Page 154 of Forbidden Game

I chuckle as he pulls back and holds his elbow out for me. I press my fingers daintily into the crook and smile. “I think you’re well aware that you are one of the most attractive men in existence. I don’t want to inflate your ego any more than it already is.”

“One of?” He gives me a fake look of pain. “I am the most attractive man.”

I shrug. “We’ll see if you win hottest streamer of the year or not.”

He gapes at me. “Cold, Sydney.”

The mansion is abuzz with people moving about and getting ready as Parker and I weave our way through the many hallways. The Covingtons’ Christmas Eve dinner is an intimate affair, but they host an extravagant annual party on Boxing Day, where they raise money for charity as part of the holiday. Hence the staff working around the clock.

We enter the formal dining room, which has a gilded, domed ceiling that features a stunning teardrop crystal chandelier hanging from the center. Grandiose deep green curtains frame the windows, and a decidedly expensive piece of art hangs above a fireplace.

I make a note to take a picture of the art and send it to Stevie; I have no doubt she would flip over it. I’d already sent her images of the ceiling in one of the reception rooms that has an angelic Renaissance scene painted on it. I’d stared up at it for so long, my neck hurt.

Heads swivel from the elegantly set table at our arrival.

“Oh, don’t you look beautiful.” Pricilla stands from her seat to give me a kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you. I love your dress.”

Pricilla runs a hand down her maroon dress with a soft smile. She never has a hair out of place and always looks like she is ready for high tea.

Parker pulls out my seat for me to sit before taking his next to me. My father grins at me from across the table before returning to his conversation with Parker’s dad.

Philip Covington enters the room with a stern look, immediately setting me on edge.

Parker’s grandfather had been quite jovial yesterday when we arrived even though the board vote had come in only hours earlier, removing Parker from his position as heir. The two seem to be getting along fine. It also helps that his nana dotes on him with clear favor.

Parker’s maternal grandparents wouldn’t be arriving until tomorrow; they split the holidays between Pricilla and her sister.

Philip pulls a seat out for his wife before taking his place at the head of the table. Parker’s parents shoot each other a silent look, confirming that the displeasure radiating off his grandfather isn’t something I am merely imagining.

The only person missing is Paige, who strolls in a few minutes later in a satin green dress, her long blonde hair flowing in perfect waves. She gives Parker a wink before slipping her purse around her chair and sliding in next to Phoebe, who eyes her younger siblings through slightly narrowed eyes.

Two staff members slip into the room, one pouring a glass of champagne for each person while the other places fresh bread and butter at intervals along the table.

Parker slips his hand over my flute before reminding the woman of my preferences. She apologizes before dipping out of the room and returning with a non-alcoholic alternative. I bite my lip, feeling a little bad.

The rest of the meal proceeds without a hitch, conversation flowing as we stuff ourselves with decadent food.

Although, every once in a while, I catch Parker’s grandfather eyeing him with a puzzled look, like he can’t quite figure something out. When it comes time for dessert, my eyes widen at the limitless number of puddings that are deposited onto the table. Phoebe hums as she digs into her Christmas pudding, and my dad doesn’t hesitate before going back for seconds of the figgy pudding.

“Here, Sydney, you have to have one of the mince pies.” Pricilla uses a set of tongs to lift a crumbly pastry onto my plate.

“Oh, no, I can’t have meat.” I hold my hands out to stop her, but she just bypasses them.

A series of chuckles sound across the table, and I frown at Parker in confusion.

“There’s no meat in it,” he explains.

“Oh.”

I watch as Parker grabs one for himself and cuts it in half. A fruity filling trickles out. He cuts it again and holds it out on a fork to me.

“We also had them make the pastry vegan for you.”

“I can feed myself.” I flush, trying to take the fork from him.

“Don’t be embarrassed, darling.” Pricilla pats my forearm before taking another sip of champagne.

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