Page 116 of Unravelling: Aria & Crispin
"To the dead who still know how to strike hardest," Crispin murmured, tapping his glass to Alice's.
Dorian grinned, swirling his wine. "To women with legal documentation and better timing than a sniper."
Dorian exhaled dramatically. "Aria, we're going to need a crane to get you off that sofa."
She smiled serenely, like a laughing buddha. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
"I can practically see the permanent indent forming. You may as well declare squatter's rights." He flicked a glance at Crispin, lifting his glass. "So, this is it, huh? Shackled for life? A man, slave to cravings and crankiness at three a.m."
“A ball and chain," Aria offered cheerfully.
"A very sexy ball and chain, who has me wrapped around her little finger," Crispin added, not missing a beat.
Aria leaned back with a mock sigh. "I'm going to find your hidden portrait, Dorian. I know there's one in an attic somewhere. You're too evil to be untouched by time."
"You've readDorian Gray?"
"No, I slept on it. It diffused straight into my brain," Aria deadpanned. "Yes, of course, I have read it. Ophelia made me."
The room erupted in laughter, and for the first time, no one held anything back.
Crispin smirked. "And now... Alice, you owe us."
She sipped her wine slowly, eyes narrowed. "Owe you what? I think it should be the other way around."
"Who is this mystery husband of yours?" Dorian asked. Alice had put them off when Crispin had furiously asked her how she could keep such a huge secret from him after the boardroom meeting.
Alice hesitated, and for a moment, her perfect poise faltered. A strange expression flickered across her face, half mischief, half...something else.
"It's no one you know," she said.
"But we'd like to," Crispin said, narrowing his eyes.
She hesitated again. "His name is Sten Aland."
Crispin blinked. "TheSten Aland?"
"The restaurateur?" Dorian added. "The, three Michelin stars, owns half of Mayfair, and has a pilot's license for fun, Sten Aland?"
Alice nodded. "That one."
"You married a man who runs a culinary empire and didn't even invite us to the tasting menu? The waiting list for a table at the Linea is as long as the distance between the earth and the moon," Crispin said, his tone turning suspicious. "How long have you known him? Weren't you with that guy...Emilio something. This is rather sudden."
But Alice didn't respond. Her gaze drifted to the window, momentarily distant. "You can say we are old friends. He's private, so am I. But you will have your table at the Linea. I'll arrange a dinner so you can meet Sten." She stood, brushing imaginary creases from her sleek scarlet dress. "Thank you for the wine. And congratulations, Aria. Truly."
"Congratulations to you, too," Aria said softly.
Alice nodded once, and with a swirl of her coat, she was gone.
Dorian and Crispin exchanged a look.
One that saidWe are absolutely getting to the bottom of this.
Later, after the door closed behind Dorian, Aria was halfway through locking up when Crispin trapped her between himself and the front door.
He turned her around and lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her slow and deep. She melted into him, her arms winding around his neck.
"Thank you," he said against her lips.
