Page 140 of Reckless Vow

Because Rupert might be more relaxed and warm than the last time, but he’s still scrutinizing our every move.

Baldo doesn’t miss any opportunity to touch me, to praise me with respect and reverence, to kiss my knuckles. It’s so effortless for him that I relax.

Why I’m even stressed is beyond me. In front of Rupert, we can be a proper couple. Not like with my family.

“I must say you two seem genuine,” Rupert announces after the staff serves us dessert. “But I still have my hesitations. You’re siblings, after all.”

“Not blood related,” I snap.

“Of course, of course, but still—”

“Frankly,” Baldo interrupts, “I find it quite interesting that you’re so eager to comply with your sister’s wishes. It’s not like she extended you much respect while she was alive.”

I whip my head toward him. What is he talking about?

“Excuse me?” Rupert puts down his dessert fork. “Whatever are you implying?”

“You can’t tell me you’d be okay if the inheritance fell to the hands of those despicable organizations, particularly to numbers sixteen to twenty-one on the list.”

Rupert’s face pales. And while I have no idea what they are talking about, I can see Baldo’s words hit the intended target.

“Would you, Uncle Rupert?” Baldo urges.

Rupert clears his throat. “No.”

“I see. So, in that case I’d suggest you stop questioning the integrity of the future mother of my children. Brook and I are married. End of story.”

Future mother of my children.

I don’t hear what is said afterward, because those words beat in my temples so loud I might faint.

Future mother of my children.

“So, this is what’s going to happen, and believe me, there is more I can do to tarnish your name. Brook, if she chooses, will come up with an alternate list of organizations that can benefit from the inheritance, and deserve it. You will transfer the funds to them and stop pestering us.”

Rupert drops his napkin on the table. “I think this dinner is over.”

“Do we have an understanding?”

Baldo stands up and helps me to my feet.

Rupert adjusts his pocket square. “That would be against the terms of her will.”

“Get creative then.” Baldo smirks.

We leave the house.

“What is sixteen to twenty-one on the list?”

Baldo opens the car door for me, and I get in.

“Homophobic groups.” He slides onto the seat beside me.

“Is Uncle Rupert gay? How did you know?”

“I have my sources, baby.” He pulls me into his lap and unbuttons my top, skimming his hand over the fabric of my bra.

I shiver and wrap my arms around his shoulders as he dips his head and kisses my neck. As usual, he finds the most sensitive spot that gets me all squirming and yearning for him.

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