Page 79 of Pretty Plaything

For a few moments, I don’t know what to do. I lift my hand to my open mouth, and then a squeal comes out of my throat. I’ve never seen one of my designs like this before.

They’ve never become real.

But how?

Alessandro must’ve taken my sketch and had the dress made for me. But why? Why would he bother?

I want to ask him, but he’s outside, busy talking to his guards.

My hands shake a little as I pick up the dress, touching the soft material.

It’s perfect.

Not just because it’s exactly how I imagined it.

Or because it’s the first time that it feels like I’m wearing something I really want to wear.

But because Alessandro’s gesture has touched my heart, and I’m full of warmth and butterflies.

When I put on the dress, it fits me perfectly.

The door opens, and I turn my head.

Alessandro stares at me, his mouth hanging open, his gaze traveling my body.

“Can you help me zip it up?” I ask.

“Yeah.” His fingers brush my skin as he pulls up the zipper. “You’re the most beautiful woman in this whole damn world,” he whispers. “And it’s not because of the dress.”

“How did you—Why did you—” I turn to him, unsure what I even want to ask.

“I like your designs.” He grins, and then he pulls out a black box from the inner pocket of his suit jacket. “I have something for you.”

He opens the box, revealing a beautiful white gold necklace with a green pendant. An emerald, maybe? It looks expensive anyway.

But it’s not just a necklace. There’s a pair of matching earrings and a bracelet too.

“Turn around,” he says.

I face the mirror and watch him as he places the necklace around my neck. His gaze meets mine in the mirror, and he brushes his lips against my bare shoulder.

“It’s perfect,” I say.

“No, you are.” His gaze holds mine.

I feel like a queen.

Powerful.

Beautiful.

Special.

Alessandro smiles at me, as if he can tell exactly what I’m thinking.