High Stakes Seduction - Book 1 Read Online Free PDF Page B

feet. "Size seven and a half, I believe?" he asked.
    I nodded mutely, impressed by how well this man knew his business.
    Antonio reached up, tucking a knuckle under my chin, and turned my head to the left as his examination continued. "You will make a lovely companion this evening, Miss Tilson," he said softly. A small smile played on his lips and his eyes glinted. "My driver will pick you up at eight. Please be sure to wear your hair up."

Chapter Eleven
     
    "You look amazing!" Maria exclaimed as I twirled in front of the mirror in my bedroom. The floor length black dress shimmered in the lamplight, its slinky fabric coming to rest against my curves as I came to a stop. I fingered the material, loving the sensuous way it caressed my skin and hugged my body.
    I was a bit nervous about the bodice. The intricate web of lace roses stretched across the plunging neckline, barely covering my exposed cleavage. And of course, my shoulders remained bare, just as Antonio wanted.
    I’d never worn anything this elegant and revealing before. It made me feel luxurious and sexy, maybe even a little wanton. But I couldn’t deny that Maria was right. I really did look amazing.
    "Sis, what would I do without you? I could never have gotten my hair up like this, let alone put on all this makeup!" I looked away from the mirror, reaching for Maria's hands.
    "Good thing I’m the artist," she laughed. "Now put on the shoes," Maria said, reaching down to hand me the stilettos.
    I eyed them skeptically. "I swear if I fall on my face tonight," I muttered, putting them on and wobbling around for a moment before I finally got the hang of the spiky heels.
    "You’ll be fine," Maria shook her head at my antics. "It’s almost time to go. Let’s work on those final touches."
    I sat on the bed beside Maria. "I think you’re more excited about this than I am."
    She smiled, opening a small box and pulling out a sparkling necklace. Our eyes went wide and we both gasped. "Are these real diamonds?" Maria whispered, laying the delicate necklace across her palm with reverence. "Look," she said, "the design is almost the same as the lace on your dress."
    "Matching earrings," I said, pointing in the box.
    "Turn around," Maria ordered.
    I twisted around on the bed and watched our reflections, feeling the coolness of the gems as they settled around my neck. I held out my hand and Maria carefully dropped the dangling earrings into my palm. She plucked at my hair as I put in the earrings, adjusting the sweeping updo she’d pinned in place earlier.
    "You look simply amazing," Maria repeated when I stood before her once more, my outfit complete.
    "Thank you," I whispered, and found my voice catching with emotion. I felt different in this dress, this jewelry. I felt like a princess going to a ball, just like when I played make-believe as a kid. And I could tell Maria was thinking the same thing. But I couldn’t forget what this was really about. This wasn’t a date. This was about a debt that had to be repaid.
    I looked away from Maria, not wanting her to see my sudden hesitation, the frown that surely was playing in my eyes.
    Fortunately, the doorbell's ring distracted her. "I’ll get it," she said eagerly. She dragged her wheelchair closer and I helped her into it. I took one last peek at myself in the mirror, then followed her down the hall and into the living room.
    Maria opened the door to find a large man dressed in a tidy black suit. "I’m here to pick up Miss Tilson," he said with a scowl that looked permanently etched in his face.
    "That’s me," Maria grinned up at him. I chuckled as I gathered my purse. I was so happy to see Maria in such a good mood—especially after last night's dream. It had been ages since she’d smiled so much, and I couldn’t remember the last time she’d joked around with anyone.
    "No thank you, ma’am," I heard the chauffeur say, and I looked up to find him shaking his head. His scowl had turned into a look of confusion