Chapter 523-Let’s Undress

Chapter 523: 523-Let’s Undress

Verity:

"This is the dress Gigi arranged for me," I said.

After changing into my regular clothes, I figured Ragnar must have instructed one of his warriors to bring my belongings from my home, since that was where he’d gotten this gown as well.

"As if she already knew you were going to be a bride," Ragnar remarked as he approached me while I was still struggling with the large garment cover and the heavy gown inside it.

He licked the syrup off the tip of his finger, then picked up a napkin from the side and wiped his hands clean.

I was still wrestling with the cover, unable to manage the weight of the dress.

Without a word, he took it from my hands and pulled down the zipper so effortlessly that a strange flutter stirred in my stomach.

It made me wonder just how much experience he had unzipping things.

I immediately shook my head, trying to get that ridiculous thought out of my mind.

I didn’t even know why I was thinking about something like that.

Ragnar took the gown out of its cover and held it up in front of him, examining it before lifting his gaze to mine.

"It’ll suit you," he said, though his eyes soon settled on the neckline.

It was far too plunging, and I could tell Gigi had chosen it deliberately to humiliate me.

"Your girlfriend is quite cunning, you know," I finally admitted, feeling comfortable enough to speak my mind in front of him.

"Really? How so? Look at her. She’s being so generous, getting you a wedding gown."

I frowned at him, wondering whether he genuinely believed that or was simply trying to get under my skin.

The smirk playing on his lips gave me my answer. He was definitely messing with me.

"Since you’re so blind, I’ll let you know," I said, resisting the urge to grunt at him and keeping my tone neutral instead. "The invitation cards specifically stated that no one except the bride was allowed to wear white. In fact, even the bride herself isn’t wearing white."

I watched him with obvious annoyance as he zipped the gown back into its cover.

"Hmm," he mumbled under his breath.

Then he tapped two fingers against my shoulder, as if I hadn’t already been paying attention to him.

"Breakfast is getting cold," he commented, making me draw a deep breath before letting out a frustrated grunt.

I’d spent most of yesterday and the entire night passed out.

When I finally woke up, we’d gotten into a small argument, after which he’d ordered breakfast and had my belongings brought here, though only the things I needed to get ready for the evening.

"Yeah, of course. Why would you want to hear anything about your girlfriend?" I muttered as I followed him out onto the balcony.

And oh my God, the view!

It was absolutely to die for.

Even though I was still furious, I couldn’t help smiling when a strong gust of chilly wind brushed against my face, sweeping my hair back.

Ragnar pulled out a chair for me, and once I sat down, he made sure to slide it closer to the table.

I rolled my eyes at his attempts to be a gentleman.

He then settled into his own chair and reached for my plate, helping me to some eggs, toast, and the other breakfast items.

I simply sat there watching him, letting him play me like a fiddle.

"About that," he finally spoke, catching me off guard.

He was already serving himself by then, and I was certain a good four minutes had passed since I’d tried to get him to pay attention to what I was saying.

"Yeah, my girlfriend is the best," he remarked, making my fingers tighten around the fork.

"She knew my bride would be there at the engagement, so what do I have to complain about when I get to see her in a wedding dress?" he added with a casual shrug.

My grip on the fork loosened.

He was so clever.

"By the way, how long does it take you to get ready?" he asked casually, still munching on his food.

"A little while," I mumbled, stretching my neck and yawning before taking a bite of my omelet.

It was my subtle way of telling him not to judge me.

"Good. Taking care of yourself is a good thing," he commented.

"But of course, I love makeup, skincare routines, and basically anything that gives me an excuse to stand in front of the mirror and admire myself," I continued, because I genuinely did.

I absolutely adored makeup, loved myself, and enjoyed every moment of getting ready.

I was talking so casually until his laughter completely ruined my mood.

"Are you laughing at me?" I demanded.

He immediately stuck out his tongue and touched the outer rim of one ear before returning his attention to his breakfast.

"You don’t need to look in the mirror anymore. You have me. Just stand in front of me while you get ready."

With that, he casually began licking his fingers, making my heart beat faster.

His head was slightly lowered, but he kept his eyes raised toward me from beneath his brows as his tongue moved over his fingertips.

The sight sent goosebumps across my skin.

"No, thanks," I replied.

"Why? I can get ready in front of you."

I deliberately bit the inside of my cheek at that.

"Because you have absolutely no shame."

He burst into laughter, shaking his head as though I’d said the funniest thing he’d ever heard.

"You know what? Let’s do it."

The moment those words left his mouth, every muscle in my body seemed to tense.

"What?" I asked innocently.

"Let’s get ready in front of each other today. No conversation, no talking. Just the two of us getting ready."

He spoke in a low murmur, one corner of his mouth lifting into a faint smile.

"What happened? Are you having second thoughts already?" he teased with a chuckle.