Page 136 of American Royalty

Chapter Twenty-Three

“The swerves of my curves / The dip in my hip / This is me, naturally / Call me thicc with 2 c’s...”

—Duchess, “Fever”

Acrowd of people milled around the Approach Gallery, the space that led into the ballroom. The ceiling was vaulted in the shape of a barrel, the night sky slightly visible through the engraved glass. Floral tapestries adorned the wall above chaises and large porcelain vases. Up ahead a queue of people waited to descend into the ballroom.

“Are you ready?” Nyla asked, channeling Cinderella’s older, sexier cousin in a stunning strapless, pale blue sheath.

Showtime.

Dani pasted on a smile. “Don’t you know? Duchess stays ready.”

Nyla gave her a knowing look and took her hand. “And Duchess looks amazing.”

Dani was actually confident on that score. She loved the gown made for her by Aurora Kerby, an up-and-coming black designer who was doing impressive work but hadn’t broken out yet. Nyla had worn the designer to the Golden Globes last year and had ravedabout the experience. During her time in New York, Dani had met with Aurora and had liked what she saw. And when she’d been notified about the calendar of events for the celebration and informed she’d need a ballgown, the choice had been a no-brainer.

The dress was a dramatic A-line gown crafted of black tulle; the sleeveless bodice had a deep-V halter neckline that bared the smooth, tantalizing stretch of skin from the base of her neck to her waist. Sequins had been sown strategically throughout the fabric of the full, floor-sweeping skirt to give the impression of a starry night against a vast, dark sky. Miss K had replicated that sparkle in her hair by using diamond clips to arrange a partial updo of curls that brushed her face and flowed down her back. Large ruby drop earrings and a ruby and diamond cuff on her upper left arm completed the sensual but romantic look.

“The prince will love you in this.”

“I didn’t wear it for him,” Dani said, with a nonchalance that didn’t fool either of them.

“But that doesn’t mean you don’t care what he thinks.”

Dani sighed. Facts.

When she’d seen him backstage at Wembley, looking more polished than usual in charcoal khakis, a light blue button-down shirt, and a navy blazer, her knees had buckled. But it had been the unguarded hunger infusing his expression as his gaze skimmed over her in the mirror that had been her undoing. She’d actually considered suggesting they continue seeing each other beyond her time in the UK. But then the universe interceded, snapping her back into reality.

God looked out for children and fools.

Since she’d waved good-bye to twenty-five a couple of years ago, she knew where she landed in that metric. Thinking she and Jay could be together was the epitome of foolish. But seeing him, beingwith him, put those thoughts in her head. Had her thinking the impossible could be made possible.

“I must’ve done something momentous in a past life to be lucky enough to escort the most beautiful ladies here tonight,” Liam said.

“Thank you.” Dani smiled and eyed his classic tuxedo. “You look handsome.”

“And yet no one will be looking at me.” He turned to her friend. “Nyla! Good to see you!”

Nyla accepted his kiss on her cheek. “You, too, Liam.”

Dani slid Nyla serious side-eye. She hadn’t mentioned they knew each other. “You’ve met?”

“Like everyone in entertainment, we’ve seen each other around,” Liam said.

“I always thoughtourworld was tiny and exclusive,” Nyla said.

“Nothing like this.” Liam held out an arm for each of them. “Shall we?”

Dani scanned the crowd. It might be stupid, but she was hoping she’d see Jay. Maybe find a way to walk in with him. But he was nowhere to be found.

You’re going all in on the insane, aren’t you? After all of your talk about keeping your relationship a secret, he’d be an idiot to actually escort you into the closing event of the celebration.

Dani threw her shoulders back and curled her hand around Liam’s bicep. “Let’s do this.”

The trio joined the line of others waiting to enter the ball. When they arrived at the top of the stairs, Dani gasped at the sight.

The first thing she noticed was the height of the ceiling. Soaring, even from her perspective, it gave the room an imposing feel. Carved open rosettes adorned the plaster, from which large gold and crystal chandeliers hung.