Page 18 of Stranded with His Runaway Bride

Throughout their marriage his maternal grandparents had held a masked ball every year, one of the most sought-after invites on the European social calendar. Grand-Mère had continued the tradition even after her husband’s death and after every ball she’d kept a selection of the costumes worn. Her own and her husband’s, and many donated by guests.

‘I’ll go and see if it’s still here and you can check the pantries for food.’

Leo headed for the grand staircase. Time alone to think.

All those things she’d said of him earlier. How he’d behaved towards her when they’d met at official functions. Had he really become that man? As cold and unfeeling as his father? It shocked him.

The empty house echoed to the sound of his footsteps as he crossed the marble tiles of the hallway. Chateau Elisabetha had never felt so forlorn, because his grandmother had always been there. Seb too and a handful of servants. It bothered him that the place felt so lonely now. It didn’t seem right somehow. After it had always felt so alive with hisgrand-mèrein residence.

Most of her things had gone, but the staff who’d cleared the house had missed the odd item, such as the CD player in the kitchen.

On the landing were several portraits that over the years Grand-Mère had commissioned of her beloved dogs. They watched him as he passed, shaming him with their patient, unconditional devotion. One-eyed, one-eared, balanced on three legs, whatever their imperfection, each had been painted to make the viewer see them as perfect and as well beloved as they’d been to their owner.

Leo went by, ignoring the reproachful eyes.

He passed the family and guest bedrooms and up the stairs to the final floor.

Under the eaves of this wing ran an attic. Its entire length had been fitted with wardrobes. Leo opened the first.

Bingo.

Carefully wrapped in linen covers sat line after line of his grandmother’s beloved costumes. He checked out the first. An extravagant blue dress with hopped petticoats and an elaborate white wig: Marie Antoinette had once graced the ball. The next, in sharp contrast, was a cheerleader outfit, in burgundy and gold with Grimentz High emblazoned across the front and complete with a set of matching pom-poms.

Unbidden came lustful thoughts of Violetta, ministering to some of his baser needs while dressed in it. Well, well, looked as if his prim runaway was stirring his blood after all.

‘What are you grinning about?’

He looked up to find Violetta in the doorway.

‘I was imagining you in this,’ he said, holding up the short dress and giving the pom-poms a cheery shake.

‘Well, I’m about to wipe that smile from your face. I’ve searched the kitchen and the larder. Apart from tinned stuff there isn’t a single fresh, edible thing in this house.’

Leo allowed his gaze to wander in a slow appraisal from the tips of her toes, past that slender waist, the subtle swell of her breasts and her small, currently belligerent mouth. Eventually he met her eye.

‘Oh, I wouldn’t say that.’

She rolled her eyes, pretending outrage but he noted the flush of red across her cheeks.

She marched over to the closet where the female outfits were stored and riffled through them. Opening the first to check the contents, finding the elaborate wig and blue gown.

‘Marie Antoinette? Not a chance, I’m not enjoying the similarities.’

More bags were unzipped. A mermaid. A gladiatrix. A ballerina ready for the starring role inSwan Lake. On that one she paused. Stroking the snowy white feathers adorning the tutu.

Leo watched as she gave a little sigh and moved on. Suddenly, he hoped she’d already discounted the cheerleader outfit, thinking it might be better for him if she didn’t choose it.

But back she came.

‘As you were so taken with the idea of me in this, perhaps I’ll wear it,’ she said, taking it from his hands with a challenge in her eyes that sent a sharp kick of lust straight to his groin.

There was the rapid clatter of heels on the stairs, then the opening and closing of a door as she entered one of the bedrooms on the floor below.

Leo blew out a long breath. Feeling unaccountably...rattled.

The gale outside buffeted the rafters and a draught chilled his skin through his damp shirt. He needed to find something dry to wear.

He crossed the attic to the other set of cupboards where he thought to find all the male costumes his grandmother had saved.

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