Dark Stranger Immortal (The Children of the Gods #3)(31)

“What are they saying?” Syssi asked the young woman massaging lotion into her hands.

“Oh, they say she lie, she a man-eater. Like the tiger say he no like meat.

They say, one man no enough food, she need many.” The girl smirked.

“Wow, Amanda, they got you pegged. I wonder what tipped them off?”

Syssi slanted a look at her friend.

“I’m telling you, they are witches… They’re probably hiding a smoldering cauldron somewhere in the back, and every time they disappear over there, they toss our nail clippings into the pot and chant spells to spy on our lives and discover all of our secrets…”

“Maybe a husband for you in pot, I go see, maybe tell you if he handsome, maybe no.” The old crone cackled.

“You see why I love them? They have a sense of humor and are not afraid to use it.” Amanda blew a kiss at the old woman who was smiling smugly at her toes.

“Next, Rodeo Drive,” Amanda said as they exited the hair salon, which in contrast to the nail place had been just as fancy and snobby as Syssi had been worried it would be. But she had to admit, her hair had never looked better.

Without shortening it, or changing its natural wave, the hair designer with delusions of grandeur had made it look sophisticatedly tamed.

The makeup job, however, had been what really had blown her away.

Armando, the self-proclaimed makeup artist to the stars, was a magician.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she’d followed his magic taking shape on her face with a wide-eyed stare. He’d made her look stunning. Examining herself from various angles, Syssi had grinned at her reflection in the mirror.

Kian’s jaw would drop down to his chest when he saw her tonight.

“You’re gorgeous, darling. Go get ’em, girl.” Armando had shooed her up from the chair, making room for his next customer. “Kiss, kiss.” He’d kissed the air next to her cheeks and hurried to escort to his station a very elegant lady, whom Syssi could’ve sworn she’d seen somewhere before… Maybe on TV?

“Wait till you see the outfits Joann picked for you to try.” Amanda had called ahead, giving Syssi’s measurements to the proprietor of her favorite boutique.

“She has excellent taste and connections in all the top designer houses.

Prepare to be wowed.”

“Don’t get your hopes up. I have a real hard time with dresses. They never seem to fit right.” Syssi made a pouty face. “I usually end up with a skirt and top.”

“Don’t worry, they make fabulous alterations. Everything is going to fit perfectly.” Amanda opened the door to the exclusive boutique, motioning for her to step in.

“Amanda! Syssi! Come in. I have your selections in the back room.”

Joann gave each a perfunctory hug before ushering them into the large, private changing room.

Mirrors everywhere, the room was furnished with two white couches, probably provided for those who wished to watch the clothes being modeled on the small raised stage.

“Wine? Cappuccino? Mineral water?” she asked, striking a well-practiced pose. At one time, Joann must’ve been a model—rail-thin, perfectly groomed, and beautiful—she made quite an impression.

“Wine sounds good.” Amanda walked over to check out the outfits Joann had prepared for them to try.

“Syssi, this must be for you. The thing is too short to cover my butt.”

Amanda handed her a tiny dress.

“Is this supposed to be a dress? It looks like a swimming suit.” Syssi pulled the stretchy fabric, trying to figure out how it could cover her.

“Yeah, it looks kind of small… But I trust Joann. Just try it on.”

Amanda had been right. Every dress, skirt, and blouse Syssi had tried on looked amazing on her. It was difficult to narrow it down to one outfit.

“I need help, Amanda! I’m going crazy trying to decide which one looks the best. You’ve got to help me choose,” Syssi beseeched, looking over the large selection again.

“Easy, we take them all. Joann, can you find shoes to go with Syssi’s outfits?” she addressed the proprietor, ignoring Syssi’s vigorous side-to-side head shaking.

“No way I’m taking all of it! That’s tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise! Are you out of your mind?” Syssi’s voice rose with each word, becoming shrill.

“Ignore her protests.” Amanda waved the perplexed Joann away and turned to confront Syssi.

Syssi’s face felt so hot, she was certain she was flushed all the way from her chest to the roots of her hair. And the way she was hyperventilating got her so choked up, she couldn’t speak.

Which, of course, Amanda took advantage of, plunging right ahead with her campaign. “Look, sweetie, don’t get so upset. You cannot continue prancing around in your plain Tshirts and jeans that you bought at Macy’s on sale. Not after what Kian did today; it would reflect badly on him. You have no choice.”

Amanda succeeded in stunning her out of her anger. “How do you know what he did today? You weren’t there… And anyway, what does it have to do with what I wear or don’t wear?”

“Kri texted me and probably every other female in the clan. It’s huge news and it travels fast when our regent not only falls head over heels in love but makes it public. I’m so happy for you both, I could cry.” She wrapped her arms around Syssi, hugging her tightly and sniffling. “It’s so romantic…”