Page 88 of Wicked Queen

I gave Belle a questioning look.

“She applied for an internship,” she explained, “but she’s been called home.”

“Home?” Maybe that would explain why she was on the guest list.

“Her father is a Senator. She came with one of Edward’s school friends.” Belle said. “It’s too bad. I think she wanted to stay in London.”

Before I could dig for more information about the girl, the crowd parted for Smith and Georgia. The two were deep in conversation. Smith wore his tuxedo with authority, and when he saw Belle, a smile slid over his face. It faded when he saw who she was with.

“May I have a moment?” Smith asked, joining us. I was taken aback to see he was speaking to Alexander.

My husband looked to me. “If our wives approve…”

“Go and have your important conversations,” I teased. “We’ll stay with the cake.”

“Are you certain?” he asked.

I shoved his shoulder, beaming up at him. “I’m fine. They’ll look after me.”

He kissed my forehead, but as he turned, I caught an unspoken command pass between him and Georgia. I was being passed off. Now I was her responsibility.

“Do you need anything?” she asked.

“Water?” Everyone around me was drinking, but I’d yet to see anything nonalcoholic pass on a tray. It seemed unlikely that it would.

“Wait here,” she ordered.

When she left, Belle moved closer, dropping her voice, which seemed wholly unnecessary given the music. “Did you see Philip?”

My eyes flashed through the crowd in alarm. I’d okayed this guest list. Edward had created it. How on earth had we allowed Philip Abernathy, Belle’s cheating ex-fiancé on to it?

“I’m sorry,” I said anxiously, gripping her arm. “I can have someone kick him out. I have no idea how he got on the list.”

She pried my fingers free, giggling a bit too maniacally for a woman on the verge of running into the man she’d almost married. “Are you kidding? I put him on the list. He knows all these people, so I was sure he’d come. He’s never missed an opportunity to kiss ass before.”

“Why?” I couldn’t understand why she’d do anything nice for the man who had screwed Pepper Lockwood for most of their engagement.

“This is better than a school reunion,” she said, like this was perfectly obvious. “I’m hot.” She gestured to her dress for confirmation and I nodded. The brilliant blue made her stand out and her gown clung to her body in all the right places, including her baby bump. “I’m pregnant.” She flashed her right hand. “And happily married.”

“Revenge is sweet.” I couldn’t help but laugh.

“It’s terribly shallow of me, but I don’t care,” she admitted with a smirk.

Philip deserved having his nose rubbed in her happiness. Actually, he deserved a lot more than that, but since as far as I could tell, he had two emotions—bored and boring—he might not even notice.

“What does Smith think?” I asked. I couldn’t imagine what Alexander would do if my ex-lover showed up.

“See for yourself.” Belle raised her club soda in the direction of the bar. Smith was leaning against it, sipping a drink, and watching Philip like a hawk. “I think he wants Philip to come over to me, so he has an excuse to punch him.”

“Doesn’t he know you can handle that yourself?” I asked dryly. I would never forget the night that Belle had caught Philip in the act.

“He does,” she said with a shrug, “but why should I have all the fun? Now if Pepper steps out of line…” She rubbed her fist with her left hand.

“You will walk away because you’re pregnant,” I said firmly. “No drama tonight. I need a break.”

“We do, too. Smith was supposed to close on the house in—” she cut off suddenly.

“What is it? What house?” I demanded.