The Chatsfield Collection Books 1-8. Annie West

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СКАЧАТЬ lover in the press. Those pics of us kissing with that obvious (to me anyway) post-coital glow still make me blush.

       Was there an even more scandalous event that didn’t make it into the press?

      Oh, yes … let’s just say that the first night we kissed had a lot of other firsts too and leave it at that.

       What is your biggest secret?

      I’m not princess material. At all. But I love Sayed and I’ll do my best by the people of Zeena Sahra.

       What do you love most about Sayed?

      His heart. It’s hidden behind his nobility and strength, but he has such an amazing capacity to care for his family, for his people … for me. I never thought I would know this kind of love and I hope I never take it for granted.

       What were your first thoughts when you saw Sayed?

      Thoughts? My brain stopped working completely.

       If your house was on fire and you could only save one thing, what would it be?

      My mother’s locket.

       What is the naughtiest thing you did at school?

      I wasn’t naughty at school. I would have been mortified to disappoint my mother in any way. Until I met Sayed, Aaliyah Amari could have been synonymous with the word ‘repressed’.

       What is your guiltiest pleasure?

      Watching Sayed sleep, but shhh … please don’t tell him.

       What is your worst habit?

      Sayed says it’s thinking too little of myself. For that matter, so does his dear mother. Maybe it is.

       What is your favourite film?

      Until I met Sayed, my favourite film was the documentary Grey Gardens (1975)—the story of Big and Little Edie Beales, the agoraphobic eccentric relatives of Jacqueline Bouvier (Kennedy). However, Queen Durrah introduced me to romantic comedies and I’ve fallen in love with the genre. I’ve watched Valentine’s Day three times already.

       What present would you put beneath the Christmas tree for Sayed?

      I’m not sure what gift I’ll give Sayed this year, but it will have an ornament hanging from the bow: a pregnant woman with Baby’s First Christmas. Yes, we are expecting and I’m not at all sure I’ll be able to wait to tell him!

       How will you spend your first anniversary as a couple?

      Knowing the romantic streak that runs in the men of Sayed’s family, I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t do something like fly us to Venice for dinner and the opera. He’s discovered my secret passion for it and my Emir seems quite dedicated to seeing all my passions met.

       A ROYAL WARDROBE

      by Princess Aaliyah’s designer

      From royal affairs to the simple cross-country excursion, princess duties require a certain level of versatility. It’s all about proper balance. A princess strives to be stylish and practical and, thanks to the lovely Kate Middleton, our modern-day rulers are expected to convey both. This makes the royal designer’s job infinitely more … delicate. Although Princess Aaliyah’s striking dark hair and emerald green eyes do provide the perfect canvas for designs, making the job entirely worthwhile.

      For Her Royal Highness’s attendance at her father the hotelier Gene Chatsfield’s wedding, I created looks that include all of the elements that I consider vital to jet-set design: sophistication, class, comfort and pockets (because, yes, even Her Royal Highness must carry her own mobile phone and lippy).

      FOR THE PLANE: Nothing commands attention like a statement jacket, save the royal wedding ring, and Princess Aaliyah had both. The princess modelled a tailored white trench with black contrast piping. Its structure complemented Princess Aaliyah’s sophisticated demeanour, while protecting the princess (and her vintage Chanel skirt) from the elements. It was, dare I say, princess perfection.

      FOR THE CEREMONY: Princess Aaliyah specifically requested a formal gown that wasn’t ‘too severe,’ so I concocted this: a floor-length, Dior-inspired, two-piece ensemble, disguised as a gown (brilliant for those discreet trips to the loo). The lace trim injects a smidgin of sex appeal, while the peplum seamlessly blends the two pieces into one gorgeous silhouette. Finally, a slit up the back allows Her Royal Highness to move without a less-than-graceful spill on to the aisle way, because, let’s face it, wearing her sky-high Louboutins (royalty of the shoe variety) is enough cause for anxiety.

      Dipped in a stunning emerald green to complement her eyes, this elegant design landed Princess Aaliyah a spot on the ‘Best Dressed’ list and I got to celebrate this little victory with vintage chardonnay—yet another perk of associating with the royals.

Playboy’s Lesson

       ‘I do not wish to have anything further to do with you,’ she said in clearly enunciated tones. ‘Please leave.’

      ‘Listen, sweetheart,’ Lucca said, with a cavalier disregard for protocol. ‘Way I see it, we’re stuck with each other, at least for the sake of appearances. Your big sister seems pretty keen on us working together and I get the feeling that what she says around here goes. Quite frankly, I’d rather be working on my tan on one of your beaches, preferably with a couple of blonde beach bunnies peeling grapes for me. So kick me out if you dare. I’m cool with it, but you can say goodbye to using The Chatsfield.’

      She turned and gave him a look one would do when a cockroach appears on the table in the middle of a formal dining setting. ‘You are the most disreputable man I have ever met.’

      ‘Looks like you need to get out more.’ He gave her his fallen angel’s smile. ‘I can assure you there’s plenty more out there like me.’

      Her eyes slitted like a cat facing a feral dog, her hands balling into fists at her sides. ‘Get out before I have you thrown out by my security team.’

      He gave an indolent shrug as he ambled over to the door. ‘I’ll be staying in the penthouse at The Chatsfield if you want me.’ He turned and blew her a kiss across his open palm. ‘Ciao.’

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