Curves Envy 3 - Claimed By An Alpha: BBW Billionaire Romance by Scarlett Avery Read Free Book Online

myself like a princess before a ball and I haven’t skimped out. I’ve spent the last two hours primping myself for the VIP party Max is hosting tonight.
    Usually, I walk into a party expecting everybody will look better than me—and everybody will be wafer thin. But after spending the afternoon at the mansion ogling curvy body after curvy body, I know tonight I won’t feel out of place.
    I have to stop biting my lower lip or else I’ll end up ruining my lipstick. I’ve been fidgeting nervously, hoping I look good enough to hold Max’s attention despite the parade of beauties. I’m not a fool, I know I’m in for some steep competition tonight—the other women will be gorgeous plus-size models and I’m well, me. Of course, my agitation is only amplified by the fact I’ve finally admitted to myself I want a lot more with Max. If I confess to him how I feel, I might drive him away since he hasn’t made any promises of forever.
    Given Max’s penchant for curvier women, I can’t ignore the fact his eyes will travel tonight unless I look arresting. I was so worried about messing things up, I patched Devin in on a Skype video call so he could walk me through all the secret steps top stylists rarely reveal to the public. After our two-hour conversation, during which I was getting ready under Devin’s watchful eye, I became a believer because right before my eyes I had transformed from an ordinary and forgettable woman into the kind of head-turner I’ve always wanted to be.
    After fanning myself and reciting a few silent prayers, I muster up enough courage to grab my evening clutch and head to the party.
    Although Max and our team are staying at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Miami, the swanky affair will take place at Smith & Wollensky. I was quite surprised when Deidra told me Max refused to use the meeting rooms of the acclaimed hotel chain in favor of one of Miami’s most sought-after eateries in order to keep some sense of privacy. He wants to have the privilege of leaving the party behind when he’s had enough. What Max wants, Max gets.
    As I sit at the back of the chauffeured car, I pull out my phone and Google the party location. I’m quite impressed by the reviews. Quoted as one of the best places to watch the sunset in Miami, Smith & Wollensky is the ideal destination to watch cruise ships sail by as they leave Port Miami while sipping on cocktails or enjoying one of their award-winning wines. TripAdvisor claims nothing beats the experience of strolling through the nearby parks admiring the sky being washed with shades of tangerine, lavender and pink.
    I hope Max will be able to get away. I’d love nothing more than to watch the sunset hanging from his arm.
    I barely have time to complete my search before the car slows down in front of the high-end steakhouse. It looks more like a prestigious estate than a restaurant and I’m already excited by the idea of rubbing elbows with some of the top names in the fashion world. I don’t even have time to set one heel outside of the vehicle before an eager man rushes to help me out. I open my mouth to thank him, but a familiar voice interrupts me.
    “Candice, what an interesting choice for an evening dress for such an important party.”
    The minute I recognize her strong accent, my stomach churns. Did she really have to be the first person to greet me?
    Until Bruna made her disparaging remark, I thought my dress looked amazing. But the way she’s staring down at me, from what seems to be twelve-inch heels, with both fists on her hips and a look of disdain, I start doubting myself. Oh, God. Devin would never steer me wrong. This is his profession and he knows how to play up a woman’s best features, but this bitch has me worried now .
    “Bruna, I see we’ve arrived at the same time. What a coincidence,” I say, trying to deflate her attack. I’m not sure a slender actress like Gwyneth Paltrow would be caught dead wearing such an in-your-face design, but