Page 65 of Vicious Games

I laughed. “It would make for some interesting wedding photos.”

I checked over my shoulder to make sure the men were not within earshot before leaning in and whispering, “So, is everything all set?”

Lizzie placed a finger to her lips and stood. She crossed the parlor and said loudly, “When you finally say yes, you better let me design your wedding dress.” She then softly closed the doors and rejoined me on the sofa. “Yes. Jane is coming up from London later tonight.”

“Oh, are you sending a car? I should text Eleanor and let her know. Maybe they can travel together.”

Lizzie waved me off. “Already taken care of. They won’t be here in time for dinner, but they will arrive by ten.”

“I know Eleanor can only stay a few days.”

“Jane took off the whole week from work, so between her and Nanny, baby Richard will be fine.”

I nervously looked at the closed parlor doors and paused for a moment to make sure the men were not approaching. “So we’re all set?”

Lizzie nodded. “Yes, there’s just one problem, I—”

I grabbed her forearm to warn her just as the doors opened and the men returned. “No, we didn’t have time to see the ballet while we were in Vienna, but Roman has promised to take me back there one day. Hello, gentlemen! Did Richard like his new present?”

Roman crossed the room and sat on the arm of the sofa, beside me. He kissed the top of my head. “Billy loved them. He’s banging away on them now.”

Richard smirked at Roman, then turned to me. “Please say yes to my half-brother soon, so I can start returning the favor when you have children.”

A bell rang in the room.

Lizzie smoothed out her silk taffeta dress as she stood. “That’s the warning bell for dinner.” She held out a hand to me. “I made the most fabulous dress for you.”

Although Richard had finally relented and allowed electricity to be installed in the ancient estate, they still very much lived a Victorian lifestyle during the time they spent here. It was actually quite fun to visit. Lizzie always made me the most wonderful Victorian-style dresses to wear to dinner whenever we visited.

As I stood, Roman clasped my hand and drew me in close. “Remember the rules.”

While Lizzie had a lady’s maid to assist her in getting into the complicated undergarments and bustles, Roman always assisted me.

I held a proprietary hand to his chest. “We only have an hour before dinner is served.”

He winked. “Then you better hurry.”

He gave me a playful slap on the ass as we left the room.

CHAPTER 26

ROMAN

Richard leaned back in his seat and grinned. He gently rolled the crystal stem of his wineglass between his fingers. He then trained his amused gaze on me. “I hear you enjoyed the hospitality of a certain Czech Republic prison recently.”

Aurora coughed as she placed a hand over her mouth. She reached for her water glass and took a large swallow before speaking. “How did you find out about that?” she asked as her cheeks turned a beautiful pink.

She was looking particularly gorgeous tonight. Although I didn’t share my brother’s proclivity for the Victorian aesthetic, there was no denying the cobalt blue with black lace Victorian gown she was wearing this evening was stunning on her. It was even more alluring knowing underneath all that silk she was wearing a sexy corset. I couldn’t wait to get her into bed. I thought I would take her from behind tonight as I pulled on the corset strings and spanked her ass. I adjusted my seat as the thought aroused me. I still had the rest of dinner with my brother and his wife to endure.

After finishing an excellent meal of curried lobster and roast capon, we were now all enjoying a cheese and fruit course of local artisan cheeses, figs, and pulled bread.

I raised my glass in a mock toast. It was my only glass during dinner. I still observed a strict discipline in regard to alcohol consumption in deference to Aurora, who rarely drank anything beyond the occasional sherry or glass of wine. “Frankly, I’m surprised it took you this long to mention it.”

Richard reached over and grasped Lizzie’s hand. “I promised Elizabeth I would abstain until at least the pudding course.”

Lizzie covered her mouth with a napkin to hide her smile.

Aurora’s blush deepened. “How much do you know?”

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