by Avery Aster
“Where are you two going?” Lex asked, raising her voice as they started off.
“My dungeon!” Taddy shouted after pushing Warner farther. He walked slowly on purpose, she could tell.
“Dungeon?” He froze.
“You’ll see.” She grabbed his hands. “Come on, Big Daddy. Come on!”
She picked up speed, taking him down a long hallway. They passed a roped-off area away from Candy Land and headed into Taddy’s personal living quarters. The penthouse walls were decorated in large-scale photos, most of her and Lex as young children.
“You’re taking me to your bedroom?”
“Sorta.” Taddy opened the double doors.
“Why didn’t I see this the other night?”
“Relax.” She led Warner into a large shoe closet and stood before a mirrored wall. The Shih Tzus were sound asleep in their little beds.
“You wanna tell me you have a shoe fetish?” Warner asked.
“That’s obvious. But watch.” She slipped the key into the hole.
The walls separated, a vacuumed suction released, and the air streamed a new draft from one room to the next.
“Wow.” Warner stepped into the room. Red leather adorned the walls. There were gadgets and gizmos Taddy guessed he’d never seen.
She kissed his cheek, feeling her naughty girl coming out. “I know you’re not into the rough stuff, but—”
“What?” Warner had to have known she was a bad girl.
“I was hoping we could try.” She tempted him.
“No.”
“Oh, come on. A lil’ BDSM play is fun!” Taddy would only accept yes as his answer.
A couple’s laughter came from the corner. They turned around to see against the far corner. Kiki was spread out on a bed, her eyes wide, her mouth hung open in a gasp.
“Kiki.”
“Miss Brill!!! We weren’t doing anything, I promise.”
“Ahuh.”
“Mr. Truman, you remember Dejon.” Kiki tried to smile. Her face red, she covered herself with a sheet.
“Hi, Dejon.” Warner laughed.
“We’ll leave you two to get back to whatever it was you weren’t doing.” Taddy grabbed her boyfriend’s hand and left her dungeon.
Taddy took the week off to enjoy Manhattan with her new boyfriend Warner Truman. They spent seventy-two hours at her penthouse, locked in her pleasure room and ordering French food from Daniel’s restaurant. She’d showed him her toys. The remainder of the week had been spent at Warner’s penthouse in Tribeca. He’d shared his dungeon with her and barbecued for her on his balcony.
To his surprise, the Jacqueline Truman Foundation received an anonymous donation. It was for three million dollars. When Warner asked Taddy if she’d made the gift, she said a lady never revealed her philanthropic ways.
The following week, she went with Warner to Hong Kong, scouting locations for Brill, Inc. Warner had bought land to build a new luxury resort and spa on Connaught Road in the city’s fashion and business district. The lot overlooked Victoria Harbour. The hotel was slated to feature five hundred rooms and be called Forever Red.
Big Apple love to Julie, for all your Taddy Brill contributions. Many kudos to my beta-readers, Nicole, Chrissy, Jackie, Jenifer, Kateria, Jodi, Jenifer, Jill D., Crystal Earl, Teri, and Barb H. for being the eyes in the back of my head. As well as to the book reviewers at S&M’s Book Obsessions, I Love Lady Porn, Harlequin Junkies, Book Whores, Under the Covers, Midwest Book Reviews, The Book Enthusiast, We Love Kink, Romance Reviews Today, Ever After Romance, Swept Away by Romance, USA Today Happily Ever After, Reviews by Crystal, Storm Goddess and Please Another Book for the wonderful media coverage on The Manhattanites series.
Brenda, thank you always for the unconditional support and for pushing me forward. Josh, your humor through my plot twists helped me not lose sight for what mattered. Courtney Howell, your feedback and preparation meant the world to me. Thank you to Kristin and Becky at Hot Tree Editing for polishing up this book so it sparkles. Marisa Corvisiero, my literary agent and lawyer, you are the best. And to my family and friends whom I ignored this summer to finish this novel, George, Pauline, Adam, Sara, Kelly, Shari, Edward, Manuel, Hector, Lynn, Michele, John, Holly, Nackie, Patrick, Ronnie, Bailee, and Shane I owe you many beach vacations.
New York Times bestselling author Avery Aster pens The Manhattanites, a contemporary erotic romance series of full-length, stand-alone novels, and the naughty new adult prequel companion series The Undergrad Years.
As a resident of New York City and a graduate from New York University, Avery gives readers an inside look at the city’s glitzy nightlife, socialite sexcapades and tall tales of the über-rich and ultra-famous.
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in The Undergrad Years series
Love, Lex
Yours Truly, Taddy
XO, Blake
Always & Forever, Vive
in The Manhattanites series
Unscrupulous
Undressed
Unsaid
Unconventional
Unique
Uncensored
Craving more of The Manhattanites? Enjoy the first two chapters of Unconventional.
Undressed
Avery Aster
Milan’s notorious playboy, Prince Tittoni, seems to have everything—Lamborghinis, exotic women, palaces throughout Europe and business success. Ramping up his fabric company to go global with a new apparel brand, he ruthlessly stops supplying fabrics to the American client who inspired the collection. But once they meet, what’s he willing to give to get her in his bed?
Upper East Side designer Lex Easton has already endured her fair share of hard knocks. She’ll be damned if she’ll let an Italian stud muffin knock her down. So what if she named her favorite vibrator after him? With Fashion Week approaching, she’ll do whatever it takes to secure the fabrics she needs to make her clothing line an international success—even sleep with her rival.
Lex’s Louboutins are dug in deep to win this war. All’s fair in love and fashion!
Undressed (The Manhattanites)
by Avery Aster
“Undressed is a wild, raunchy, romantic story set deep in the world of fashion. Avery Aster has taken the mile-a-minute pace of Manhattan and paired it perfectly with the laid back traditions of Milan. Fireworks go off whenever Lex and Massimo are together as they are both very passionate people. If you are looking for a new erotic romance series to read and you love fashion, look no further.”
—Harlequin Junkies
“This book is earthy, sexy, filled with wildness and at times, downright dirty! Avery Aster’s imagination amazed me. I am still trying to figure out the logistics to one particular scene.”
—Books & Chat
“It was juicy, dirty, and over the top, but what made Undressed special was the humor. I read several chapters out loud to my husband because I couldn’t get over how funny it was. Watching these two try to top each other had me in tears.”
—S&M’s Book Obsessions
“Fresh, flirty, and hilarious! I was drawn into the story-line. Awesome debut not to miss!”
—Gimme the Scoop Reviews
“Is Undressed controversial? You bet! But peppered with psychological insights on the characters’ emotional development and motivations, which go beyond casual encounter and delves into life’s meaning. Be forewarned: when this novel receives a billing of ‘erotica’, it’s not a feel: it’s hardcore reality.”
—D. Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest B
ook Review
“Undressed is romantic, fun, sexy, stylish, naughty and graphic. With all these ingredients, I enjoyed unwrapping to see what was inside.”
—Romance Novel Junkies
“The love scenes are so well done that even my panties got wet. The author did not disappoint. The heat level just about overheated my Kindle. Toward the end of the book, I found myself shedding a tear or two, it really got to me.”
—Swept Away by Romance
“Sexy, charismatic, and pure adult fun, Undressed is an exquisite read. The chemistry is full tilt from the first chapter where the war of the roses is laid down. I thought Massimo was the epitome of a playboy, but once Lex is introduced he can’t seem to make heads or tails of the fiery tornado who storms into his palace.”
—Sensual Reads
(5 of 5 “Love Taps”) I started to smell my Kindle burning this book was that hot! Watching the couple work though their personal shortcomings is extremely captivating. I can also say that the sex scenes not only between these two but also the supporting characters, is amazing. All in all Undressed is an entertaining and a fun read.
—We Love Kink
“Reading Undressed had me thinking about the primetime soaps Dynasty and Dallas. I cannot wait for the next installment in The Manhattanites series. With books like Undressed who needs to watch TV?”
—BadBarbsPlace
(5 of 5 Feathers) “I fell in love with this book from the very beginning. I loved the way the author wrote the characters.”
—Under the Covers
“Fast paced and furiously fun, Undressed steams up the pages as Lex enjoys a whirlwind trip in the Italian fashion industry with her prince of a man—and lover.”
—Romance Reviews Today
“Fun, cocky and bold. A spicy love story in the fashion’s world with outspoken and decant language. It rocks! With a rather mind-blowing direct sex approach, this romance is also very classy.”
—New Books on My Shelves
“Wonderful characters and hot sex! What more do we need? Undressed is well-written. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Massimo and Lex and am looking forward to the next installment in The Manhattanite series.”
—Readaholic’s Reviews
“Everything in Undressed flows naturally, proving that erotic romance has evolved over the years into a true storytelling art form, not just characters sleeping together strung up by a weak plot.”
—The Spicy Romance Connection
Hello, gorgeous reader!
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My idea for Undressed arrived during New York Fashion Week. I attended a show and thought—what if the fashion designer’s unique fabric was not available days prior to catwalk? And what if her supplier ceased fulfillment to knock her line off?
I can tell you what The Manhattanites series lead diva Taddy Brill would say: “Holy shiiit!” What about the heroine in Undressed, our fashion designer?
I coupled those what-ifs with a royal saga. Right then, the world watched Prince William marry Catherine Middleton. I reflected on the devotion his great-great-uncle, Edward, Duke of Windsor, shared for his Duchess, Wallis Simpson, and wondered—would you give up your lifestyle for a once-in-a-lifetime love? And poof, my characters Prince Massimo Tittoni and Alexandra “Lex” Easton leaped into my creative prowess and, with anticipation, into your hearts. Enjoy. Be sure to read about Blake Morgan and Miguel Santana in Unsaid.
Love,
Avery Aster
Alexandra “Lex” Easton (28): Suffers from sexual frustration while working countless hours to build her fashion empire, Easton Essentials. She’s the late rock ‘n’ roll legend Eddie Easton’s feisty daughter.
Prince Massimo Tittoni (34): A paparazzi magnet taking a hiatus from aggressive women. He’s King Umberto’s arrogant son, heir to the House of Tittoni dynasty and CEO of Girasoli Garment Company.
Tabitha “Taddy Brill” Adelaide Brillford (28): An obsessive masturbator who is Lex’s lifelong friend. She’s a diva millionaire and dating “Big Daddy”.
Blake Morgan III (28): A gay, gorgeous top who is estranged from his husband. He works at Brill, Inc. and spearheads the Easton Essentials account as the brains behind Lex’s talents.
Viveca “Vive” Farnworth (29): A female dominatrix who met Lex, Taddy and Blake in boarding school. Vive is the editor-in-chief of Debauchery magazine.
Jemma Fereti (34): A former Ford model, adventurous in the bedroom. She prefers her men in multiples. Jemma is the lead designer at Girasoli Garments.
Birdie Easton (49): Lex’s alcoholic, prescription pill-addicted mother recovering from sexual compulsive disorder. She’s a former eighties playmate and heavy metal icon. She works at Easton Essentials.
Poppy White (31): Hosts her own entertainment program, The Poppy White Show. She arrived onto the Manhattan social scene the same time as Lex, Taddy and Vive.
Rocco Cazzo (26): Hunk du jour and makes no apologies about it. As the House of Tittoni’s estate manager, he loves wearing Prada and is having an affair with the Pope.
Paloma Tittoni (35): Massimo’s estranged half-sister. She owns Paloma Tittoni’s Gems of Distinction and is a jeweler to the Upper East Side’s elite.
Luigi Bova (36): Jemma’s rich bisexual lover who operates the Girasoli Garment Company.
Easton Essentials: North America’s fastest-growing luxury apparel brand for women seeking to accentuate their figures. Easton retails to all the premier department stores in the world.
Girasoli Garment Company: A one-hundred-year-old textile manufacturer and supplier to Easton. Slated to launch a signature brand, they remain Italy’s largest fine fabric mill.
Brill, Inc.: A Fortune 500 company and New York’s eminent fashion, beauty public relations and branding firm, which co-created Easton Essentials.
Debauchery magazine: Read by four million people weekly, covering all things salacious in the fashion, beauty and celebrity arena.
The Poppy White Show: An American syndicated talk show produced and hosted by its namesake, Poppy White. It remains the highest-rated talk show in the world, airing in over one hundred and fifty countries.
Isola di Girasoli: A Mediterranean island south from Sicily and east from Tunisia. Formerly the Republic of Girasoli, today it is united with Italy. It is one hundred twenty-five square miles, accessible via boat or air. In the eighteenth century, it was founded as a sunflower plantation and today, it is a resort and casino vacation destination.
Milan: Home to such fashion super brands as Prada, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana, Milan remains the world’s fashion capital. Its elite fashion district is the Via Montenapoleone and the city’s common area has a population of about 1.3 million. It is the headquarters for Girasoli Garment Company and the location for the House of Tittoni’s estate.
Manhattan: Where Undressed’s characters reside. Its population is about 1.5 million (excluding all areas off the island). It is the launch pad for such iconic fashion designers as Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Betsey Johnson, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and countless others. It is the headquarters for Easton Essentials, Brill Inc., Debauchery magazine and The Poppy White Show.
For the Love of Fashion
“There comes a time in every woman’s life when she hits her limit. Could be with life. Could be with love. Could be with work. In the case of my best friend forever (BFF), Lex Easton, well, it’s all of the above!” —Taddy Brill, CEO of Brill, Inc., millionaire, and vajazzle enthusiast.
Screw the Masi Salami Dildo Fantasy
“Massimo! Answer the flippin’ phone, you royal pain in my ass!” Lex Easton vented out loud in her Manhattan showroom. Doing her best to keep raw emotions in check, she remained on hold, at his mercy, waiting to speak to the Italian stud muffin she’d nicknamed her beloved vibrator after.
Lex praised Prince Massimo Tittoni, famed CEO to the Girasoli Garment Company, by naming her sex toy after him. It was a n
oble gesture indeed, one which took place prior to Massimo fucking up her textile order.
Unlike the prince, who’d been impossible to reach, her dildo, titled “The Masi’s Salami”, remained by and large amenable and on hand whenever needed. It featured the unique double-A battery power to relieve her nervous tension during horrific moments such as this one.
That day’s call, one of many in recent weeks, shunted from the office manager to the purchasing coordinator to the legal department. At last, she’d spoken to the imperial’s Mediterranean summer estate’s ground manager, who claimed he’d see if the prince would take her call.
She realized she might do more than lose her voice to his hold music, perhaps pick up the vibrator to keep herself occupied. I’m ready for ya, Masi.
A deep voice with an Italian accent came on the line, interrupting Puccini’s La Bohème opera, When I Go Along. After thirty-plus calls, she knew Puccini’s classics by heart. Raised on heavy metal, Lex wasn’t a fan. “This is Prince Massimo Tittoni.”
Through the bad connection, Lex heard laughter and water splashing in the background. Her thoughts darkened. No wonder he’d been difficult to get in touch with. And how nice it must be to take an extended vacation. She hadn’t taken time off in years.
Closing her eyes, she put her free hand to her forehead. Focus. Except white spots glittering over her eyes suggested an oncoming migraine. Lex cleared her throat. “Thank you for taking my call, Your Majesty.” Inhaling a deep breath to help with the nausea, she nagged, “I’m sorry to interrupt your vacation, but I’m on a tight deadline, and the fabrics I need to complete my upcoming fashion collection were supposed to have arrived in my Midtown warehouse over a month ago.”
He gave no response. Did she lose him already? “HELLO? Are you there?” Fashion Gods, Halston, Saint Laurent, Givenchy, watch over me.
