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“Running, you okay. Swimming, you good. Fighting, you worst.” He splashed me before flipping under the water so I couldn’t retaliate.
I glanced to the clock above the door leading back into the house. It was time to start setting up for Teddy’s birthday party. He was a grown man, so it wasn’t anything too over-the-top, but a small family to-do was well deserved. Laura spearheaded the cake, and all I had to do was decorate a little and show up.
Dmitri surfaced and began his leisurely circle again.
I rose and wrapped a towel around me. “I’m going in. You coming?”
“Soon.”
“Okay. We’re done for the day, but I’ll need you in the dining—”
“Yes, yes, Teddy’s birthday, Krasivaya. I know. Every woman in house cannot stop talking about that malchik.”
“He’s a good malchik. He deserves a special day. When’s your birthday?” I padded around the pool, leaving wet footprints on the grainy concrete.
“Real men no have birthdays.”
“Here we go again.” I laughed. “We’ll continue this later. See you inside. And put on a happy face for the party.”
“My face always happy.” He frowned.
“Yes, I’m convinced.” I pushed through the side door into the house and took the back stairs up to my room.
After a quick shower, I dressed in jeans and a black, flowy blouse. I dried my hair and applied minimal makeup before heading down to the dining room.
My decorations—a simple happy birthday sign and silly party hats—were laid out on a sideboard. I grabbed the sign and, after a trip to the library for tape, I climbed up on a chair and started to hang the sign over the wide windows.
“This seems familiar. Like the first time we met. Though that time you weren’t wearing so many pesky clothes.”
I glanced over my shoulder at Lucius. “I was standing on the table, not a chair.”
He shrugged, his black polo and jeans giving him a casual but put-together air. “Still a nice view, all the same.”
“Grab the other side and help.” I secured the ‘H’ to the window casing.
Lucius leaned backed against the table and darted his tongue out to his bottom lip. “I prefer to watch.”
“Suit yourself.” I dropped to the ground and pushed my chair to the right before climbing back onto it.
“I still have your panties from that morning.”
My hand faltered and I missed the ‘Y’ with the tape. I tried again and got it pinned.
“That’s gross.” I dropped to the floor and pushed the chair back to the table.
“They smell like you, you know?” He moved around so he stood at my back. “I only had a little taste that night at the cabin, but it was enough… And it wasn’t.”
I turned, the heat in his eyes impossible to miss as his gaze flickered to my lips. “Lucius, we aren’t doing this. I thought I’d already made that clear. I’m done playing this game with you.”
“You say that now.” He towered over me and ran a finger down my jawline.
Slight tingles rushed through me at his touch. “Stop.” I slapped his hand away.
“We’ll see. You might have a different answer for me later. I can’t wait to hear it.” He gave my lips one last look before he turned and walked toward the hall.
I gave Lucius credit for his single-mindedness, but not much more than that.
Laura pushed through the door from the kitchen and carried a two-layer cake to the table.
“That looks amazing.” I walked over and helped her center it. It was done in a sky blue, with navy piping, and a white doctor’s coat design on the very top.
“You think he’ll like it?”
“He’ll love it. I just don’t know what we’re going to do with all the leftovers.”
She smoothed down her black maid’s uniform. “Well, I was told to make enough for the family and two guests.”
“Guests?” I asked.
“Yes. Those were the orders from Mr. Sinclair. I have to get the hors d’oeuvres set out.” She retreated to the kitchen.
“No, go. That’s fine.” I walked to the powder room off the main hallway and ran my fingers through my hair, just to make sure I looked presentable. After all, company was coming.
CHAPTER THREE
STELLA
THE STEADY RUMBLE OF a motorcycle told me that Teddy had arrived. I peeked out of the music room window and saw his sleek black form cruise down the oak-shrouded lane and into the garage.
“He’s here,” I called, loud enough for Laura and Farns to hear. Excitement welled up inside me. I hoped Teddy would enjoy his sweet surprise.
Glancing back up the drive, a black limo moved slowly toward the house and parked out in front. Luke, the Vinemont driver, got out and opened the back door. A heeled foot hit the ground, and then Luke helped a woman from the rear of the car as Sin exited the other side and came around.
Curiosity turned to something slimy in my gut the moment Sin’s hand touched the small of her back. He led her forward, smiling and gesturing at the house as if he were some sort of salesman. The smile never reached his eyes. His dark gray suit created sharp, masculine lines against his broad shoulders and trim waist, and his dark hair shone in the sun.
