“Oh, yeah. He’d love me for that,” I mumbled.
“No, he wouldn’t,” she paused a moment, “but he might respect you for it. We’re a funny people, Mina.”
We walked into a lingerie store and headed straight for the swimwear. As we were walking, Vik called out to us, holding a clothes hanger. “I think you’d look great in this, Mina.”
I blinked down at the hanger. “There’s nothing on it.”
He smirked. “I know.”
Nas groaned painfully at the stupid joke. When I picked up a folded towel and threw it at him, he burst into laughter. Nas shook her head. “I don’t even know why I waste my time with you.”
Vik sauntered over to her slowly, as if he were on the prowl. “Because I’m the best you’ve ever had.” He dipped his head to kiss her lips, nipping them gently. He spoke quieter, “And because you love me.”
Nas closed her eyes and slumped into him, kissing him back with all that she had. The display was so brash, so hot, that I had to turn around to hide my blush. They looked good together.
I looked at some of the bikinis when, from behind me, came, “I think you’re better off going for a one piece, darlin’.” I spun around to see a young woman around my height, perhaps a smidge taller, with long blonde hair and bright pink lips smiling at me.
She didn’t work at the store. She seemed to be browsing.
I cocked a brow. “You think?”
Her blue eyes popped. “Oh, I know. Look, we short women need to stick together, and I’m being honest here…we look like children when we wear bikinis.”
She was kind of funny. I chuckled. “Yeah, I guess so.”
Without permission, she took my arm and led me to the rack behind. “This here is the petite section. There are some sexy one-pieces you can try, or even a tank/bikini bottom combo. Maybe a sarong or kaftan.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I get so caught up.” She put her hand out. “I’m Cora.”
“Mina,” I said as I took her hand. “Nice to meet you.” I admitted, “I’m grateful for the help. I’m not much of a fashionista.”
Nas approached from behind. “Those are hot,” she said, keeping a close eye on my new friend.
I made introductions. “Nas, this is Cora.”
Nas stared, unblinking at the girl, and spoke in deathly calm. “I know who she is.”
Cora was no longer sweet, not to Nas anyway, and her lip curled unkindly. “Just helping out.”
“Corinna.” Nas stepped forward. “You’re not following us, are you?” She looked down her nose at the woman. “You know I don’t have issues with beating your ass into the ground. And on that note,” Nas smiled cruelly, “I see your nose healed fine.”
Uh oh.
What was happening here?
Cora shrugged. “Okay, so maybe I heard about the gypsy and wanted to see her for myself.” She glanced at me and her lips pursed in thought. “She’s cute.”
I didn’t see Vik approach, but I most definitely heard him when he growled, “You out of your fucking mind, Corinna? What don’t you understand about ‘stay the fuck away from us’? Do you know what Lev will do if he finds out you’ve even looked at Mina?”
She crossed her arms over her chest and smirked, looking full of herself. “What? It’s not like I haven’t been playing nicely.” Cora…or Corinna…or whoever the frick she was, spoke directly to me and quietly. “No hard feelings, whatever happens.” She lifted a swimsuit off the rack and handed it to me. “Try this one.” She smiled kindly. “It’ll look good on you.”
Then she walked away and out of the store.
Still watching the spot she’d exited from, I asked, “Who was that?”
Vik muttered, “Corinna Alkaev.”
“Yeah,” I started. “I don’t know who that is, guys.”
“Irina’s sister,” Nas stated then added reluctantly, “Cora was my best friend.”
Oh my.