Page 15 of RAKEish

“You’ll have to take that up with the boss,” he said, before strolling out of the room.

How in the hell had his life gotten even more complicated? Wasn’t it bad enough to have to flee his country just to maintain the right to refuse an arranged marriage?

CHAPTER 6

Lux breathed easier once Scott left the room. The man took up entirely too much space. Sure, she’d seen images of the infamous rake, had even seen him outside a club that one time, but up close and within cologne-sniffing distance, he was much more…everything. Way too handsome for his own good, and dear God, don’t even get her started on—

“You, of course, are the lovely muse Frankie promised me I could transform if I agreed to drop everything and come at once.” A person in RuPaul-worthy drag stepped forward and flopped their hand in front of Lux’s face.

“Umm.” Was the kissing of knuckles expected? Or had the trend gone from high-fives to limp-wrist-knuckles?

“I’m Ziggy—he, him.” He stepped forward, grasped her cheeks, and tilted her head up, left, and right. Then he let go and took a dramatic step back. “A blank canvas waiting for a masterpiece. I declare you perfect for my talents.”

“And what exactly are those?” she asked.

He framed his face with jazz hands. “Makeup.”

She’d been afraid he would say that. “You can do subtle…right?”

“Subtle is for the timid.” Ziggy tittered coquettishly.

“But—”

Frankie cleared her throat. “No subtle. Ziggy, Isabella, meet Dr. Luxury Stone.”

“I’m so pleased to meet you,” Isabella responded. “You’ve got the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen on a woman. Like emeralds. Your name, Luxury Stone, is pure perfection.”

“Thank you.” Lux had always hated her name. Probably because Mother had given it to her as a not-so-subtle reminder to Father he’d promised her luxurious stones in return for Mother ruining her body and birthing him a child. A child, as it turned out, he’d ditched along with his wife several years later.

“Do not befriend this woman,” Frankie snapped. “She is the one who has made a mockery of Scott’s column.”

Isabella laughed. “Do you truly believe he will—”

Frankie held up her hand. “Enough of the chitchat. Dr. Stone and I have entered into an agreement that will save her from a lawsuit, one in which has Scott teaching her how to seduce a man with nothing more than body language and a turn of phrase. And after today’s extreme makeover, the two of you will continue to do her makeup and clothes for the remainder of their arrangement. At no time will she be allowed to be photographed with Scott looking like she does now. If she is, I will fire you, as well as the entire Glam team.”

Isabella winked at Lux. “Her bark is much worse than her bite.”

“You, come with me,” Ziggy said to Lux, before turning and flouncing out of the room in his hot pink Louboutin stilettos.

“You’ll have to excuse Ziggy,” Isabella said. She wore jeans and a white T-shirt, her hair pulled up in a messy bun. “He’s known for his dramatic exits. I’m looking forward to designing your dating wardrobe.”

“But of course you are. It’s your one true talent,” Frankie said dismissively. “Now, both of you, begone.”

Lux trailed Isabella through Naked Runway’s bustling corridors until they slowed to a stop outside a room that dazzled with a blend of glamour and practicality. Several people, already busily working inside, glanced her way and tossed her curious smiles.

“Hi,” she said, feeling quite shy. Out of all the faces staring her way, not a one of them was ordinary.

“Everyone, this is Luxury Stone. We’re to make her over. Frankie’s orders.” Isabella said. “Please make her feel welcome.”

A chorus of hellos echoed through the room.

“Lux, you can change behind that screen.” Isabella pointed toward a black and white divider. “This is for you to wear while you’re being transformed.” She handed her a lovely white robe. “Take everything off.”

“Everything?” Lux questioned.

Isabella nodded. “Frankie has ordered us to make over your entire wardrobe. All the way down to your bra and panties. I have a runner ready to go and purchase you new undergarments.”

“That seems a bit extreme,” Lux said.

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