Page 45 of Mexico Can Choke On It
We run out of time before I can try on the swimwear, lingerie, and pajamas, but Sebastian insists: “I have cracked the code of your essence! The collection I have picked will be transcendent!”
I’m in front of the mirror wearing a cream-colored sleeveless vest with matching wide-legged pants and leather sandals. I hardly recognize myself.
I look… elevated.
Bryce is across the room, hovering by the jewelry tray and treating it like a charcuterie board. He casually points at a piece.
Then our eyes meet in the mirror, and something electric passes between us—a current so strong, I’m surprised the lights don’t flicker. He walks over, holding a simple Tiffany solitaire diamond pendant.
“This goes perfectly with that outfit,” he says, “May I put it on?”
My fingers fumble as I gather my hair, lifting it away from my neck. Bryce steps behind me, his knuckles grazing my skin and lingering longer than necessary as he fastens the clasp. My entire body is one giant goosebump.
“There,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear. “See?”
I let my hair fall back down and stare at our reflection—a snapshot of possibility. Of what could be, if we both lived in this world. If I were someone who belonged in clothes like these. If he were someone who would choose a girl like me.
Sebastian claps his hands. “Our guests depart for Casa Cashmere in seven short minutes!”
I spin around, breaking Bryce’s gaze. “Wait! Where are the items I asked for?”
Sebastian’s face contorts like he’s sucking on a lemon dipped in pickle juice. “They are inthere.” He points to a black shoppingbag tucked discreetly behind a chair. “But they are HIDEOUS! So TERRIBLE! I cannot believe that Versace even makes something so GROTESQUE! Donottell anyone that I styled those… outfits. I will deny it until my dying breath!”
Sebastian does a slow, theatrical scan as though he’s admiring his own reflection.“There she IS. My masterpiece! You walked in a snarling little street creature. Nowlookat you. The tattooed butterfly has emerged from her clearance-rack cocoon. You are Casa Cashmere ready!”
“I’ll never forget you, Sebastian,” I deadpan. “But God knows I’ll try.”
We’re walking to the front doors when Bryce nods toward the black bag dangling in my hand. “What did you get from Sebastian?”
I can’t help the wicked grin that spreads across my face. “It’s for our agreement. If I have to, so do you.”
We step out onto Rodeo Drive, and something strange happens—or rather, doesn’t happen. No one gives me side-eye. No security guards monitor my movements. No salespeople size me up.
In my cream linen ensemble with a diamond sparkling at my neck and Bryce Sterling’s arm hooked with mine, I’ve somehow become… immune to judgment.
Don’t get used to this. It’s temporary.
A costume change. A week-long masquerade.
The second this trip ends, I go back to my life, dealing with my usual crap. Back to the real world, where Bryce doesn’t lavish me with attention and gifts.
Don’t let yourself be fooled by the fantasy, Petra. You don’t belong to him.
CHAPTER SIX
BRYCE
Red?Isaidred?
Why—why—would I make comments on her undergarments? Not just comments. Preferences. I requested red. What the hell is wrong with me?
That is not something a man says to his best friend’s little sister. It’s wildly inappropriate. But dear God, all I’m thinking about is her bold red lips in matching red lace.
My collar suddenly feels three sizes too tight.
Petra is sitting as if the leather seat might bite—arms folded, ankles crossed, back hovering like the chair’s rigged to explode. She’s so tense, as if one wrong move will wrinkle her new cream outfit.Is she… nervous?
Christ, you idiot. You brought the damn limo. Of course she is.
