AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And you wonder why I’m determined to make you my wife.” He leaned closer and whispered. “Eat well, darling. You’ll need your strength for later.”
Knowing too many people were watching, I swallowed a whimper of need. “Promises, promises.”
“Indeed.” Before we entered the dining room, he added, “I believe I have an alternative to your ménage à trois fantasy, but you’ll have to wait for the surprise.”
I lost control of my body and tripped over the hem of my dress. Thankfully, Savva saved me from humiliation and caught me before I faceplanted on the floor.
Mercy, that man.
SAVVA
Behaving as if she’d never melted down in my arms over her anxiety, Damaris charmed everyone who had the pleasure of gaining her attention. Despite her misgivings, she maintained her composure throughout the interminable meal and finished without mishap.
Although I wished to be her partner, I smiled when she waved from the dance floor where she presented a lovely Viennese waltz with her friend Saul’s wife.
Thankfully, Alivia vanished after speaking with her. Of all the people I hadn’t wanted to see, my ex-fiancée was at the top of the list. I especially hadn’t wanted Damaris exposed to her poison, but knew I’d need to explain myself soon. Damaris deserved answers to the questions I was sure occupied her thoughts.
“I still don’t like you.”
Alwin Sieger’s soft murmur surprised me, and I turned to face him. “The feeling is entirely mutual.”
His enmity wasn’t entirely directed at me, however. Alwin had been my father’s best friend and resented the changes I brought. I supposed I was a symbol of his loss, but neither of us could bring my father back. I could only move forward and make sure his dream of independence was fulfilled.
He nodded and crossed his arms over his barrel chest. “Don’t touch Ms. Lawton. She’s too good for you.”
“In that, we are agreed.” I tilted my champagne flute in his direction before taking a sip.
After grunting in acknowledgement, he said, “I am forced into an uncomfortable position in which I must convey my gratitude to you.”
“For what?”
“I received Ms. Lawton’s fellowship application this morning.” He hesitated for a moment, then added, “Considering she’s working at the palace, I was surprised neither you nor Princess Valeriya were included in her references.”
“Will it harm her chances?” I set my empty champagne flute on the tray of a passing server and got another, more to keep up appearances than anything else. The last thing I wanted was for my presence to influence her career.
“No. Ms. Lawton was shortlisted before we received her application, but I must ask you to keep the news to yourself until a formal announcement is made. We haven’t yet decided on the second candidate.” He studied me for a moment, and I felt strangely uncomfortable under his piercing gaze. “Do you know why she didn’t request a reference from the princess?”
“She’s come to see my mother as a friend and thought it inappropriate.”
“I see.” In an uncharacteristic show of amity, he held out his hand for me to shake. “In any case, thank you for not scaring her off. A mind such as hers…”
He let go of my hand and sighed happily as he gazed upon my future wife. “It’s a priceless gift, and for that, I must thank you again.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
After giving me a final nod, he returned to his wife, leaving me to wonder if he’d feel more amiable toward me when I announced Agafonza’s first democratic election in a few years’ time. Knowing it was unlikely, I hid a smile.
Watching Damaris, I couldn’t decide whether to hope she was already pregnant from our first night together or pray she wasn’t. Unwilling to continue with my despicable plan, I’d already replaced the faulty condoms with new ones.
She would be a wonderful parent, and I wished I’d simply told her the truth at the beginning instead of trying to trap her. The situation left a sour taste in my mouth, and I was afraid my duplicity would cloud our relationship.
Laughing with her friend, Damaris glided toward Saul. The younger of his daughters was fast asleep on his lap, and the elder appeared to be dozing off as well.
When I joined them, Saul smiled at me. “Since your date is giving me my wife back, we’re going to take off and get the rugrats to bed. We have an early flight tomorrow.”
“It was a pleasure to see you again.” After handing him a business card, I added, “Contact my assistant when you’re in Stockholm again. I’d be honored to host you and your family at the palace.”
“I’ll visit before I start my fellowship too,” Damaris said. “And you should definitely come to the ranch for Christmas. Daddy loves to have the girls over.”
