High Stakes Seduction - Book 1 by Ami LeCoeur Read Free Book Online Page A

smiled, as some of the tension in my chest melt away. Her happiness was infectious. "It was… interesting," I said, hobbling across the living room and slumping into the couch. "But I’m glad to get out of these shoes!" 
    Maria laughed. "You’re going to have to give me way more than that, sis!"
    "Oh all right," I grinned. "Well, Thompson picked up Antonio at his place—which was amazing, by the way. It’s one of those gorgeous white mansions with the marble steps leading up to dark wood doors. You know the kind Mom and Dad used to drive by when we were kids?"
    "Yes, our dream home," she giggled excitedly. "What was it like on the inside?"
    "Antonio was waiting for us, so I didn’t get to go in for a peek."
    "Oh," Maria pouted slightly. "Maybe next time then," she added with a wink. "What did Antonio think of his hot date?"
    I laughed, reaching up to pull the pins out of my hair. "He kept telling me how great I looked. I really have to thank you for helping me with all of this." I shook my head, letting my hair tumble over my shoulders. The soft cinnamon waves brushed over my skin, reminding me of Antonio’s touch. I glanced at Maria, who was watching me expectantly. I blushed.
    "Aha!" she exclaimed triumphantly. "You definitely can’t give me a look like that and not spill the beans!"
    "Fine," I said, pushing myself up off of the couch, heading toward my bedroom. "You want the story, then you have to help me get out of this dress."
    She followed me eagerly, unzipping the back of my dress and helping me put the delicate diamond jewelry back into their boxes, to be returned in the morning.
    "The gallery was amazing, Maria," I said, trying to focus on the story I wanted to paint for her. She was so happy. I didn’t want to bring her down with the truth of what was really going on—especially since I wasn’t exactly sure what was going on. "The food was delicious and the designs were off the hook. I don’t know who could ever wear any of the clothes the mannequins had on, but they definitely were the height of artistic expression. I wish I'd had my camera with me." I sighed. "I’ve certainly got a lot to learn about the fashion industry."
    "And what about the handsome Mr. Mancini?"
    I glanced at her and smiled coyly. "He was a very gracious date. He introduced me to all sorts of fascinating people that I’d never have even dreamed of meeting in a million years. Everything was so glamorous," I said, letting the dress slip off my body. My breath caught as the cool, sensuous fabric flowed over my skin. I shuddered briefly, imagining Antonio’s hands trailing the fabric down my body, and then mentally shook myself, annoyed that he was having this effect on me.
    "Maria," I said, turning away from her so she couldn’t see the heat rising in my cheeks, "can we chat tomorrow? I know you really want to hear this, but I’m exhausted. I'll tell you everything over pancakes tomorrow morning, first thing okay?"
    Maria tilted her head and gave me a playful pout. "Oh all right, princess. You get your beauty sleep."
    I bent down and gave her a kiss on the forehead before she turned to wheel out of my bedroom. I followed her to her room and helped her into bed, promising again that I’d tell her everything in the morning.
    When I got back to my room, I picked up the dress again, holding it against my body as I gazed at my reflection in the mirror.
    "You really do look beautiful tonight, Angela," Antonio’s voice whispered huskily in my mind.
    The soft, silky fabric of the dress brushed against my skin as I set it aside, looking at myself in the mirror. I was wearing only a black lace strapless bra and matching panties, and I suddenly found myself imagining Antonio standing behind me, his hands sliding around my waist.
    I was surprised at the affect Antonio Mancini already seemed to have on me. It wasn't just because I hadn't dated for over nine months before I'd left college over a year ago. And it wasn't just because he was