CHAPTER TWO

I pause to soak in the stunning architecture of the sleek, contemporary shopping complex before me. The vibrant atmosphere brims with excitement as I make my way toward the boutique that’s caught my eye.

Knock, knock. No response.

“Who is here?" I say as I peer through the boutique’s glass windows.

I gently slide open the door and step inside, immediately hit by the thick scent of fabric, perhaps even too strong. My eyes sweep across the space before me. The senator's attire, which I had seen through the glass windows, was impressive, but these perfectly arranged outfits on the racks were breathtaking.

Who’s here?" I call out.

“Helloooo?" I repeat, this time with more irritation.

“Good evening, sir. Welcome to Ere’s Scent."

A soft, almost shy voice replies from somewhere in the boutique.

I swiftly tilt my head in the direction of this ethereal sound, and standing before me is a beauty like no other.

“Oh, hi. Good evening." My voice is steady, but my mind isn't.

“ I need a fit for an exclusive dinner event. I saw the senator wear on your mannequin outside, and it caught my attention. But now that I’m in here, I see you have even more beautiful pieces."*

I don’t know how I managed to articulate those words so smoothly because, truth be told, my mind was elsewhere. I didn’t even know which part of her to focus on, her voice and mannerisms directly contrasted her looks.

"Oh, thank you," she replies, smiling sheepishly.

“We have other lovely pieces that I think would perfectly suit your event. Is there a budget in mind?"

“No, there’s none," I reply with utmost pride. I had worked my ass off just so I could afford the most expensive option on the menu, anytime, anywhere.

“Alright, sir. Come with me," she says, leading me further into the boutique.

The space transitions into a more private area, where the clothes are fewer but undeniably more unique. The air feels different here, like money itself breathes in the room.

"These outfits are reserved only for our most exclusive and expensive customers," she says, throwing me a knowing smile. “And seeing you, I can tell you’re a man of unique taste."

I can’t tell if she’s just being nice, because she knows I’m about to drop some money, or if she actually means it.

"Hmm." I sigh, but not because of the clothes.

She’s effortlessly intoxicating.

Judging by our height difference, I’d guess she’s about 5’6. Her figure is a perfect hourglass, neither too slim nor too thick. Her manicured red fingernails tap lightly against the edge of a rack as she waits for me to respond. Her full lips highlight her delicate cheekbones and small nose. But what interests me is her bright, orange-toned skin, which glows gracefully under the warm lighting.

“Hmm, it’s a hard choice," I say, keeping my voice casual, masking the fact that she has my full attention.

"I can help if you're indecisive, sir," she offers smoothly. “It happens with most of our customers. You would only need to make a 50% deposit to lock in your payment, and I’d personally pick and choose the best option that suits you."

Her marketing skills are top-notch, I have to admit. Those words slip off her perfectly lined lips like butter.

I wonder what else they could do.

I shut down the thought immediately. There’s no way I should be thinking like this about a woman I just met, an innocent one at that.

Although… the way her exposed boobs strain against her dress suggests something else entirely.

"Alright. Where can I make the payment?"

“Just one minute, sir," she says, stepping back into the boutique to retrieve a POS.

The moment she disappears, I exhale, rubbing a hand across my jaw.

“Mehn, this babe fine," I mutter under my breath.

This is the second time in my life I’ve been this distracted by a woman. I had taken in every single detail, from her long, sleek braids to the way her gold earrings dangled delicately; from the depth of her large brown pupils to her slim waist and undeniably full ass. Even her lashes didn’t escape my gaze.

I hope she didn't notice me staring like a creep, even though I tried my best not to.

“*Here it is, sir,”* she says as she walks back in, handing me the POS machine. I slide my card into it, and within seconds, the transaction is complete.

“*Thank you. Can we proceed*?” I ask, my voice as calm as ever.

The tension in the air thickens in those minutes. Was it just me feeling this way, or did she sense it too?

“*So, we have this beautiful green two-piece,” she begins, her voice soft. “Its curved neckline and sleeve line are neatly highlighted with red and black gemstones, a refined choice for a gentleman like yourself.” *

She smiles, but her eyes remain downcast, her tone almost timid.

“*Hmm. I see,*” I say, feigning nonchalance, executing it almost too perfectly, almost like her words didn’t reach me. But if only that were true. Her voice alone sent shivers through my skin.

“And here, we have this deep brown two-piece, adorned with orange and red beadwork in distinct patterns across the fabric. Finally, there’s this black senator's wear, which doubles as an agbada with intricate beadwork throughout. A perfect choice for you, if you ask me, sir.”

She speaks with practiced ease, but it takes me a moment to shift my focus from her to the black two-piece she just presented.

She wasn’t lying. This particular senator's wear was one of a kind.

“*Alright, I’ll take this last one, as you’ve advised. Please bring your POS so I can pay in full and get going. Time isn’t on my side today,” I say coldly. It wasn’t necessary, but I did it anyway. *

“*Alright, one minute, sir,*” she responds, retreating to the open boutique space to fetch her branded paper bag and packaging materials.

I stare at my phone, scrolling through messages for longer than necessary before updating Ahmed.

"Found an outfit. Almost done. About to pay and head out."*

I hit send, then turn off my phone.

When Ere returns, she’s holding a bottle of wine, a small cupcake, and a loyalty card.

*“Sorry, sir, I never got your name. I would love to issue you our loyalty card; we give these to our most esteemed customers,” she says casually.

“Aanoni Adukoláde,” I say, my name rolling off my tongue with pride.

I watch her as she writes it on the card. That’s when I notice it, the faint streak of gray beneath her braids. Even with her softness, her naivety, and, in my opinion, her excessive politeness, something about her tells me she’s not as young as I assumed. The way she carries herself, the way she sells, she’s too skilled, too refined.

“I never got your name,” I say as she raises her eyes to meet mine.

“Oh yes, sir, my name is Ereadurami( the profit of my prayers).” She says with a little smile as she resumes filling the loyalty card.

“Ereadurami, nice name. How old are you?” I ask.

She stiffens slightly. “Uhm… why do you ask, sir?”

Her once sheepish smile disappears, replaced by a guarded expression, as if she’s just armed herself against me.

“I’d like to know,” I say, confused by my own question. It was impulsive, but necessary.

She says nothing, simply finishing up my loyalty card. A moment later, she gets up and hands it to me, her demeanor completely changed.

“Here’s your outfit as well. Thank you for shopping at Ere’s Secret. We’d love to have you again soon.” Her smile is polite, but fake.

She turns to leave the room, but I stand abruptly, blocking the exit with my frame.

“I asked you a question. How old are you?” My voice is low, steady. I could tell she was older, maybe in her 30s but I couldn’t prove it.

I know I’m pushing a boundary, and I see the flicker of fear in her eyes, but she stands firm.

“ I do not feel comfortable disclosing such personal information to a customer, sir. Have a nice day,” she says with a little smile, then gently pushes past me.

She strides to the entrance and holds the door open, signaling for me to leave.

I take the hint. Tucking the loyalty card into my pocket, I grab the customized paper bag and make my way toward the door, where she waits.

Stopping in front of her, I let my gaze linger, studying her. Even with the subtle fear in her eyes, there’s something else. Resilience.

Most women would have looked away. She doesn’t.

“See you soon, Ere. Be good,” I murmur before walking out of the store.