Page 46 of Dark Angel

The gleam on Matthew’s face is overpowering. He reaches out, bringing Alice into his arms. “I’m so glad. You deserve a pretty dress.” He looks up to Kora and Daisy, mouthing them a thank you.

They both nod.

Kora and Daisy have taken Alice dress shopping once before, but she couldn’t decide on which one she liked. She has always come to events in old dresses Daisy has handed down to her, never once complaining about wearing used gowns. But with Valarie here, Kora hopes she’ll be able to bring Alice out of her shell finally.

“I think you’ll adore it.” Valarie chimes, stroking a hand over Alice’s dark hair.

Kora swears a tear almost falls from Matthew’s lashes as he beams down at his little sister, who’s smiling widely.

17

Competitive Streak

They all sit around the parlour of the Chiswick manor. Valarie has been here a few times since moving to London, feeling entirely comfortable now in the presence of the Chiswick’s. Percy and Adeline adore her, thankfully. She sits between Lewis and Matthew on one of the red sofas as Alice tries acting out an animal while they play charades.

She never had friends in Oxford who would invite her over for an evening of games. Valarie’s so glad everyone here has been so welcoming. London is finally starting to feel like her home.

“A cat!” Matthew shouts out at her.

Alice shakes her head, continuing on with the movements. Lewis is sitting on the edge of his seat with chin resting on his hands as he watches Alice closely.

He’s intelligent, and Valarie knows that Lewis will figure what Alice is meant acting out.

“Some sort of feline?” Lewis asks, and Alice nods at him eagerly.

Matthew jumps up, the sofa bouncing in response. “A lion. Tiger. A bear!”

Lewis stares at him with a horrified look on his face. “Since when is a bear a feline?”

Matthew looks at him and shrugs. “I’m just trying to guess before the sand runs out.” He answers innocently.

Valarie looks at the hourglass on the table in front of them. The sand has almost drained from the top half.

“A leopard. A lion!” Matthew shouts.

Lewis jumps to his feet now, swatting Matthew on the arm. “You already said lion.” Gritting out through clenched teeth.

Matthew glares at him with a tight mouth. “Well, I don’t see you trying to guess now, do I?”

Lewis turns back to Alice, who is staring at them in the same way Valarie is. “It’s a panther.”

“Yes!” Alice says happily just as the hourglass runs out.

Matthew slumps back down into the sofa beside Valarie, who pouts in solidarity. “You almost had it.” Her hand rubs his back in calming circles.

His shoulders slacken. “I hate playing with Lewis. That know-it-all.” He murmurs the last part, and Valarie giggles at him.

“Lewis, it’s your turn now.” Alice tells him, propping herself down beside Valarie.

“All right. I am going to get another round of drinks first. Valarie, can you help me?”

“Sure.”

She follows Lewis out of the room and into the kitchen. It’s late, and the staff have already retired for the night, so Lewis grabs a set of clean glasses and pulls another bottle of wine from the cabinet. He hands it to Valarie, who moves to leave the room when Lewis catches her waist. He turns her, pulling her closer so that she can feel the heat coming off him in waves. They have both had a glass of wine, their bodies more fluid than normal, but they both still have their wits about them.

“You look gorgeous tonight.” Lewis’ voice is a little lower and gruffer than usual.

Valarie giggles up at him, reaching onto her toes to press her lips against his. They’re warm and slightly sticky from the wine, tasting gently of grapes.

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