“You look amazing.” And if I’m being completely honest,hot as hell. But I have to admit, a part of me is jealous of her perfect body and unmarked skin. I would never have that.
I was starting to try to see myself differently, and I’d made a little bit of progress, but it was going to take time.
The outfit is the same colour red as the bag she bought earlier and is made up of three main lace pieces. The bra is made up entirely of nude tulle and bold red lace. The embroidered red flowers cover just enough not to reveal everything. The structured underwire gives it a more defined look than the one I’d tried on, and the red lace trim only enhances the swell of her breasts. The underwear, or thong by the looks of it, follows the same pattern as the bra. Where the bra and underwear are more nude with sections of flower embroidery, the garter belt around her waist is mostly red lace with only a small section on the front that is much like the rest of the pieces. The stockings are nude but finish with a thick section of red lace at her thigh, where the suspenders are clipped.
“I do like it,” Lauren says as she turns a little, and I freeze.
“Ah, Lauren… I think you picked a faulty pair of underwear.”
Lauren looks down and laughs. “Oh, they definitely aren’t faulty,” she says, and I stare at her in confusion. The front panel looks normal, but it appears to split into two thin pieces of material from there. “They’re crotchless.” She grins at me, and I cough.
“They’re what?”
“Crotchless.” She chuckles. “I’ve never actually owned a pair, but I have to admit, the thought of someone taking advantage of theirfeatureis pretty fucking hot.”
Although she’s not flashingmeanything as she’s only trying them over her underwear—given they’re still a lot more revealing than mine but not too risqué—I still find myself too stunned to respond. I had no idea there was even such a thing.
We purchased thelingeriewe tried on, including Lauren’scrotchless panties.She said she was going to have to save them for someone special, and I imagine whoever’s lucky enough to see her in that outfit is going to lose their mind.
“Should we get some lunch? I’m starving,” Lauren says as we leave the store with yet another bag.
“Maybe we should take these back to the car first. I think my arms are about to drop off,” I say, and Lauren chuckles as I try to adjust the bags lining my arms.
“Good idea. That way, we can start fresh after lunch,” she chimes, and my mouth drops open as she makes a start in the direction of the car.
Mason joins us as we near the exit, even though I doubt he’s been far behind this whole time. Although, I have no idea how he’s managed to stay mostly out of my sight.
“Why do I get the feeling we’re not heading to the car because we’re leaving?” Mason asks.
“You know, you’re very perceptive, Mason,” Lauren says.
Mason lets out an exaggerated sigh at her words. Even though I know he’s joking and would never complain, I feel bad that he has to follow me around all day.
“How are you going?” he asks quietly whilst Lauren is busy putting the last of her bags in the car.
“I’m okay. It hasn’t been as bad as I thought.” I offer him a smile. “Maybe even a little fun…”
“Mm-hmm.” Mason smiles back at me. “That’s good,” he says.
“Okay, who’s ready for some food?” Lauren approaches us with a grin.
The food court is a little busier than areas we’d been shopping in, though it’s not too bad. I tried to convince Mason to have lunch with us, even Lauren tried to reason with him, but he politely declined. I’m not sure if he’s trying to give me space to hang out with Lauren, or maybe he finds it easier to watch out for me from a distance.
Taking a sip of the vanilla latte that’s become my go-to hot drink ever since Lauren brought me one that day at the penthouse, I shift my gaze over everyone close to our small table.
“I can’t believe you didn’t drink coffee before me. How did you survive?” Lauren asks, drawing my attention back to her.
“I don’t know…” I say, the words almost sticking in my throat. I don’t mention that coffee would have done absolutely nothing to help mesurvive.The last thing I needed was caffeine running through my veins. Clearing my throat, I’m about to change the subject when Lauren’s name is called.
“Ooo, that’s our food. I’ll get it,” she says before standing and making her way to the café we ordered sandwiches from.
Maybe I should have gone with her.
Despite Lauren not being too far away, I’m alone at the table, and a feeling of unease settles in my stomach. My gaze flicks over the people around me again, but I don’t see anything.Yet the feeling doesn’t go away.
I glance at Lauren again, before trying to spot Mason, except before I even get a chance to look for him, someone catches my eye. A man stands with his back against the wall, facing me. His arms are crossed over his chest, and even though he’s not necessarily close, he seems to be staring straight atme.
My breathing picks up immediately as fear freezes my bones.