A blonde woman steps from the shadows and crosses her arms over her chest.
“Fuck.” All color leeches from Ciprian’s face.
“Language,” the regal woman scolds him before looking at me. I’ve faced monsters in an arena, but meetingmy boyfriend’s mom? Terrifying. The urge to run away and leave Ciprian to face her alone is strong.
“I’m Mallory,” she says, holding out her hand.
I take it and introduce myself, relieved when my voice sounds normal. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise.” Mallory glances at Sarah. “Is this who he snuck into your apartment all those weeks ago?”
Sarah nods. “I’m pretty sure. They weren’t covert.”
“Barely a trickle of fear, though,” Mallory hums. “A partner with backbone is a must.”
Ciprian drags himself off the floor and grabs my hand. “She’s standing right here, Mom.”
I squeeze his fingers, even though I’m considering shoving him down again for getting me into this mess. I’m not dressed to meet anyone’s mom; I’m wearing booty shorts for fuck’s sake.
“You, on the other hand...” Mallory lifts her chin as she surveys her son. “Are terrified.”
Sarah laughs. “Be gentle, Mallory. He’s never introduced us to anyone before.”
“I can’t imagine why,” Ciprian mutters. He sniffs the air and snorts. “How much wine have you two had tonight?”
“Don’t judge,” Sarah says.
He rolls his eyes. “Can we have some?”
“Celine can.” Mallory’s voice is chilly, and I stifle a shiver.
“Mom!”
“The audacity of my sons, Sarah.” Mallory examines her nails. “One disappears for weeks without warning—returning only to feed me a nonsensical story about needing a vacation—and the other lies to me about it, insulting my intelligence by feigning ignorance.”
I clear my throat. “That’s my fault.”
She sniffs. “I doubt it, dear.”
My mouth falls open, and a laugh bubbles out before I canstop it. It’s just so silly. Now that I’m paying attention, it’s clear how tipsy they both are. I’ve imagined meeting Ciprian’s mom, but never this way.
Sarah loops her arm with mine and tows me down the hallway like a barge.
“You can’t steal her from me,” Ciprian hisses. “I want to come, too!”
“Goodness, Ciprian, did we forget to teach you how to share?” I shoot Sarah a startled glance. Was that innuendo or am I imagining things? She winks at me, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes deepening as she grins, and I gulp. Definitely innuendo.
“I know how to share,” he snaps.
There’s a wild note in his voice that immediately puts me on guard. Ciprian’s pissed, and he’s about to do something outrageous, like tell these lovely women our relationship dynamics. I’m not hiding anything, but that’s a bell that can’t be un-rung, and we haven’t discussed it with Alistair and Luca yet.
“You’re welcome to bring your other lovers,” Mallory says, and I wince. “That is, if you’re not too scared, Son.”
“How many are there, darling?” Sarah asks me, keeping her voice low. “Idris won’t let me into the wing. I haven’t been able to get a good look.”
I glance over my shoulder, panic making me desperate.
Ciprian and his mom are locked in a whisper-fight, pale cheeks flushed with bright red spots, their platinum heads pressed close together.
