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“I wish,” he mutters. “All that matters is that you’re well-rested.”
While they chat, I’m blunt. “What the bloody hell is going on?”
“Princess Mary has arrived. She has prepared a ball this evening.” Sarcasm reeks in his tone when adding, “For your arrival.”
I nod. It appears Burt has done all in his power to cease Mum’s efforts.
“Oh, Burt,” a very familiar voice calls from the house. My Grandmother Sarah struts out in a white lace dress that grazes her knees. When Grandmother notices me, the haughty smile on her face fades.
“My Vicky and Lux, you’ve returned.” As she descends the steps to give us hugs, I grit out in an undertone to Luxury, “We will make the best of this event. You have my word.”I’ll bloody announce to all Mum’s friends that you are mine.
Once Grandmother Sarah settles into one of the guest rooms, Luxury and I go upstairs to unpack.
Luxury sits on the edge of the bed with a somber appearance. “Vic, I know you gave your word, but is it okay if I pass on the party tonight?”
I come and kneel before her. “If the princess hadn’t already announced it on the royal social media accounts, I’d cancel the silly event entirely. Will you come down for an hour?” I pepper kisses over the freckles on her nose. “I’ll make it worth your time.”I will forceMum to acknowledge my lady before all her royal subjects.
“Thirty minutes. At the end of the night, I sit on your face, though.”
“Forty-five, and you can sit on my face right now.” I plop down onto the bed and lift my chin, beckoning her over.
“Nah, I understand the art of patience.” She stifles a yawn.
I roll to my side, elbowing the mattress, jaw in hand. “Take a nap, Little One,” I suggest as she sits at the edge of the bed.
“Sorry. Must be the time change.” She purses her lips, and I kiss the pout away.
“You’ve been sleepy as of late,” I tell her. I’m slightly disappointed in myself. In the last day or two, I’ve decreased the intensity of Luxury’s training. Sure, target practice is acceptable, but she has much to learn when it comes to the physicality of hand-to-hand combat. Although I’ve had a change of heart about Luxury and I teaming up to assassinate targets, I require her proficiency. She needs to be capable of defending herself.
For what, wanka? She’s safe in your arms.
Luxury yawns. “Actually, I might take a nap, my love.”
Itake a quick shower and don a new tuxedo, ready to advise my mother of the rules while she is here. As soon as I step out the door, Burt stands there with a silver tray in hand. Atop it is a manila envelope.
“This is the outcome of the investigation regarding Gina Whitson’s journal.”
I’m unbelievably nervous as I hold the paper. Luxury had taken her sweet time reading the journal. She treasured every word. I slide the silver envelope opener beneath the flap and pull out various reports regarding the diary's authenticity.
At the sound of Princess Mary’s voice downstairs, I close the report and place it back in the envelope.
Curious, gray eyes assess me for an answer.
“I shall give Lux the news later,” I decide.That means you too, mate.Might as well deal with the current issue at hand.
“Victor.” Mother’s tone softens as I descend the staircase. She smiles up at me and waves away her assistant.
I wriggle my stiff jaw. “Let’s see what you’ve done to my house.”
“Whatever do you mean?” Princess Mary smiles. “You look well-rested. Oh, look at the time. I shall attempt to make myself more presentable for this evening.”
I stop in front of the runaway, matching her baffled façade. “Mother, there is no one that can rival your beauty. Do not embarrass Luxury or me this evening.”
“Who?”
With a hard grin, I pat the top of her head. “Do not bloody embarrass my woman or me. Valentine’s Day was just a precursor to how she has and will fit into my life. If you’re threatened, do not come around. I will take the bloody hint.”
My mother scoffs. “Victor, do not insult me. I am a princess, a duchess, a lady of the highest caliber. I am yourmother.I will always be there for you.”
