Page 81 of Glitterati Omega

Rupert wrung his hands, then fled back to the sunroom, a wry smile twisting his lips.

“What are you all smiley about?” Elise asked, shoving her wine glass across the coffee table as he picked up the decanter to offer refills.

“Nothing,” he murmured.

“Roo …”

He glanced up at Alina, who lifted her brows as she peered over the rim of her wine glass. She set it down with a clink. She fiddled with the stem for a second or two, then said, “Did you go through with the procedure?”

“Seriously!” Elise cried, throwing her hands in the air. “After we told you not to? Why would even consider that! Oh, you’d better tell me that is not what happened, or I’m gonna …”

“Hello,” Winston said smoothly as he entered the room. He offered his hand to Elise. “Winston.”

Elise startled, then huffed as she shook his hand. He shook hands with Alina as well. He took the decanter from Rupert, encouraging him to sit. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Rupert speaks very highly of you.”

“And he speaks highly of you, too,” Elise muttered, before busying her mouth with wine.

Winston returned to the table with two glasses of water, handing one to Rupert. Rupert watched Elise’s gaze darken. “Excellent,” Winston said, ignoring the glower, “then I hope we might be friends.”

Dinner was awkward, especially as Elise made it obvious she did not wish to be friends with Winston, pretending not to hear his requests to pass the salt or the butter. She was evidently still convinced he was bad news, and she’d switched into protective alpha mode.

Rupert didn’t have much time to dwell on it though, as the scent of vinegar and beer batter mixed with whitefish assaulted his nose, and he thought he might vomit on the heirloom tablecloth. “Excuse me,” he said partway through the meal, then went and stood over the kitchen sink, breathing deeply.

He returned finally, perching on the edge of his chair in case he needed to beat another hasty retreat.

Winston gave him a curious look. “Perhaps fried is off the menu for a bit,” he suggested.

“Mostly fish,” Rupert replied, sipping at his water.

“The scent’s bothering you?”

“Mm,” Rupert agreed.

“I thought maybe your tummy was upset again,” Winston said.

“Well, somewhat,” Rupert murmured.

Winston hummed. “Well, you should probably be eating more greens now anyway.”

“Excuse me,” Alina said sharply, “Roo, don’t take that from him; he shouldn’t comment on what you eat.”

Elise nodded firmly. “That’s nobody’s business but your own,” she said sternly, “even if you are looking a little—”

She gestured vaguely, then grimaced, perhaps realizing her mistake when everyone stared at her.

“Excuse you,” Rupert sniped, “even if I’m looking a littlewhat?”

“Er,” Elise said, shrinking back.

“Voluptuous,” Alina supplied.

“Gracious,” Rupert huffed.

Winston set down his fork and knife with a clatter. “I was merely offering advice,” he said calmly. “Leafy greens are rich in folate, which is extremely important in early prenatal development.”

“Winnie,” Rupert ground out.

“So youarepregnant!” Alina exclaimed, even as Elise bristled beside her, apparently ready to start spitting nails. “Oh, Roo!”