Page 71 of Velvet Cruelty

I drop three ice cubes into the cocktail shaker. “Yes?”

Her cheeks burn red. “That wasn’t the first time I’ve felt that way.”

I smile. “Wet and horny?”

“No.” She gnaws at her puffy lower lip. “I… I think I’ve been given Orchard before.”

“That’s impossible.”

“It’s true. When I was fifteen, I was at a ball, and I got… sick the exact same way.”

I put down the cocktail shaker. Her expression is steady, her eyes clear. She’s not lying. My stomach knots. “Parker. Was Parker there?”

“I… Yes.”

In two strides I’m beside her, pulling her to her feet. “Bobby?”

“What?” A strained voice calls from down the hall. He’s probably in the bathroom masturbating into the sink.

“Get Doc and Adriano and meet me in the east wing. We have a problem.”

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