It'll Be An Adventure (Masters of the Shadowlands #15)(86)
Author: Cherise Sinclair

 

“But I like this bra.” Murphy wouldn’t raise her voice—not in this place.

 

In Brendall’s Department Store, the formal wear fitting rooms had a very plush lounge with marble flooring, ivory-colored walls, and beige leather couches. Classical music played through hidden speakers.

 

“No,” Kim said firmly. “You need a push-up bra to give you eye-catching cleavage.”

 

Murphy glanced around at the other women in the lounge outside the dressing rooms, hoping for some friendly support.

 

Looking through a rack of possible gowns, Uzuri wasn’t even listening.

 

On a couch, Jessica had her strappy new sandals beside her. She shook her head solemnly. “I’m afraid Kim’s right.”

 

Having already obtained her gown from an online store, Rainie relaxed on the other couch. “Sorry, Murph. What they said.” She folded her arms over her chest.

 

With those generous breasts, Rainie never had to wear push-up bras.

 

Grumbling, Murphy handed over the undergarment.

 

“Hey.” Zuri turned away from the rack and frowned at the other women. “Don’t let them push you around, Murphy.”

 

Jessica winced. “Oh, sorry. We’re not bullies. Honest.”

 

Bullies? They weren’t, but…

 

“Damnfinito, I caved in, didn’t I? Without even arguing.” Murphy thumped her head against the nearest wall. “I’m such a wimp.”

 

“Whoa, girlfriend.” Rising, Rainie slung an arm around her. “What brought this on?”

 

The sympathy was almost too much, and Murphy blinked hard. “Oh, it’s just…I always go along with what people want and never speak up for myself.”

 

She pulled in a breath. “Like last weekend when my ex-boyfriend said some insulting things, and I just took it.”

 

“Ah, that.” Jessica nodded. “A lot of”—she glanced around the area outside the big lounge to ensure it was just them— “submissives have a need to please and get into that kind of mindset. Where everyone else matters more than they do.”

 

“Then it turns destructive because who wouldn’t start resenting that shit?” Rainie muttered.

 

Murphy nodded. “That’s the same lecture I got from Saxon, actually. Along with information about how damaging bullying is for the victim and the bully.”

 

“The bully too?” Uzuri asked.

 

“So he said. I guess a couple of Marcus’s underprivileged boys had a bully-victim thing going on, and Z gave the Masters a talk on how bad it is for everyone concerned.”

 

“Now that sounds like Master Z,” Rainie muttered and got grins from the rest.

 

“Anyway.” Murphy heaved a sigh. “I’m trying to work on standing up for myself.”

 

Rainie gave her a sympathetic smile. Kim grinned ruefully.

 

Jessica sighed. “Oh yeah, I hear you.”

 

“Masters and their self-improvement homework.” Zuri rolled her eyes then turned as a saleswomen entered the area. “Did you find the one I wanted?”

 

“I did. Here it is.” The woman handed over a black dress.

 

“Thank you.” Uzuri held it up and nodded. “That’s it. Try this one on, Murphy.”

 

In the fitting room, Murphy got into the pushup bra then the dress. Only there was no way to fasten the back. “Help?”

 

“Coming.” Stepping in, Kim quickly zipped up the dress. “There. Let’s see what it looks like.”

 

Murphy sighed. “Once more unto the breach, dear friends.”

 

Kim snickered.

 

Jessica and Rainie turned to look as Murphy stepped out, feeling like a clumsy runway model.

 

Uzuri had taken a seat on the couch. A clothing buyer for Brendall’s, she had an impeccable sense of style, and they’d come shopping during evening hours just so she’d be able to join them.

 

Because of Zuri’s presence, the sales staff was extra attentive. And she had an incredible eye for what looked good on what kind of figure and what the perfect accessories were. She was simply amazing.

 

Three steps into the room, Murphy spun slowly and waited for judgment.

 

“The way it fits is perfect on you,” Jessica said.

 

“Mmm, yes.” Kim tapped her lips. “You have just the right figure for it.”

 

Meaning mostly the lack of a figure. The bodycon—short for body-conscious—dress did what it was designed to do and clung to her every curve. With the halter-top pieces gathered on her right shoulder rather than tying at her nape, her left shoulder was bare, and there was a diagonal gap of skin running down between her breasts. It was provocative without being sleazy.

 

Admittedly, the design also enhanced her tiny girls very nicely.

 

She looked at Uzuri. “Madame Expert, what do you think?”

 

Uzuri was studying her. “The design is perfect for you, but the color…no.”

 

“But I thought little black dresses were good for every occasion.”

 

“That is usually true, but why settle for merely good?” Uzuri beckoned the salesperson forward and whispered something.

 

The woman eyed Murphy and grinned. “Yes. Be right back.”

 

“With your coloring, black doesn’t do you any particular favors,” Uzuri said. “Besides, you’ll need something eye-catching to balance out Saxon.”

 

Murphy rolled her eyes. “I’m not sure anything is as eye-catching as the big blond barbarian.”

 

The women present cracked up.

 

Grinning, Jessica fanned herself. “Wait until you see the Viking in a tux.”

 

Oh, be still my heart.

 

The saleswoman arrived with the same dress.

 

But in a crimson color.

 

“Ooooh, fuck-me red,” Rainie bounced. “Yes. Try that puppy on now. We want to see.”

 

Five minutes later, when Murphy walked out of the fitting room, there was silence—and then cheering.

 

Okay then.

 

 

 

 

 

“This place is great!” Eyes on the heaving mass of humanity on the dance floor, Murphy gave an approving shoulder bump to Saxon who sat beside her. Across the table were Raoul and Kim. Max, Alastair, and Zuri were at one end, Rainie and Jake at the other.