page44 (1/2)

“Just a couple things, Tori,” Baldewin coaxed

Tori narrowed his eyes at hi Baldewin to think quick

“I’ the king, the consort, his retainers, the head e The entire clan, really Wouldn’t you feelthem for the first time in some new clothes?” Tori deflated, and Baldewin inwardly winced He hadn’t meant to crush the man’s confidence “I think you look just fine”

The narrowed eyes returned, and his lips pressed into a hard line Baldewin remained undaunted as he stepped closer to the h Tori’s hair, pushing it back frohtly “It’s the truth I like your casual look The light scruff on your jaw The way your grey eyes sparkle behind your dark hair But I know that many people feel more confident when they have new clothes Not that you need confidence” Baldewin leaned closer so he could whisper in Tori’s ear “I’ve seen you cast spells I know firsthand how a you are”

When Baldewin straightened, the look of irritation was gone, and there was a faint blush staining his cheeks His lips were full and soft-looking again There was no man he’d ever met in his life who looked as kissable as Tori Taavi It was all Baldewin could do to pull away

“You’re an evil man,” Tori murmured

“I’ to think of ould make you happy,” Baldewin replied

“You say that, but I get this feeling you’re good at getting your way”

Baldewin threw his head back and laughed He had a good feeling that Alric would ument Baldewin could be very deterht now, Tori had his entire attention

The first couple of shops took a lot of prodding and cajoling, but Tori finally relaxed and started to enjoy the process Anything Tori showed even the slightest interest in, Baldewin ripped off the tags and sent theroom He refused to let the man think about the price He orth every da—which he didn’t expect he would—then Baldeould happily reis

By the time they wandered back to the hotel, they were loaded doith several bags Tori had acquired four new pairs of trousers, half a dozen new shirts, undergarments, and two of the softest sweaters Baldewin had ever felt His dragon longed to cuddle Tori close and slowly stroke hi one of the sweaters