Page 59 of Seal My Fate

But still, the thought that this will all be over soon gives me hope. One day, life really will be as simple as Tessa is joking. She’ll be safe, and happy again, with no life-or-death choices to make—aside from what kind of cocktail to order to our beachfront cabana.

I hold onto that vision—and the idea of Tessa in a string bikini—as we arrive at my parents’ house in Hampstead, north of the city.

She gets out of the car and whistles, looking up at the spacious house, half-hidden behind the garden walls. “I know I should stop being surprised by all your real estate, but seriously. This place is gorgeous.”

“I suppose crime really does pay,” I mutter darkly. I used to enjoy the trappings of our fortune, too: the houses and first-class travel, and exclusive access to every VIP event around. It helped to make up for the responsibilities of the Ashford legacy, the one pressing down on my shoulders with every passing day.

Now, I just look around and wonder what kind of corruption my ancestors were guilty of, to build our empire in the first place. How many people they lied to and exploited, like that poor man outside Ashford today, desperate for a cure.

“Balzac knew what he was talking about,” Tessa quips, and I turn to her, recognizing the reference.

“Behind every great fortune is an even greater crime,” I quote, and she smiles.

“This crime, they won’t get away with. Ready?” she asks, holding her hand out to me.

“Ah, yes.” I take it. “Lies, family drama, and a little light thieving. What could be better?”

We make our way up the path to the front door. A maid answers and takes our coats, before showing us to the formal sitting room, where I’m surprised to see my brother, Robert, pouring drinks.

“They roped you into this, too?” I greet him, pleased to see another friendly face. And hopefully, someone else to keep the conversation going while I go search for this encryption key.

Robert clears his throat, pushing back his shock of blonde hair. “Ah, yes. Tessa,” he nods, looking weirdly nervous to see her. Clearly, my parents have already been complaining about my choice of partners.

“Good to see you,” she smiles brightly, smoothing down her conservative navy dress. In the end, she decided not to rile my mother up with her choice in outfits: She looks perfectly demure, with her hair pulled back in a low bun, and simple makeup.

I’m the only one who knows she’s wearing a sinful scarlet lingerie set under that dress.

“I’ll take a scotch, if you’re pouring,” I tell Robert. “It’s not like mother to leave her guests waiting.”

“She’s off seeing about the food,” he reports.

“And by that, he means nitpicking with the chef,” I translate to Tessa. Robert hands me a drink, and I slap his shoulder in thanks.

He flinches, looking pained.

“Are you alright there?” I ask, noticing a bandage peeking up from under the collar of his shirt.

“Fine,” he replies quickly. “Just buggered up my shoulder, playing some rugby with the lads.”

“Tough break,” I say, sympathetic.

“My own fault,” he says, with another nervous laugh. “Charging around like that. I forget I’m not eighteen anymore.”

“Rubbish. You can take any of those youngsters. Robert here is the athlete of the family,” I tell Tessa. “Ruby, polo, cross country… He does it all. Left me in the dust, every time.”

“Really? Maybe you should work out more,” Tessa gives me an innocent smile. “Try to get that stamina up.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my stamina,” I smirk, trying to keep a straight face.

At least, not when it comes to making Tessa moan for mercy, clenching around my cock...

“Anthony, so good of you to join us.”

My mother sweeps in, and just like that, all thoughts of wild passion go fleeing from my mind. The proverbial cold shower, as always.

“Mother.” I press a polite kiss to her cheek. “We’re right on time. Early, even.”

“My, we’re honored,” she says dryly. “What’s the occasion?”

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