Free High Stakes Seduction - Book 1 by Ami LeCoeur

ball, and then you and I can get to know each other," she smiled at Maria.
    "I’ll get dressed in my room," I said, leading the way. I’d almost figured out the fancy lingerie they'd provided me at the store, but I still needed Nevia’s help from time to time. I’d grown so used to her helping me that it didn’t feel strange to invite her back to my room now, especially when it seemed that Antonio was intent on making me look very much like a princess tonight.
    Nevia hung the garment bag on the back of the door and unzipped it, revealing shimmering silver sequins. She carefully extracted the gown and held it up before her. "What do you think?"
    I heard Maria gasp, and I shot a glance back to where she was sitting by the door. I’d seen all sorts of gowns at the store but this was beyond anything I’d ever imagined wearing myself.
    "Hurry and put it on!"
    I nodded, speechless. I tugged the belt of my robe, letting it fall open as I took the dress from Nevia. I steadied myself with a hand on the back of Maria’s chair and carefully stepped into the dress, slipping my arms into the capped sleeves. I was relieved that it actually covered most of my chest in an elegant draped neckline. But, as Nevia adjusted the dress at my shoulders, I felt the cool air of the room over my entire back.
    "Don’t worry," Maria said with a laugh as she drew up the zipper. "It covers your butt."
    I moved over to the mirror, turning to examine the gown from behind. She was right, it did cover my rear end, but only just! The glittering silver gown sparkled, trailing over my hips but leaving my back almost entirely bare. Oh my, a daring slit on the right side exposed my leg, all the way up to my thigh. I turned, taking in the full beauty of the gown as the light caught the sequins from different angles.
    Nevia appeared beside me in the reflection, smiling brightly and bending to place a pair of shoes before me.
    I looked down at them just as Maria spoke. "Glass slippers," she whispered.

Chapter Twenty-Two
     
    The doorbell rang promptly at eight. I smiled when I came into the living room and found Thompson chuckling at something Maria said.
    "You two have a good night," I said to Nevia and Maria, bending to give my sister a big hug. Then I followed Thompson outside.
    Antonio stood at the limo waiting. His smile sent a thrill through me. I knew I looked glamorous and decided I should act the part, adding a little extra sway to my hips as I sauntered down the path toward him.
    "Stunning," he said, his eyes trailing over my body from head to toe. He offered me his hand and I blushed when he bowed, brushing his lips over the back of my hand.
    I turned slightly and caught Nevia and Maria’s silhouettes in the window. I could just imagine my sister’s excited squeals as Antonio helped me carefully climb into the car.
    "The designers we’ll be meeting with tonight are part of an exclusive guild," he said as he opened a black velvet box, showing me the contents.
    Sparkling diamonds and emeralds stared back at me and I put a hand to my chest in amazement. He raised his other hand, twirling a finger. I obeyed, shifting in my seat so that my back was to him. I felt a shiver run down my bare spine, suddenly keenly aware of how exposed I was to him.
    "They are interested in being represented in my store," he continued, reaching around, his fingers brushing the back of my neck as he fastened the necklace at my throat, "and are considering granting me exclusive rights to two of their evening wear lines that are currently only available in the European market."
    My tension eased a little when I felt him lean back and I shifted around to face him. He was holding the box out to me again. I glanced up, meeting his dark, mesmerizing gaze. "They match your eyes," he said as I reached for the emerald studs.
    I smiled, holding his gaze for a moment longer before looking away. I concentrated on putting in the earrings. "Is it the designs you’re after," I asked,