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“Yes, ma’am,” I say dryly.
She stands and pokes me in the chest. “And no alcohol for you tonight.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“Alcohol doesn’t help you sleep, Jesse. It may help you pass out, but then you wake up. I want you to get at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. Ten or twelve would be even better.”
“Fine.”
She hands me a small folder. “Here’s the key to your room. I’ll be keeping an eye on you. I’d better not see anyone go out that door.”
“Like you’d see me all the time.”
“You are allowed to go out at five p.m. for your massage.”
I roll my eyes.
“I’d better see you back in that room no later than six thirty this evening. Then you take your bath, order your dinner from room service. And you’d better be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed tomorrow morning at eight o’clock.”
“Eight o’clock? Rehearsal doesn’t start until one.”
“You’re meeting Brock and me for breakfast at eight in the morning. You’re going to get on London time if it kills me.”
“If it killsyou?”
“You think this is fun for me? Watching my big brother fuck up this one opportunity? I’m not going to let that happen.” She curls her hands into fists. “The spa’s on the second floor. Your appointment’s at five.”
I sigh and shove the key card in my pocket. “You already told me that.” I look at my watch. Four o’clock now. I have an hour to kill before my massage. “I’ll go down to the spa now. They probably have a steam room or hot tub or something. It’ll help me relax.”
She smiles. Finally. “Jesse, that is the most coherent thing you’ve said all day.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Brianna
“Good afternoon,” the tuxedo-clad butler says to us. He’s tall, with a receding blond hairline, piercing blue eyes, and slightly crooked teeth.
“Hello, Havisham,” Brock says. “Remember me? Brock Steel?”
“Yes, of course I do, sir. Mr. Ainsley is expecting you. Please come in.”
Brock holds his hand out, letting the rest of us go first. “Let me introduce you to my companions. This is Maddie Pike. She’s Rory’s sister. You remember Rory, my fiancée?”
“Yes, of course I do. Lovely woman.”
Maddie holds out her hand. “Great to meet you, Mr. Havisham.”
Havisham doesn’t take her hand, simply bows. “It’s my pleasure, Ms. Pike.”
“And this is my cousin Donny Steel. He’s engaged to Callie, Rory and Maddie’s sister.”
Havisham bows. “Mr. Steel.”
“And this is my cousin Brianna Steel, Donny’s sister.”
“Such a pleasure to meet all of you. Please follow me into the drawing room. Mr. Ainsley will be in shortly.” He walks the length of the grand foyer, and I glance around at the soaring ceilings, intricate moldings, and a sweeping staircase. A few steps later, we enter an elegant living room.
I gape. This place is so…English. The furnishings are dark wood—cherry, I think—and look antique, though I wouldn’t know. The sofas and chairs are upholstered in lavender and blue brocade.
