Uncensored (The Manhattanites Book 7) by Aster Avery

Author:Aster, Avery [Aster, Avery]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Avery Aster
Published: 2017-01-12T05:00:00+00:00

“Wow.” Lex glanced up at the Sistine Chapel-esque ballroom ceilings. The two-tiered grand room, with bi-level cocktail lounges, was decorated with copper panels backed with bronze mirrors.

“Come on, bella.” He held her hand while she walked into the main room.

The space was reminiscent of an event Taddy and Vive had dragged her to the year before. The dance area featured a glass floor, expansive enough to accommodate a thousand couples. Tables seating eight to ten guests on the outskirts surrounded the dancing. A forty-piece orchestra played on a stage. Each musician, decked in a black tuxedo, attended to their sheet music.

“Are you ready to have fun tonight?” I need to blow off some fashion designer stress. Let’s party. The music played classical. Errrr.

“Sì, with you. We are over there.” Massimo led her to their round table, marked with a framed place card inscribed “Tittoni” in calligraphy.

“Lex, this is my nonna, Queen Luciana.” Massimo motioned her in the direction of an elder.

The woman stuck out her hand for Lex to kiss it. She did as expected, pressing her lips against wrinkled, spotted skin. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Queen Luciana Tittoni.”

Her soft jowls moved as she mumbled, “Aren’t you pretty? Sit next to me, dear. My English is better than anyone in this room.” She patted the damask fabric cushion next to her. “My gems complement your beauty.” Queen Luciana didn’t glance at the jewelry. Instead, she looked into Lex’s eyes. “I want to know more about you.”

When Lex sat next to Luciana as requested, patchouli and clove engulfed her. I’m gonna yak. She coughed to the side as the prince leaned over her shoulder.

“I should have warned you. Nonna loves to layer on the profumo and the conversazione.” He squeezed her shoulder. “I’m going to leave you here for a few. I must mingle with some colleagues. But I’ll be back to circulate you through the crowd.”

The queen mentioned the brilliance Lex wore was a gift from Constantino, a son to Sotirios Voulgaris from the Bulgari Jewelry Empire, a bequest in celebration to honor the hundred-year anniversary for the Via Condotti boutique. “It’s an estate necklace, crafted in eighteen-karat white gold and embellished by over twelve hundred encircling diamonds. I haven’t seen it for years, but am happy it’s getting some use versus being locked up in the Tittoni safe.”

Lex turned to inhale a breath of fresh air.

With a smile, Jemma came up to her side.

Lex stood to extend her hand while whispering in Jemma’s ear, “I’m sorry about earlier today. I didn’t intend to spy on you. Please, forgive me.”

Jemma nodded in dismissal. The queen’s presence made no room for ménage à trois chatter. “Darling, this is Europe. We kiss. No handshakes. Muah, Muah.” Jemma smooched Lex on both cheeks. “Massimo mentioned I’d work with you on our designs. I can’t wait.” Jemma sat between Luciana and her, pulling Lex back down to her chair by her hand to sit.

Surprised, Lex had expected Jemma to be mean to her or at least snide for the redesign.

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