Stolen Desire (The Lust List: Kaidan Stone #3) by Nova Raines, Mira Bailee

turn and notice the rack set up next to a dresser. It's packed full of garment bags, shoes, and wrapped boxes. And next to the rack, my car key and remote. My car's been returned to me. I suck in a breath and give Kaidan a confused look.
    “Charles picked you up a few essentials,” he says. “All new. All washed and ready to wear.”
    I drift over to look at the rack. I unzip a few of the garment bags and find gorgeous party dresses, sexy lace bra and panty sets, and even a silk nightie that's tasteful, yet sexy. “These are really nice. I'm impressed Charles has such good taste.”
    He chuckles softly. “Don't give Charles too much credit. All he did was pick this up from our stylist.”
    “You have a stylist?”
    “The woman who brought the dresses to your apartment for the awards.”
    “Ah, I remember.” Of course the Stones have a stylist on call.
    I walk back over to Kaidan and stand on tiptoes to give him a soft kiss. “Thank you. You didn't have to do this.”
    I mean it, but deep down I'm feeling uneasy about the way he's showering me with gifts. Has he done this with other girls? It kind of seems like he has this down to a science. And maybe it's nothing to him, but… it makes me feel like I owe him something. And I have nothing to give. I have no money. “You really didn't have to do this,” I repeat.
    Kaidan gently cups my chin and makes me meet his eyes. “I did. I was a jerk earlier. It's your choice if you want to stay here or not.” He kisses me again, and I let myself get lost in the moment.
    He looks reluctant to leave as he pulls away. “I need to get changed. People will be here soon.”
    “I'm staying. Thank you for this. I'll get ready.”
    “Good. I'll be waiting for you downstairs.”
    I give him a little wave as he leaves the room, and then I sink down on the soft bed and stare up at the canopy. Me and Kaidan Stone. Me and Mr. Lust List #1. He was a total dick earlier, but now… I don't know. I was attracted to him before—that was always there, no matter how much of a dick he was. But now? Now I'm starting to feel something else. Something real and powerful and stronger than anything I've ever felt for another guy.
    Am I falling in love?
    I hug myself and roll on my side, burying my face in a pillow. It's too soon, right? With all the guys before, it's just been lust followed by a combination of contentment and boredom as I settled down with one guy. I always felt free when we'd break up. Then I'd start the cycle over again. The thought that I might feel much, much more this time sends a shiver of fear running through me. Because if I lose Kaidan… or if I have to walk away… I won't feel free. I think it might tear me apart.
    I try to distract myself by calling Char to invite her to the party. Her squeal of excitement is followed by panic as she decides she has nothing to wear, and her hair looks like shit.
    When she hangs up on me to get ready, I'm left to go browse the clothing Kaidan had Charles pick up for me.
    The clothes the stylist sent over are gorgeous. The rack holds all the things I can't afford to buy anymore: Jewelry, undergarments, dresses, skirts, shirts, hair clips, headbands, and other accessories. It's like a mini boutique in here.
    A little voice in my head wonders if all of it's mine to keep, or if it's a loan. My next thought is whether or not I can sneak any of it home if it's a loan. My conscience slaps my stupid klepto lizard brain.
    I will not steal.
    I will not.
    I never want to steal again. For my own dignity, but also because now… I want to be better. For Kaidan. I couldn't handle how he'd look at me if he ever caught me stealing. I care too much. And that's a first.
    I smile as I caress the fabrics, thinking about what Kaidan said about me sketching again. I enjoyed designing those pretend outfits. Maybe that'd be a good outlet for me.
    But what would be the point? I still don't see the point. Do I have any talent? I was conceived after years of my