimples, Kiara wished she could keep him smiling and make him laugh.
"Kiara Biardi!"
Kiara turned around to face an excited salesclerk. The young wom an stared at her with huge, excited brown eyes.
"Oh my God, I love you!" she gushed. "I saw Silent Prayer last year and thought it was the best thing ever produced! You are the best!"
Kiara smiled, warmed by the compliment, but the woman's words seemed to annoy Nykyrian even more. He dropped his firm grip from her elbow.
"Thank you," Kiara said to the clerk, wondering what Nykyrian's problem was now.
"My name is Terra and whatever you need, just let me know. Oh my God. I can't wait to tell my mother, she'll never believe this!"
Kiara glanced at Nykyrian to see how he was taking the clerk's continuing adoration.
Now, he just watched them, his features stoic.
Kiara allowed the clerk to take her by the arm and show her a variety of pieces. For all the generosity of her father, Kiara realized she had never seen such extravagant materials. Each piece was light and airy with the most delicate, silky texture.
Terra explained that many of the fabrics were from non-human worlds, brought to the store only by an exorbitant price. Kiara glanced over her shoulder, unsure how much Nykyrian was willing to spend on her clothes.
"I like that one," he said, indicating the one Terra held. "Don't worry about the price, just buy whatever you need."
Terra smiled at him. "If you're not counting coins, I have an even better line in the back!"
At his nod, she moved them to the exclusive lines.
Despite her reluctance, Nykyrian and Terra fitted Kiara with enough clothes to last two months. As Terra left to place the order, Kiara narrowed her eyes at Nykyrian. "I can't believe you spent so much on me!"
He shrugged.
"Dammit Nykyrian, I can't take all of this." She wished she could see his eyes. Instead, her angry reflection glared back at her from the dark lenses. Terra returned with her computer ledger and Nykyrian quickly signed his name and indicated where the packages were to be delivered.
"Do you need anything else?" he asked, handing the ledger back to Terra.
Kiara clenched her teeth. "Not hardly."
With a nod to Terra, he took Kiara's arm and led her from the store. "We need to get Rachol's part next."
Kiara remained silent throughout the transaction in the part's store. All she wanted was to know a few answers to the billion questions she had about the man she had given herself to. Why wouldn't he just talk to her?
"Are you hungry?" he asked as they left the store, Rachol's part tucked securely under his arm.
"Yes," she answered sullenly, her stomach rumbling at the thought.
He took her hand and led her across the busy street to a small cafe. Her hand burned at his touch and her anger vanished. Kiara's heart pounded and at the moment, she wished they were back at hom e, alone.
As they stepped up onto the curb, Kiara noticed a small group of Andarions watching them.
Nykyrian stiffened, noting them as well. "Do you know Prince Jullien?" he asked in a brittle voice.
"That's who he is!" Kiara exclaimed, relieved to know why the short, pudgy Andarion looked so familiar.
Noticing the firm set of Nykyrian's jaw, she wondered what animosity he had to the man. Was there anyone, or anything for that matter, Nykyrian didn't object to?
Nykyrian seated them in the rear of the restaurant, his back against the wall so he could scan the occupants. Suddenly, his body tensed and she detected the smallest hint of his lips curling in anger. Kiara turned around to see what had him upset now, and saw Jullien making his way toward them, his large guards following only a step behind.
Without a word of courtesy, Jullien took a seat beside Kiara and lifted her hand in his soft, fat palm. Kiara stifled her cringe at the white flesh, wondering what made the prince think she had any desire to be touched by him. The last thing she needed at that moment was an adoring admirer salivating over her. Especially this prince who had pursued her incessantly last year when she had performed at his father's command on Triosa.