Page 120 of Pretend To Be Mine

“But we designed them together.”

“I made two suggestions. Maybe three. The vision, the silhouettes, the emotional core—that was all you, Elizabeth.” He took my hand. “You deserve full credit for your work.”

“But it wouldn’t exist without you pushing me.”

“I encouraged you to step out of your comfort zone. That’s not the same as designing it for you.” He squeezed my hand. “Tomorrow night, when these dresses go down that runway, they’re Elizabeth Laramie originals. And the world is going to see exactly how talented you are.”

Tears pricked my eyes. “Thank you. For believing in me. For seeing something in me I didn’t see in myself.”

“I only showed you what was already there.” He pulled me close. I let myself lean into him and just pretended this was real. That in a week or a month, we would still be like this.

Whatever came next, at least I would have Milan. And Paris.

39

ADRIAN

The Teatro alla Scala’s smaller sister venue, Teatro degli Arcimboldi, had been transformed into something between a boudoir and a palace. Red velvet draped every surface. Gold accents caught the theatrical lighting, and everywhere I looked there were touches that screamed seduction.

Dash’s theme. Of course.

“This is impressive.” Elizabeth stood in the entrance, taking it all in. “Wow.”

“Subtle, isn’t it?” I said dryly. “Very Dash. When the theme is seduction, why not just make everything look like a high-end brothel?”

“How do you know what a high-end brothel looks like?” she asked with a grin.

“Very funny,” I said, shaking my head.

“It’s not that bad.” Elizabeth was grinning. “Okay, it’s a little bit bad. But in a good way? It’s bold. I was under the impression seduction and decadence were the same thing. I was oh so very wrong. This is a very different vibe. I feel like I can smell musky, powerful perfume just by looking at this place. It’s temptation. Isn’t that one of the seven deadly sins?”

I laughed, pulling her closer as we moved deeper into the venue. “Lust, technically. But yes, that’s exactly what Dash was going for. He wanted people to feel like they were being seduced just by walking into the space.”

“Mission accomplished.” She tilted her head, studying the ceiling where more fabric created an almost tent-like effect. “It’s over the top, but it works. There’s something about it that makes you want to lean in, get closer, see what secrets are hiding in the shadows.”

“That’s the point. Dash is all about the experience—not just the clothes, but the entire atmosphere.” I spotted my youngest brother across the room, deep in conversation with what looked like the lighting director. “Come on, let’s see if he’s nervous yet.”

“Does Dash get nervous?”

“Never. Which is either impressive or deeply concerning, depending on your perspective.”

We made our way through the organized chaos of pre-show setup. Models were getting fitted, makeup artists were setting up stations, and the energy was electric in a way that was distinctly different from my show or my other brothers’ events.

This felt dangerous. Exciting. Like anything could happen.

Dash spotted us and broke into a grin, leaving his conversation to stride over. “There’s the happy couple. Elizabeth, you look stunning. Adrian, you look like you’re about to have a heart attack. Relax, brother. Everything’s under control.”

“That’s what worries me,” I said. “Your version of ‘under control’ usually involves some level of chaos.”

“Controlled chaos is the best kind of chaos.” He winked at Elizabeth. “Are you ready to see your dresses make their debut?”

“I don’t know,” she groaned. “I’m beyond nervous.”

We’d arrived early because I wanted Elizabeth to see the venue before the craziness started. I wanted her to understand where her dresses would be showcased. This was her debut. I debated holding off to avoid her dresses being features in the seduction show because I just knew her mother would have a fit. But fuck it. The dresses were good, and I wanted them to be seen. I was probably more nervous than she was.

“Come on,” I said, taking her hand. “I want to show you something.”

I led her backstage with Dash following behind us.