Page 43 of Rim Job

“Mother, had it not been for meeting my wife, I would have proposed. It was, after all, what was expected of me.”

I look at Father. He lets out a sigh before raising his glass to take a sip.

I don't blame the old man. Arranged marriages or marriages of convenience aren't an uncommon occurrence within our circle. Matter of fact, my parent's marriage was arranged. Luckily, they truly fell in love. That would not have been the case for me and Isadora.

Father leans forward. “Son, I'm sorry if you felt pressured by me. That was not my intent. I was just looking out for your best interests. You could have come to me. I'm not such a stubborn, bloody old fool that I'd put duty before my son. Your happiness is most important. I'll deal with Isadora’s family.”

“Thank you, Father.” I stand and extend my hand. I watch a little bewildered as he stands up and circles the desk, then pulls me into hug.

I hug him back, the first embrace I can recall receiving from him since I was a teen.

He claps my back. “Been too long since we've done that, too.”

“Yes, sir.” My reply comes out shaky as my voice cracks with emotion.

“Now then, tell us about how you ended up married,” Mother says as she stands and loops her arm through mine.

I chuckle.

Which water downed version should I tell them that won't cause them to have a heart attacks?

The sooner I get through this story, the faster I can set my dinner plans with Christina into motion.

21

CHRISTINA

“Rim, I can’t see where I’m going.” I laugh as I stagger step between his arms. His hands cover my eyes as he leads me somewhere in this castle for a surprise, or so he says.

“I believe that’s the point, my love. It’s a surprise.”

“Well, there better be cake. All the best surprises have cake.”

“Do they now? I’ll be sure you have cake, then.”

I reach up and try to pry his fingers away from my face.

“Stop that. Don’t make me spank you.”

“I know you think that’s a threat, but if I enjoy it, it’s sort of an invitation to keep it up.”

“You naughty little minx. You want a spanking, wife?”

Now that I’ve decided to make the most of this situation, I can’t help but laugh when he calls me that. “Maybe.”

I totally do! Bring it, Lord Banks.

His lips heat the skin along the column of my neck moments before he whispers, “There’s my naughty girl.”

Yes, yes, I am.

“Okay, Christina. Open your eyes.”

His hands leave my face, and I inhale a steadying breath. Then slowly, I open my eyes.

It’s breathtaking.

I look around the intimate patio, tucked away in a corner of a vast garden. The smell of fresh roses travels through the night air. Hundreds of candles dance behind hurricane glass. The table, set for two, is resplendent with fine china, crystal, and silver. It is all so romantic.

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