Seduction (Bayfront Billionaires)

“No,” Greta told her. “They’re adamant about it. Lily, the only two people allowed in their wing while they’re working are you and me. Doesn’t that tell you all you need to know? They’re not ready for a big reveal. Or even a small one.”

“But the music I hear every night is so beautiful, it nearly makes me cry.”

“It’s not for you to judge. Understand?”

“Right. Creative geniuses will decide when they’ve reached their pinnacle. But they should at least be aware they’ve left spellbound fans in their wake.”

Greta grinned. “You can tell them that.”

“But it won’t sway them to play publicly before they’re ready to hit the studio?”

“Not that I’m aware of. Now I have other business. Call me if you need anything during the party. I’ll mostly be here in the kitchen or my office, but I’ll also keep an eye on things on the patio and event lawn as much as I can.”

“I promise I can handle this. Please don’t worry.”

Lily returned to the second floor to unpack her belongings in her new suite. An opulent and spacious one at that. Not servants’ quarters by any stretch of the imagination. This was a lavishly appointed guest room. And Lily loved every square foot of it, including the oversized tub she could practically dive into. She’d make excellent use of it every chance she got.

When she was all settled in, she approached the California king bed and the garment bag lying on top of it, along with a smaller box and a tote with PRADA stamped across it. First, she unzipped the garment bag, peeled back the flaps, and gasped at the spectacular black satin strapless dress inside. She carefully released the clasps on the hanger, walked over to the corner with the full-length mirror, and held the dress against her body.

It had a deep split in the bodice at her breasts and a short hem. Very sleek and sophisticated, if not a bit risqué. A mischievous ripple ran through her. She wouldn’t be opposed to leaving two jaws on the floor this evening—Jax’s and Lex’s.

Next, she peered inside the tote and found heels to match at a reasonable three inches.

Then her gaze landed on the Cartier box.

Oh, boy.

Lily didn’t wear much jewelry as a rule. Just a pair of princess-cut earrings. Cubic zirconia all the way. There’d never been much point to bracelets, because they could get caught on something when she was waiting tables. Plus, given the number of times she washed her hands during her work shifts, it would be inconvenient to remove rings.

Even when she hung out with friends, she kept to the minimalistic style.

She knew, though, that whatever was inside this black velvet box with the elegant gold script would be dazzling.

She steeled herself for it. Opened the lid.

“Oh, Jesus!” she blurted. Then outright gaped as her heart pounded.

The necklace was all diamonds. Round stones that would circle her neck and rest at her collarbone and the indentation at the base of her throat. There was also a matching bracelet.

Lily continued to gawk, completely taken aback, despite having expected something extravagant to go with the dress. And because Jax and Lex seemed to enjoy the absolute best of the best. No matter the cost.

Lily had no delusions this set came with a hefty price tag regardless of it being just a loaner. There had to be a huge insurance policy on the gems, even with security to ensure they didn’t disappear.

Her fingertips lightly skated over the diamonds. They sparkled brilliantly. Had to be worth a mint.

And she was going to be wearing them?

A thrill shot down her spine.

Cinderella to the extreme.

She forced herself to shut the lid or she’d never stop gazing, positively stunned, at the most astounding jewelry she’d ever seen in real life.

Do not get caught up in the fairy tale.

Her job was to impress the evening’s VIPs. That was what the decadence was all about.

Though another thought percolated in the back of her brain. Lex and Jax knew she’d grown up with high society in River Cross and she would now be serving them, as her father always had. Were the two men concerned about the persona she projected this evening only for their benefit—or was it also for hers? So that Lily could be somewhat on par with her billionaire friends, at least for one evening?