Page 33 of A Convenient Ring to Claim Her

“And you, Mrs. Von Strauss,” Quinn lied.

“Will you walk me out?”

“Of course,” Micah said, ever the gentleman.

“Your sister recently married,” Aunt Zara said as they strode through the lounge toward the foyer. “We haven’t had a chance to discuss that.”

“There’s nothing to discuss. As you said, she’s married.”

Aunt Zara’s mouth pinched, but she knew the rules where Eden was concerned. That’s why Micah had invoked her outside, to warn her against insulting Quinn to her face or behind her back. He had made clear a long time ago that he would not stand for any criticism of his mother or sister.

It hit him that, at some point, he would have to reveal to Zara and the rest of his father’s family that Yasmine existed. They were going to have a collective stroke.

“It’s charitable of you to help your sister’s friend.” She never used Eden’s name. “I can’t fault your loyalty to family.” Her smile was chilly. “But you have responsibilities toallyour family, Micah. Everything you do affects us. It reflects on us. Kindly remember that.”

“How could I forget when you’re so diligent about reminding me?”

“A young man may enjoy his amusements. A man your age needs to secure his dynasty,” she asserted. “You need an heir, Micah. And a wife who is an asset to the entire family.”

Oof. He wanted to take her arm and walk her out to hear what Quinn would say about a woman being an “asset.”

“Is she really accompanying you to the award ceremony? Like that? Please let me send my stylist, if so.”

“‘She’ has a name. I’ll take care of everything Quinn needs,” he assured her stiffly.

“Hmph.” She offered her cheek and said her farewell.

He stood there a moment after closing the door, recognizing that he’d always known he would have to marry and produce an heir one day. It had been made clear to him thousands of times, especially in the last few years, but he hadn’t seriously contemplated marriage because...

Truthfully? Because he’d been keeping himself available for Quinn. It hadn’t been a conscious decision. He simply hadn’t been interested in anyone else. Aside from setups like being seated next to someone eligible at his aunt’s table, he hadn’t even dated.

He couldn’t imagine spending his life with one of those socialites she pushed at him. They were always attractive and well-educated and eager to do “good work” for a charity, but he’d never met any who possessed a spark of real personality. None lit a fire in him the way Quinn did.

He’d never considered Quinn for the role of his wife because she’d always made it clear she wasn’t interested in marriage and babies.

What could you want from me besides sex?

That, he realized. Marriage. The babies were negotiable, but in terms of sharing his bed, waking next to her and bickering over breakfast, she was already his preferred partner.

He pondered that as he walked back outside, briefly alarmed that she wasn’t at the table, but she’d only wandered to the water’s edge where she was crouched, feeling the temperature.

She glanced up when he joined her.

“I wish I could swim, if only to wash my hair.”

“I’ll wash it.” For better or worse, he thought with irony. Was he really going down this road?

“Don’t be silly.” She tipped slightly, trying to stand.

He caught her good arm and steadied her under her elbow, helping her rise.

“I’m very serious.” He was talking about more than a hair wash, but marriage was a conversation that would have to be handled with care. She was in no shape to hear it now, still half-drugged with painkillers.

“What would Aunt Zara say to you playing ladies’ maid?” She widened her eyes in mock scandal.

“Aunt Zara is a snob. She drove my mother away, but she understands now what a mistake it is to attack people I care about. If she or any member of my family treats you in a way that is offside, you’ll tell me immediately.”

Quinn tucked her chin, smirking in a way that suggested he was overreacting, but her expression shifted as she realized he was not joking.

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