Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
“So, what you’re saying is you’ve been a secret romantic this whole time?” North teased as he took the castle stairs.
“I wouldn’t go that far.”
“I guess we’ll see tonight.”
I rolled my eyes. “Please do not watch over us like we’re the evening’s entertainment. Sarah hasn’t miraculously changed overnight. Though she’s growing in confidence, she doesn’t like being the center of attention. And I want her to enjoy this evening.”
North chuckled. “While it’s adorable you’re looking out for her feelings, Cavendish, you need to get real. You’re bringing Sarah to a celebrity Christmas party at the place of her former employment. People will be curious about this odd match of yours.”
I scowled at the phrase odd match. “Pish posh. Ninety-five percent of this elitist community are too busy drowning in their own bovarism to even know or care who I am.”
“What exactly is bovarism?”
“Sarah would know,” I told him haughtily.
North laughed. “Oh, man, you’ve got it bad.”
I didn’t disagree. Instead, as we reached the great hall, I told him, “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Wait. Theo.”
Turning to him, I raised an impatient eyebrow.
North looked remorseful. “I am sorry. I … I realize now that I was a shitty friend when you’ve been a good friend to me.”
Giving him a reassuring clap on the shoulder, I promised, “All’s forgiven. Let’s forget it.”
My friend nodded and I experienced a rush of relief. I’d been so busy with Sarah that I hadn’t realized just how much it bothered me to be in a bad place with North. I didn’t have a lot of genuine friends, and while I liked to pretend I didn’t need them, it wasn’t true. Having North in my life had been like having a brother I could count on again.
Goodness, I’d grown maudlin since finding Sarah. Shaking my head ruefully, I gave North a gentle shove and stalked away. “See you tonight.”
“Oh, aye, we will! Looking forward to it!” I heard the amusement in his voice.
With a beleaguered sigh at his nonsense, I hurried out of the castle, heading toward the mews where my rental was parked.
“So we discussed all that,” I called to Sarah as she got ready in my suite’s bathroom. I’d just relayed my meeting with North to her. “But I have to admit, I didn’t feel like discussing the murders. Perhaps I should have. I’m sure North is concerned he’s going to make the headlines again for all the wrong reasons.”
“There’s still time to do that,” she called back. “I’m sure North understands your reluctance to talk about it. But if it’s bothering you, just make it clear when you see him next that you’re there for him if he wants to talk about it.”
“Yes, yes. You’re right.” I tweaked my black velvet bow tie as I stared in the mirror. The last time I’d worn a tux was at an awards ceremony. I owned two tuxedos. This one was a burgundy velvet tuxedo jacket with black lapels. I wore it with black trousers and a white shirt. A little outlandish but perfect for a Christmas event.
“Well?”
I turned from fussing with the tie and froze at the sight that greeted me.
Sarah wore a green velvet dress. It had thin straps, a fitted bodice, and a pleated skirt that flowed from her waist to her knees. The green was dark against her smooth, pale skin. She’d paired the dress with strappy delicate heels that made her already gorgeous legs look fucking fantastic. Her hair was styled in waves down her back, and her makeup was light except for her eyes. She wore black mascara that lengthened her lashes considerably, and the green of her irises was impossibly vivid.
I was struck mute.
She was graceful and elegant and sexy as hell. It was difficult for me to believe that I’d never paid much attention to her before she came to my room all those months ago. I mean, I’d noticed her, eventually. North and I had bumped into her once, and it was the first time I’d realized she was beautiful. But … that was just noting something physical about her. I didn’t know her then.
Now I knew her. Now I knew how extraordinary she was. “You are the most stunning creature I’ve ever seen,” I blurted out, the compliment raspy with emotion.
Sarah flushed a pretty pink, the color spreading across her chest. Tenderness and something like possessiveness filled me. “Thank you. You look very handsome.”
I grinned as I crossed the room to her. “Is it perverse of me that I like that I can still make you blush?”
She rolled her eyes as I pulled her against me. “I would expect nothing less.”
I smoothed my hands down her waist, desire heating my blood. “I miss you.”
Understanding softened her expression. “I know.” She caressed my chest. “I miss you too. We’re getting there, though. I promise.”