AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“He can’t really believe that though, surely? Or expect it? I mean, it’s the twenty-first century!” I grabbed another glass of champagne as a tray floated past and drank half in one go.
“Well, you’ve always been very discreet, so it’s a possibility, but I doubt it. He might be traditional in some senses, but he’s not an idiot, and we’ve grown up with him, Teddy, and the others. He’s seen you date and probably even seen you hook up at parties. Maybe he’s just trying to be respectful, and when it’s official, he’ll sweep you off your feet,” Hattie suggested.
“I doubt it, he doesn’t seem like the sweeping type. He strikes me more as getting the job done type. Always one for duty, is Jasper.” I took another drink, staring down at the bubbles.
“Hmm, you know what you need?”
“A new identity and a ticket to some faraway place where I can actually have my own life?” I retorted.
Hattie laughed. “You’re an earl’s daughter, I hardly think that’s an option, Tory. No, I mean you need to find someone to sort you out, and then you’ll be fine.”
“Sort me out?”
“Yeah, get your rocks off, and then you’ll be much more relaxed about this whole engagement thing. But we need someone who’s good at keeping secrets... or someones...”
“Someones? Are you hiring me out now?” I asked, shaking my head at her.
Hattie grinned and nudged me. I followed her gaze to the door where West and Davenport had just entered, standing inside the doorway out of the way of the guests.
I looked at her. “You’re kidding.”
She shrugged. “Why not? You know you can trust them, and you wouldn’t have to try and sneak anyone past them, and most importantly, damn girl, they are fine!”
I turned back around, trying to be subtle. West was indeed, as Hattie said, very fine, and Davenport was pretty damn hot too. He had a slimmer build than West, though nearly as tall, closely cropped dark blond hair, almost military in style, brown eyes, a light tan, and a cheeky smile on a rather generous mouth. An image flashed through my mind of that mouth trailing down my throat and I shook myself, forcing the image away.
“Hattie, you are crazy. Neither one of them would sleep with me, and even if they would, I wouldn’t do that to Jasper.”
“So you do care about him then?” Hattie teased, grinning at me.
“I do, I just...”
“You just wish he would grab you by the throat and push you up against the wall in the cloakroom?”
I had just taken a gulp of champagne, and at Hattie’s comment, I spat it straight back out again. “Hattie!”
“Maybe you should get Jasper to join in? I bet he’s actually really restrained and he’d totally be up for a threesome, or even a foursome...”
I glared at her. “Harriet, you are being most unladylike,” I chided in a perfect impression of my mother. She laughed and opened her mouth then closed it again, looking over my shoulder.
“Who’s being unladylike?” Jasper’s smooth voice carried over my shoulder, and my eyes widened in panic as I fought to think of something to say.
“I... Er..” I fumbled over my words, and Hattie grinned at me.
“I was describing my latest practical sessions at medical school, which involved a lot more blood and guts and mucus—”
“Ewww, Hattie, enough!” I interrupted, grabbing her wrist and squeezing it in thanks.
“Well, as fascinating as this conversation sounds, would I be able to pry you away, Lady Victoria? There are some people I’d love for you to meet.”
“Of course.” He offered his arm, and I took it, glancing back at Hattie with a resigned smile as Jasper led me away.
