Curvy Ever After: Forbidden Curvy Girl Fairy Tales by Twyla Turner Read Free Book Online Page B

mask.
    “Alright…one last thing.” Cisco started. “Now, this is very important. A friend of mine that works closely with a jewelry designer, let me borrow these for the night.” He pulled out a black velvet box and she gasped when he opened it.
    Nestled inside was a platinum necklace with a bejeweled peacock pendant. The jewels were blue topaz, aquamarine, turquoise and diamond. On either side of the necklace was a pair of platinum set, blue topaz and peridot, peacock feather design dangle earrings.
    “My friend is going to stay at the design studio until twelve thirty tonight. So we have to be out of the ball by midnight, at the latest. Do you understand me? He’ll have my balls in a vice, if I don’t have them back.” Cisco paused and then smiled. “Well, that actually wouldn’t be a bad thing. He’s hot! But still, I would hate for him to lose his job because of me. So don’t forget.” Cisco finished with a stern look.
    Why does this scenario sound so strangely familiar? Nah… Ashland thought to herself.
    “I won’t. More than likely I’ll be stuck to your side like glue the entire night.” Ashland reasoned.
    “True. But just in case, let’s set the alarm on your phone to go off at ten ‘til midnight.” He grabbed her phone and pulled up the alarm to set it. “Okay, I need to go and get ready. We probably won’t make it to the dinner portion of the evening, but we should at least make the auction and dance.”
    “That’s fine. I don’t think I’d be able to eat anyway. I’m too nervous to eat anything and there’s really no more room left in this dress and bustier for a full stomach,” Ashland said taking a deep breath and patting the tight bodice.
    “How about booze? You got room for that?” Cisco smirked.
    “Always!” Ashland exclaimed, blowing out a stressed breath and heading into the kitchen.
    “Make me a to-go drink!” Cisco shouted out as he made his way to the bathroom.
    “Coming up!”
     
     
    ~~~
     
     
    The masquerade ball was being held at The Plaza Hotel. Ashland had been there a few times before with her father when she was younger, but the opulence never failed to amaze her. She grasped onto Cisco’s arm for dear life as they made their way towards the Terrace Room. Her mouth dropped open as they walked through the French doors into the resplendent room. The design was borrowed from the essence of the Renaissance era. Grand archways, rich paintings, sculpted artwork carved into the ceiling, sparkling chandeliers and recessed lighting gave the entire room a golden glow. It all seemed incredibly romantic to Ashland. If only my life could mirror all this , she thought.
     
     
    ~~~
     
     
    Little did Ashland know that her wish was soon to become true. Charlie Knight spotted her the moment she and Cisco walked through the door. As they stood on the terrace that wrapped around the room from above, the thought that came to mind was that she sparkled like a flawless diamond. Something about her radiated beauty, and looking around he could see he wasn’t the only one who thought so. Many heads had turned in her direction. Even though she wore a stunning mask like everyone else at the ball. He knew that she was the dark-skinned beauty that had collided with him earlier in the evening. And he had every intention of pressing his suit before her other admirers could sink their teeth into her.
    He knew the man she was with wasn’t her significant other. If his bright pink tux and dramatic makeup was any indication. So with his mind made up, Charlie strode over to the stairs where they stood at the top of the landing. He watched her glance down at him and his famous smile spread naturally across his face. He noticed her ripe, delectable lips part as if she had inhaled sharply.
    Charlie’s long legs ate up the stairs as he made his way towards them. He stopped one step below her and still he was slightly taller than her short stature. He reached for her right hand, which