A beaming Elsa walked into the kitchen. “You always say that, Lulu.”
Lulu?
“There’s gotta be a story with that nickname,” Simone said.
Elsa patted Luciano’s back. “He’s always been my Lulu.”
After kissing his grandmothers’ cheek, Luciano held out the spoon to her. “Simone.”
No way would she let him feed her in front of his family, but resisting Luciano? That was impossible.
Slash entered wearing a stunning dusty-rose gown, hijacking everyone’s attention.
“Wow,” Carrera said. “You look amazing.”
Slash did a slow three-sixty, modeling the couture formalwear. “It’s a Santini Original. What do you think?”
“That’s an interesting color, Lulu,” Elsa said. “It’s soft, very feminine. I like it.”
“My astute grandmother.” Luciano walked over to Slash, eyeing the fabric. “It was a mistake. Rather than discard the shipment, I needed them modeled.”
Simone moved closer. The dress was full-on couture. An off-the-shoulder gown with a chiffon bodice that showed off Slash’s figure, without looking slutty.
“What do you think, Simone?” Luciano asked.
“It’s beautiful. I love the hourglass fit.”
Luciano walked over to a garment bag hanging over the French door and pulled out two gowns—a pale green and a charcoal.
“This should have been a vibrant green and this ebony.” Luciano walked over to Simone, held each one up to her, then offered her the charcoal one. “Please.”
She stilled.
Slash took the dress, then Simone’s hand. “We got this.”
Up the stairs they went. Behind the closed door of Slash and Carrera’s bedroom, Slash removed the dress from the hanger. “This’ll look great on you.”
“I’m not trying that on,” Simone said.
“Why not?” Slash replied. “Luciano needs our help.”
Simone removed her shirt and pants, then slipped into the gown. After Slash zipped her, she stood in front of their full-length mirror. As she eyed the dress, Simone ran her fingers down the silky material. This one had a high collar and a halter back.
This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever worn.
“Wow,” Slash said. “It’s a perfect fit. Great color on you.” She stood beside Simone and stared at herself. “I’m not a dusty-pink person, but it’s a pretty color for someone else.”
“The color works with your light eyes and blonde hair,” Simone said eyeing her friend in the mirror. After a beat, she said, “Carrera thinks I should return to ALPHA.”
Slash beamed at her. “Yes!”
“He mentioned a training town?—”
“Yeah, at Tucker’s shooting range. I’ll schedule something.” She opened the bedroom door. “Time to model a Santini Original.”
Together, they returned to the kitchen.
The second Luciano saw her, everything went into slo-mo. The intensity in his bedroom eyes pierced her soul. As he made his way over to her, she felt like the luckiest woman on the planet. She was wearing a Santini Original and the man himself was coming over to examine the goods.
