Page 9 of Perfect Sin

“And you expect my help?” He laughs to himself.

“No, I expect you might find the situation a difficulty for you as well, and for once it's in my benefit if you take action.”

“Tell me then,” he says. He’s bored and not inclined to help. I knew that before I called, but I’m hanging on by a thread.

“Arthur is set to go to a benefit tomorrow night. He’s trying to force me to escort his friend’s daughter.”

“He’s trying to force you? Have you lost your edge, boy?”

“Hardly, but I don’t think violence will get him to bring me in public, now will it?” I remind him of his orders.

“I can actually use this,” he thinks aloud.

“I’m not agreeing to take this woman to the benefit, but I don’t think Arthur is going to accept that.”

“All the better. Keep doing what you are doing, but make sure you are at the benefit.”

“I’m not going to have Raven see pictures of me with another woman in some society rag,” I snap.

“Don’t worry about that. I’m going to bring her with me. I think it’s time my daughter was introduced in society as well. Have your wedding ring on.” He doesn’t say goodbye, just hangs up as soon as he’s said what he wanted.

I’m pressing my luck with how long I’ve been gone, but I need to make sure Raven isn’t caught unaware at the benefit. I’ve fucked up enough in the short time we’ve been together, I’m not going to screw up our marriage with the same mistakes.

“Hi,” she greets. I can hear the sadness in her voice. I wonder if she can hear the same in mine.

“I only have a minute. Your father is going to bring you to a benefit tomorrow night. Unless I fuck up dinner tonight with my parents and their friends, I’m supposed to be going as well.”

“Thank god! I miss you so much.”

“Listen, it’s going to be frustrating. Arthur is determined to pressure me into annulling our marriage. He’s even been telling people it’s in progress to the point he’s convinced his friend to let me escort his daughter to the benefit.”

“What? I’m going to a benefit where my husband is bringing a date? I know you’re doing the best you can, but this is fucked.”

“I’m not bringing a date. I’ve told him several times, but he seems intent on ignoring me.”

I hear her inhale slowly, then exhale. This is hard for both of us, but maybe harder on her. My actions to fight my feelings for her have left a scar. I’ll be dealing with the consequences for hooking up with Tessa for a long time.

“How did you know my father is going to bring me to the benefit?” she finally asks.

“I called him. I didn’t know what else to do. As long as he benefits from us being together he’ll intervene. We can’t rely on him forever though.”

“I know,” she says, then whispers, “Lucien is planning something. I don’t know what, so I can’t tell you.”

That seals it. If he is making moves, especially without me watching his back, their situation can become deadly at any moment.

“Be safe, princess. I love you.”

“I don’t know if I’m ever going to get used to hearing you say that. I love you, too. Even if this event is awful, I can’t wait to see you.”

I hang up and pocket my phone just as the servant returns to beckon me back to the sitting room. “Sir, your parents would like to introduce you to their guests.”

There are a dozen, mostly profane, things I’d like to respond with, but it isn’t his fault my biological parents seem to be entitled asshats. “Of course. I’m on my way now.”

* * *

A coupleabout the age of Arthur and Carina sit opposite them on one of the pretentious, rigid sofas. The room is set up with seating in a square with wingback chairs next to each sofa.

A younger woman, Whitney I presume, sits on the edge of one of the chairs, back ramrod straight and ankles crossed. She’s prim and proper, obviously bred for society functions.

---