Page 33 of Keep Me

“I’m glad you’re home. We have something to talk to you about,” Anna says, taking a seat on one of the large upholstered chairs. Then she glances up at our new housekeeper, Martha. “Could we get a pot of tea, please?”

“Of course, ma’am,” she replies before rushing off toward the kitchen.

Sylvie pulls out her earphones. “What’s up?”

Anna gestures to one of the chairs. “Killian and I were just speaking about you two making a public appearance as husband and wife.”

Her eyes dance toward me and back to my sister as she sits. “Where at?”

“Here,” I reply with a low hum.

“It would be a dinner party with some of Killian’s old friends. They’d likely stay the weekend. We have over sixteen guest rooms in the house.”

“Fifteen,” I correct her.

“Och, yes. Of course,” Anna replies. “Since Sylvie has taken one, we now have fifteen available guest rooms.”

“What do I need to do for this party?” Sylvie asks, glancing back at me.

“You two will need to appear as a couple. Which means you’ll need to be affectionate as well astalkto each other.”

Sylvie rolls her eyes and purses her lips. “Tell him he needs to learn his manners and stop being such a pompous asshole.”

“I will as soon as you stop being an inconsiderate little cunt.”

My sister gasps. “Both of you! Stop it!”

Sylvie doesn’t give up that easily. “What did you call me?” she shrieks as she bursts out of her chair.

“You heard me,” I reply.

“I’m here helpingyou,” she cries.

I huff with a chuckle. “For how much?”

“You are such an ignorant pig!”

My lips stretch into a smile as the blood pumps faster through my veins. It’s invigorating how easy it is to rile her up and get her going.

“See, we look married already,” I reply with a laugh.

“I’d rather eat dirt than pretend to be married to you,” Sylvie shouts. “I’m afraid I’ll have to miss your little party.”

Just as she starts to stomp out of the room, my sister stands. “It’s part of the contract, Sylvie,” she calls, stopping Sylvie in her tracks.

I watch with pleasure as her hands clench into fists. She spins around angrily. “Then tell him to stop talking to me like that!”

Anna lets out a sigh. “Killian…please.”

I put up my hands in surrender. “Fine.”

“You two will need to be believable as husband and wife, or none of this will work.” She grabs her purse off the table.

“Where are you going?” Sylvie asks, looking terrified.

“I can’t help you with this part. I suggest you two learn how totalk to each other and figure it out. This party will be the true test. If you can’t convince your guests that you love each other, then this whole thing has been for nothing. And we’ve failed.”

My sister leaves just as Martha walks into the room with a pot of tea on a tray and three mugs. I fucking hate tea. And I know Miss America over there loves coffee, but I feel bad for having the staff make it for nothing. So, I thank her as she sets it down and leaves.

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