Chapter 254

She stared at him for another second. Then she launched herself at him.

Christian smiled as she threw her arms around his neck.

"Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Thank you, Christian."

He caught her around the waist. "Careful."

She kissed his cheek, then pulled away to look through the window again. "Wait. Are we actually going inside?"

"No, Blue. I thought we’d admire the building from the car for the next three hours."

She smacked his shoulder. "You’re so irritating!"

"And you’re adorable when you’re pleased."

She looked at the store again. Her eyes widened. Then she looked at him. "I’m a little overwhelmed."

"I know." He brushed a loose strand of bangs away from her face. "Come on."

Before he could open the door, she caught his wrist.

"Wait."

He paused.

Kylie took a breath, trying to collect herself. "Did you book an appointment?"

"Something like that."

"Christian. How about the pictures?"

"I booked the floor."

She blinked. "The what?"

"The floor."

Her mouth opened. "You booked an entire floor of a designer store?"

He nodded.b"For us."

She stared at him as though he had just announced that he had purchased the moon. She grabbed his face between her hands and kissed him.

It was quick, spontaneous, and full of the kind of affection she hadn’t yet figured out how to express without turning it into a joke.

When she pulled away, Christian’s smile had become softer.

"My girl."

Her stomach did something thoroughly inconvenient. She immediately poked his chest, frowning playfully.

"I’m mad at you for being rich in such an obnoxious way."

He chuckled. "Noted."

The driver stepped out to open their doors.

Christian exited first, adjusting his jacket before turning back towards the car.

Kylie had barely stepped out when she looked at him. She held out both arms.

"Pick me up."

Christian paused. For a second, he simply looked at her.

Her arms remained extended. Her expression was perfectly serious.

Then a slow smile spread across his face. "You want me to carry you? Are you sure?" He rechecked, remembring bow she kicked against the idea of being picked up back from the club even when her feet hurt.

She nodded, lifting her arms higher. "Please?"

Something warm shifted in his expression.

"Come here, Blue." He slipped his hands beneath her thighs and lifted her effortlessly.

Kylie immediately wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his shoulders, laughing softly as he secured her against him.

"There," he murmured, looking at her with unconcealed amusement. "Happy now?"

She smiled, brushing her nose against his. "Very."

Christian shook his head, still smiling, before pressing a kiss to her cheek. "You’re spoiled."

"Unfortunately, that’s true."

She laughed and hugged him tighter.

He made no attempt to put her down.

Instead, he adjusted his hold and started towards the entrance with her still wrapped around him.

Kylie rested her chin on his shoulder, watching the world around them.

A few people near the entrance had noticed them.

One woman openly stared, and another lifted her phone.

Kylie noticed and briefly looked towards the camera. She didn’t hide her face. She simply smiled into the camera.

Christian caught the movement.

"You’re enjoying this."

"I’m enjoying being carried by a handsome man into a store where I intend to spend an irresponsible amount of money."

"An irresponsible amount?"

"Don’t interrupt my dreams."

He laughed against her hair. "Wouldn’t dream of it."

The woman with the phone lowered it after a moment, but someone else continued recording from a little farther away.

Christian noticed.

His expression barely changed.

He had spent years being photographed, followed, discussed, and speculated about. The cameras were familiar. The attention was familiar.

What mattered to him was whether Kylie was comfortable with it.

He looked at her. "You okay?"

She glanced at the people recording, then back at him.

"Yes."

"Want me to have security clear them out?"

Kylie considered it. Then she shook her head. "No. Let them record."

He lifted an eyebrow. "Sure?"

She nodded.

"I’m walking into a designer store while being carried by Christian Sinclair. If somebody doesn’t record it, I’m going to assume the internet has collectively lost its eyesight."

He laughed.

"And besides," she added, leaning closer to whisper in his ear, "you look really good carrying me."

Christian’s steps faltered for half a second.

Kylie burst into laughter. "Oh, my God. I got you!"

He looked down at her. "You think you’re funny?"

"I know I’m funny."

He kissed her cheek. "Menace."

"Your menace."

His smile lingered.

She pinched his cheek.

He carried her through the entrance.

The boutique was even more beautiful inside.

Soft lighting fell across polished floors. Glass displays showcased jewellery and accessories, while carefully arranged racks held dresses, jackets, and coats in colours that looked almost unreal beneath the lights.

There were handbags displayed like works of art.

Shoes arranged in neat rows, perfume counters, a private fitting area, and enough beautiful things to make Kylie forget every coherent thought she had ever possessed.

Christian finally set her down just inside the entrance.

She remained close to him, one hand resting on his arm while she turned slowly, taking everything in.

"Oh, my God."

He smiled. "That’s the third time you’ve said that."

A woman in a tailored black suit approached them with a warm, professional smile.

"Good afternoon, Mr Sinclair. Welcome. It’s a pleasure to have you with us."

"Thank you."

"We’ve prepared the private lounge as requested, and the floor is reserved for your visit. Our team is available to assist with anything you need."

"Thank you."

The woman turned to Kylie.

"Good afternoon, ma’am. Welcome. Please let us know if there’s anything you’d like to see. We have new arrivals from several of our brand designers, and we can bring pieces directly to the lounge if you’d prefer."

Kylie smiled brightly. "Thank you. Everything is beautiful."

The woman’s expression warmed. "I’m glad you like it."

Christian placed a hand at the small of Kylie’s back.

"Show us around."

"Of course, sir."