Lareina nods eagerly.
My lips curve, although my brain runs ten thousand miles an hour to figure out what to say—because of course thereisn’tany romance, unless they consider my unrequited love for Josh romantic.
I don’t want to disappoint the two or say something that could embarrass Josh, so I just maintain a smile and head out with them.
We get into a sleek black Cullinan. “Nice ride,” I say, admiring the beautiful leather interior.
“A pregnancy gift from Bryce.” Fiona grins as she starts the engine and pulls away from the mansion. “I told him I didn’t need one, but he saidthebabydeserves a car.” She rolls her eyes, but the corners of her mouth twitch.
“He’s looking for a reason to spoil you.” Lareina puts on a small mock pout. “Ares says I’m not allowed to drive until he buys me a tank.”
“Why?” I ask, surprised.
“Ialmosttotaled the Mercedes he bought me.”
“Oh my God!” I gasp. “Are you okay? When was this?”
“Mid-April.”
“Is this the car Ares bought you for Valentine’s Day, even though Bryce told him to get you a beginner’s car?” Fiona asks.
Lareina nods.
“A beginner’s car?” I say. “What’s that?”
“You know, a sturdy but relatively cheap used car you don’t mind damaging a bit while you learn to drive,” Fiona says.
“Oh. But why would you need that?” I ask Lareina.
“I’m new to driving,” Lareina says. “My aunt and uncle were paranoid I might flee with my trust fund, so they never taught me.”
I nod, remembering the scandal. “They were arrested and thrown in jail, right?”
“Yes.” Lareina nods with a satisfied gleam in her eye. “Anyway, that’s why I started to learn so late. But a girl’s gotta be able to go to places—”
“In a tank,” Fiona says, winking at me.
“The accident totally wasn’t my fault! That brick wall just appeared out of nowhere in the dark. And I braked as soon as I saw it. Of course, Ares completely panicked, even though I was fine. Not a strand of my hair was damaged. But he acted like I’d died or something.”
“Mercs are well constructed,” Fiona says dryly. “But you have to give the man some leeway. He’s paranoid about your safety.”
I nod in agreement. Ares is always careful about the family’s wellbeing. It probably comes from being the eldest. Andwith Lareina, the woman he’s in love with, his protectiveness probably goes overboard.
“Are you siding with him?” Lareina says with mock outrage.
“Yes. Because I don’t want you hurt, either,” Fiona says.
“Well.” Lareina gives her a small smile. “I love you too, you know.”
A pang of longing pierces me. Lareina and Fiona interact like close sisters might. I wish I still had that with Katt, but she’s too cool for me now.
“So. Should we go for the works, Ailee?” Lareina asks, looking at me.
“Anything’s fine,” I say. “I’m going to need to replace almost everything. What do you have in mind?”
“Let’s hit Jun’s boutique. It has everything. Josephine took me there last month, and I loved it,” Fiona says, then turns to me. “That’s Josephine Blackwood, a personal shopper. She’s the best.”
“She really is.” Lareina sighs. “Sorry we couldn’t get her for you, but she’s booked solid for the next two months. She has the best eye for color and texture.”
