Page 137 of Night's Fall
“No,”MadamGarwahsaid beforeIcould.Thenext. “No.”Thenext. “Lilith, no.Whopicked these?They’redire.”
I was stunnedIhad an ally inMadamGarwahand was kind of enjoying how redGermaine’sface was getting.
“No,”Madamsaid again. “No,” to the next. “Balls, no.Whaton earth?”
Germaine cycled, and out came a deep rose, skim-body-fitting, to-the-knee, lightweight wool dress with long sleeves and a simple crew neck.Itwas plain, but classic, and clearly exceptional quality.
“That one!” bothMadamGarwahandIexclaimed at the same time.
My mind accessorized it.
Diamond stud earrings.Myoversize, pale pink, organza gardeniaCelestinabroach.Mychocolate-brown pumps.
Simple, but with a hint of flair from the broach and a hint of sexy from the pumps.
Perfect.
“This one?”Germaineasked me.
I nodded.
She pulled it off its holder and tossed it over the back of a stool, then sent the rack back down the hall on its own.
Another rack came trundling in.
“Smile,”MadamGarwahbarked at me.
“Sorry?”Iasked her.
“Smile,” she repeated.
I smiled.
“Too much, smile less,” she ordered.
“We need to go through shoes and accessories,”Germainesaid.
Through less of a smile,ItoldGermaine, “I’vegot that covered.”
“I want approval,” she returned.
I stopped smiling and looked right into her eyes. “Alekseiis my mate.Iwould do nothing to embarrass him.ButIam me, and today, the people are going to get their first real look at me, and it’s going to bereal.Classic.Traditional.Stylish.Royal.Butreal.We’regoing to have to learn to trust each other, and for you, that starts now.”
Germaine gave me a look that was clearly taking my measure.
“Smile!”MadamGarwahdemanded.
I smiled, a whole lot less this time.
“More,” she instructed. “Less…no, a bit more…a bit more.Perfect!”
I tried to memorize the curve of my lips and knewIprobably failed.
“Now, wave,”MadamGarwahordered.
I waved.
“Close your fingers,” she said. “Lessmovement.Allin the wrist.Thereyou go.That’sit.”
