Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Beneath her breath, Sarah calls her daughter a disrespectful wench because, well, cunt is too orthodox a word to have disclosed as well.
It's a low blow—tit for tat—but clearly, Sarah could always hold her own as she tosses the bottle back while drenched in diamonds. As for me, I’m fortunate enough that my grandmother would always take up for me.
Other than Burt, I’ve only had this grandmummy on my side.
Eh, I’m sulking.
Grandmummy, Her Majesty, did her best.
Sarah physically fought my father the first time she saw me with a black eye. These days she’s all bark and no bite. But the bark will inject her victim with its venom.
Mum and Grandmother Sarah continue to bicker.
The whiskey disappears down to the last drop, causing Sarah to flick her wrist.
“Do not,” I snap at the butler stationed near the doorway who’s ready at Sarah’s disposal, “give my grandmother another drink, or your next breath will be your last.”
Mary gasps.
Sarah laughs. “Oh, Vicky, my dear, just go, uh . . .”
“Console your newest pet,” Princess Mary snaps. “Just like your father.”
“She's so cute and tiny.” Grandmother claps her hands. “Like . . . like a little poodle.”
Fuck, Grandmummy, you are not helping!
Although Sarah meant no harm, her assessment causes Mum to chuckle.
I turn around to consider another whiskey for myself.
“Victor, will you please retire to your quarters,” says Princess Mary. “I need you presentable. We’re having a celebration in less than an hour. Madeline is almost―”
“Maddy?” I do an abrupt about-face. “You invited Madeline?”
My mother’s pale blue eyes twinkle. She shrugs. “The second you arrived. Maddy came straight away from your duchy. Why not?”
Mum’s mouth corks at the edges, and I have nothing to say as Grandmother takes a swig of a new bottle of bubbly that she opted to stand up and grab for herself.
“Your Royal Highness,” a voice begins.
We all look over. The strawberry-blonde woman who helped Burt take Luxury to her room steps just inside the threshold. “Miss Whitson will not be in attendance this evening.” She finishes the statement with a deep breath.
I quickly excuse myself from the room with Luxury’s maid at my heels.
“Your Royal Highness, she’s under the assumption that this is Arlington. I was confused as if I should correct her.”
Bullocks. I spoke with the chief of staff while Luxury was completing her introductions. “Where is she?” I stop abruptly to snap.
“West Wing. Fourth apartment on the left.” The girl directs with a shaky finger.
“You are not paid for your confusion, thoughtfulness, or inquiries. I compensate you for carrying out your orders. Were you ordered to tell Luxury where she is?”
“No, sir.”
“You're relieved.”
“Am I . . . fired, sir?”
Ah, still confused, I see. I stalk away.
As soon as I enter the room, Luxury gives a pouty face I’ve come to know all too well. “Victor, I ruined my first impression with your mother and grandmother.”
“Fuck first impressions, Luxury, you’re my guest.” I pull her into my arms. “My mother will live.”
“Burt said first impressions are everything to her.” Luxury turns to her side and leans on her elbow. “How will we have a lasting relationship if—”
“Because I command it, Luxury.” I mount her, draping my hips with her thighs.
With a coy smile, Luxury says, “Alright, Your Royal Highness.”
“Exactly. Now, you must do whatever I request.”
“Whatever you request.” She bites her lip and then shakes her head. “Nope. I can’t do that.”
“Why not.”
“Because your mind is a bit twisted, Victor. You may try to sway my way of thinking.” A daring glint shines in Luxury’s eyes. I’ve classically conditioned the woman. Phantom tremors chase down her stomach as my palm splays over her belly button. My mouth takes her hostage again. Bloody fuck me, I require more time with her body.
As she comes down from the passion, Luxury groans. “Vic, you almost made me forget my first encounter with your mom. I thought we weren’t doing the whole meet the family charade. I’m staying here this evening. Maybe until I get enough gumption to greet your mom again.”
“Do you really want to forgo the evening?”
“Well, Duke of Arlington, I’d rather stay here for the night and maybe try my luck with your mother and grandmother on a new day.”
“Sarah liked you.”
“Heh, will she recall in the morning? I think your grandmother may have been tipsy before the sun rose this morning. She’s . . .”
“Fucking sloshed.” I smile, leaning down to kiss Luxury’s lips. “I must attend the party this evening for a while.”
“Party?” She gasps.
“A small gathering.” Where I absolve my silly engagement with one of my longest-running mates. “How about you read your mum’s diary?”
Luxury’s chin lifts. “Yeah, I’ll do that. Put all this mystery behind me for once and for all.”
“It should be . . . insightful.” I slide her down onto the downy mattress, trailing scorching kisses over the bend of her breasts. I read the diary in its entirety while Luxury took a nap on the jet ride here. It bloody well altered my perception about a few things.