Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
I merely shake my head as I stare in the mirror because this is definitely not me. Instead, my reflection shows a woman who’s elegantly made-up, with the perfect make-up, hair, and clothes. She’s wearing a strapless red velvet gown with a sweetheart neckline. The décolletage is sexy but not overt, and it highlights my big bust without being crude. The gown itself is delectable. The crimson velvet shimmers subtly, highlighting my narrow waist before flaring over my wide hips and dropping to the ground in a long column.
“My goodness,” I whisper again. “I don’t even recognize myself!”
“You look perfect,” Daria chortles before standing and tucking a wisp of blonde hair behind my ear. “Your chignon is the perfect updo, and the red lipstick matches your dress.”
“But I’m not really a red lipstick kind of gal,” I say in a weak tone.
“Tonight, you are!” Daria sings before she’s cut off by a knock on the door. “Come in!” she calls.
The door swings open, and sure enough, Dominic Masters stands there. Both the personal shopper and I gawk because the alpha male resembles a living god, from the top of his dark head to the tips of his polished shoes. That massive form is clad in a perfectly-fitted tux, the stark black and white only emphasizing the raw masculinity of the handsome billionaire.
Daria recovers quicker than me.
“Hello, Dominic!” she greets. “As you can see, Miss White is ready for you.”
His blue eyes sear my curves, and he nods approvingly.
“She does. Thank you, Daria, for your help.”
The personal shopper recognizes her dismissal and makes a graceful exit.
“Until next time!” she sings while leaving my bedroom. “Have a great time tonight, both of you!”
Then, the door shuts and I’m left alone with the possessive billionaire. Suddenly, the room feels stultifyingly stuffy and far too small with the huge male inside, although it’s actually a suite with its own bathroom and small terrace. It’s his presence that makes me feel hot, and I blush while smiling shyly.
“You look nice,” I say in a soft voice.
He nods, those blue eyes flaring.
“And you look gorgeous, Miss White. There’s just one thing missing.”
I start. Oh no, is he going to bring up my missing shoe? Or will he reprimand me, and warn me not to lose my current pair at the gala? After all, I’m wearing Manolo Blahnik red stilettos, which cost a fortune. I can’t afford to lose one of these.
But Dominic pulls out a velvet box from behind his back, and then pops open the lid. When I see the item lying inside, my eyes go round as my red lips part.
“Oh no, I couldn’t,” I say hurriedly. “That’s much too fancy.”
“No, it’s not too fancy at all,” Dominic says in a low tone. “Turn around, sweetheart. This is the perfect complement to your dress.”
I gasp, swiveling slowly as Dominic lifts the necklace from its velvet box. It’s a gorgeous string of diamonds, with a ruby pendant at the base. I stare straight ahead as the billionaire’s big fingers gently fasten the necklace around my nape, brushing the sensitive skin there.
Then, I turn back and his blue eyes gleam with approval.
“Perfect,” he growls. “It suits you, Miss White.”
I catch a glimpse in the mirror, and it’s true. The ruby sits just over my décolletage, drawing attention to my big bust without being obscene. The diamonds glitter, highlighting my creamy skin, and even my blonde hair in its chignon seems to glow brighter.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “It’s beautiful.”
Dominic winks in reply, and then out of nowhere, he produces a corsage. It’s just a small one to be tied around the wrist with a single red bloom at the center. I can’t help but giggle.
“You said you wanted a corsage, right?” he smirks.
“No, I was kidding!” I laugh. “You didn’t have to!”
But Dominic’s already taking my slim wrist in his big hands and fastening the lovely rose around my hand. Then, he steps back to survey his work. Something comes over his handsome features as he looks at me, a dark flush highlighting those stark cheekbones.
“Perfect,” he rasps. “Absolutely gorgeous. Come, Miss White,” he commands while bowing slightly at the waist. “Your chariot awaits.”
I giggle again because this man is so confounding! He’s dominant and powerful, as well as being playful, lighthearted, and arrogant at once. How intriguing! But I laugh again because the evening’s just begun ... and it’s going to be a night to remember.
9
Dominic
She’s lovely, vivacious, and utterly perfect. I look around and see Angela animatedly chatting with Mr. and Mrs. Gruber over by one of the tables. The elderly couple looks captivated by the sweet girl’s charm and personality, and I can see why. It’s because Angie’s glowing. She’s literally shining as she stands in the large ballroom, her blonde hair radiating light, with diamonds glittering at her neck.