Page 62 of Princess of Pride
“I just…” Pant, pant. “Need a second.”
“Of course. You’re probably not used to this. Castle life.” She gestures to the grand staircase that has finally reached the top.
That makes this place four stories. Wow. My estate back home is long like a football field but only two stories. Three, if you count the finished basement.
“Lachlan should invest in an elevator.” I lean against the large wood newel post.
“There is one. The servants use it for laundry and food andsuch. You’re welcome to use it as well. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind.”
Servants? Is that what they call them here, or does she just call them that? “No, thanks. This is great for my ass. I’ve been meaning to focus on it more at the gym. Now, I won’t have to.”
She doesn’t need to know I don’t work out—not really.
Kat smiles again but with obvious disgust. “Well, then. Shall we continue?”
I’d rather drop to the floor and rest longer and have someone bring me a snack while I rebuild my strength, but I’m determined to prove I’m not as out of shape as I appear. “Sure thing.”
She leads us down another wood paneled hallway. “There are a few rules we oblige to here at the castle,” she says, confusing me.
“We? How many people live here?”
“He didn’t tell you?” She stops and gives me a pitying look. “Hmm.”
Thathmmholds weight.
“Well, there’s Lachlan and now you. His brother, Rory. His best friend and business colleague, Wes. His aunt, Moria, occasionally, as well as myself when I’m needed. And the staff, which I believe has ten people. Lorna is the head housekeeper and Lachlan’s favorite. She was his mother’s favorite too. God rest her soul.” She puts her hand over her heart. “This was her castle after all. Lachlan only inherited it upon her death, and that has caused its own feud as I’m sure you’ve already heard.”
“Of course,” I say, although the version he gave me was short. Had I not been kidnapped, I doubt he would have shared it at all. I’m not about to admit that to her. Nothing about Kat says she’sgenuine.
“You said there were rules?” I ask and add, “Lachlan gotcalled away when we arrived.” I can’t admit he left me stranded after giving me my first orgasm.
She nods. “No guests without approval from Lachlan, and Lorna must be informed beforehand. Dinner is at 8:30 sharp with proper attire.” She rubs under her nose, making me think I smell.
Like sex and Lachlan maybe. And whatever filth I picked up in the airport bathroom. Oh god, I probably do stink.
“The gentlemen retire to the cigar room after dinner, no ladies allowed. The distillery is on the property but restricted to employees only.”
Distillery. So that’s the factory. I bet he makes scotch.
“Each floor has a gallery that you’re welcome to linger in. The kitchen, indoor pool, and ballroom are on the first floor. The wine cellar is in the basement, though it’s something of a labyrinth. Best stay clear, unless you fancy being lost for days. The formal dining, and gathering room, are on the second floor as well as Lachlan’s study. That, too, is off-limits unless he invites you in, of course. That floor also has a library if you read. There’s a second library in the highest tower, but it belonged to his mother and isstrictlyforbidden.”
His mother liked books. Suddenly, I miss a woman I’ll never get to meet. We might have gotten along, if only for our love of reading. I wish I knew more about her and how she died. Those answers will have to wait.
“The third and fourth floor are mostly bedrooms.” She walks a few steps and passes under an archway that leads to a single door. “And this is Lachlan’s bedroom. I assume he wants to share it with his… wife.”
Is she asking me? Honestly, I don’t know. My guess is he doesn’t, but I don’t want to tell her that. I also don’t want to invade his personal space. He doesn’t seem like the type who’s okay with that. I can’t stand here in front of Ms. Perfect though,like I’m not Lachlan’s real wife. Iamhis legal wife, but I don’t know what I am otherwise. Should I play the part in front of her? Is this castle considered public?
He shouldn’t have left me. He should have explained what I needed to know. Like these stupid rules, although they’re not much different from what I grew up with.
“Thank you, Kat.” I give her my sweetest, fake smile. “I appreciate your help.”
“My pleasure.” She stands there for a moment as if she’s waiting for me to go in.
I turn toward the door and try the handle, praying it isn’t locked. How dumb would that make me look?
To my relief, the knob turns. “Thanks again,” I say over my shoulder, wondering why she’s not leaving. I close the door behind me and take in my husband’s bedroom.
15
