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–Me: What’s uncalled for is you interrupting my work day with this non-emergency nonsense. I don’t need your help.

–Georgia: Apparently you do, if you’re getting dumped by the likes of Gabriella Ricci. Sorcha was so upset. Gabriella should be grateful you deigned to date her at all.

I rub my face, wishing for a time machine so I could prevent myself from ever saying yes to Mom’s asinine request that I accompany Gabriella to that stupid event. I’m never going to be a plus-one for a Platcher brand ambassador ever again. If Mom begs, I’ll just tell her to send Camilo. He can even bang the woman afterward—a full-service escort.

–Me: FYI, Gabriella’s worth a hell of a lot more than Coraline Vescovi. At least she’s not flat-ass broke, and can continue to earn money with her face. Coraline can’t, but wants to marry into money because of all that vigorous inbreeding. I’m certain I read that in the sixteenth century, her ancestors kept marrying sisters and nieces and suffered from craniofacial asymmetries. Might want to look into that, unless Grandma wants very ugly great-grandbabies.

–Me: Also, you should consider a career switch. There are plenty of jobs that pay better. Might improve your snobbishness, too.

Georgia doesn’t respond, probably too busy calling me an asshole. I’m not lying, though. She could get paid far better, but refuses to leave Grandmother. Her younger sister is a talented ballet dancer, and she’s hoping that Grandmother can use herconnections at the Mariinsky to secure a meeting with the directors.

Shaking my head, I mute her. I’ll unmute her when I feel less annoyed.

“What do you think about this one?”

I jerk my head up to see Max slowly twirl in a stunning purple dress. It’s cinched with a slim chartreuse faux-alligator leather belt and accentuates the generous curves of her breasts while making her waist appear small and sexy. Violet stilettos elongate her legs and bring out the toned calf muscles. I’ve never cared that much about what women wore, but the ankle straps are perfection.

Should definitely take her to bed in nothing but those stilettos.

“Well?” Max sounds a little hesitant. “I’m not sure about the colors. I think they’re kind of…unusual.”

“I think they’re perfect on you.” She could wear a potato sack and I wouldn’t be able to take my eyes off her.

Her face blooms with a stunning smile, and my brain short-circuits. She’s absolutely radiant, pleasure glowing in her eyes. It draws me in. I want to wrap my arms around her and just hold her, sharing her happiness. Then kiss her, because how could you not when you have the world’s loveliest woman in your arms?

“I adore the color combo on you. I just knew it’d be perfect, even though it’s a bit unusual. Some people don’t have the pizzazz to pull it off.” Danica beams. “Since we already picked out seven work outfits and a few casual ones, let me grab you something formal. I’m sure Rhys has a few fancy events on his social calendar. Are you going to need help with the zipper?”

“No, I’ll be fine,” Max says. “Thanks.”

Danica nods and disappears. I shift on the couch to get more comfortable.Those stilettos…

“Um. Rhys? Are you still there?” Max says from the dressing room, her tone a little hesitant.

“Yeah.”

“Can you come over? I need your help. Ow.”

Raising an eyebrow, I head over. She unlocks the door and gestures at me. “My hair’s caught.”

She turns around. Somehow a bit of her hair is tangled up in the teeth of the zipper. I try tugging gently, but it doesn’t budge. “It’s stuck.”

“Crap.” She tries to jerk the zipper down, then winces. “Damn, that hurts.”

“Don’t give yourself a bald patch. Let me see it.” I stare intently at the teeth, trying to figure out how to get her hair free without ruining the zipper or hurting her. I try pulling the zipper up—it moves smoothly, but the hair’s still ensnarled. Biting my lip, I lower it slowly, pressing on the hair to keep it taut without pulling at her scalp.

The zipper moves with less ease, but it trudges downward. Finally, once it’s past the knot, it slides effortlessly, revealing an expanse of creamy skin I’ve wanted to worship with my mouth since this morning. My breathing quickens.

I move her hair out of the way, wanting a better look at the stunning red bra I glimpsed earlier…but it’s satin purple. My blood heats.She must be buying new underwear too. Given her taste, it’s going to be sexy as hell. “This isn’t what you had on this morning.” My voice is low and raspy.

She turns around. “Yeah. I wanted to try this one. Danica brought out a set for me, although I’m not sure about the panties.”

“What’s wrong with them?”

A careless shrug of her shoulder, then she raises her eyes to meet mine and whispers, “No crotch. Was that your request?”

The lust that’s been simmering boils over. “What if it was? Get them.”

A sharp look, although a hint of provocation glints in her gaze. “For when you’re horny?”