Instead of smiling, her eyes started to glow on their own. The sun wasn’t out today, so she wasn’t reflecting the light. The brightness came from deep inside her, from a place I couldn’t see. “I hated you so much when I first met you…but now I can’t picture my life without you.”
The words went straight to my heart because I knew how much she meant them. She lied to me when she first told me she loved me, but now there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that I was her entire world. She gave up all of her dreams for me. She gave up her entire life. “I can’t picture my life without you either.”
I pulled London’s hand away from mine and hooked it around my arm instead. We walked up to the old palace in Manchester, the lawn ornaments glowing with celebration. The nighttime sky was deep blue instead of black, but the lack of stars didn’t dim the brightness of the party. The windows were lit up, and silhouettes could be seen through the tapestries. “This is the proper mannerism.”
“Proper, huh?” she asked. “Is it proper to fuck your woman in the ass just before leaving for a dinner party?”
I halted before the stone stairs and looked into her face, both aroused and impressed by her attitude. “Keep running that mouth, and I’ll do it again in one of the guest rooms.”
“Is that supposed to make me stop?”
Man, she was perfect. “You can hold my hand if you want. I’m just explaining the customs. It’s always so important to you to fit in.”
“Eh.” She shrugged. “I guess I don’t care that much anymore.”
“Just don’t spit on anybody, and you should be okay.” I started walking again.
“What’s the dude’s name again?”
“Dude?”
“Bro, whatever.”
I’d never get used to her American slang. “Duke Vasile of Romania.”
“Oh, okay. What’s his wife’s name? I mean, the duchess?”
“She’s dead. Passed away ten years ago.”
“Oh…”
“His daughter is Anna.”
“So she’s Princess Anna? Like in the Princess Diaries?”
“Huh?”
“It’s a movie in America. Never mind…”
I wasn’t going to bother learning about that piece of culture. “You refer to her as the Lady Anna.”
“Lady Anna?”
“Yes.”
“She’s not a duchess?”
“No. She only becomes a duchess if she marries a duke. If she marries a commoner, then she loses her title.”
She raised an eyebrow. “How do you know all of this?”
“Born into it.”
“So, if she married you, she would be a duchess?”
Now I raised both eyebrows, startled by the hypothetical question. “Yes.”
“So no matter who you marry, you never lose your title?”
“Correct.”
“Gotcha.” She nodded slowly.
We walked inside and joined the party. A symphony played in the corner, accompanied by a large grand piano that looked as ancient as the rest of the house. The manor had been restored, but most of the original work had been left alone. The walls had been touched up, but the moldings along the ceiling were original. Spending a lifetime among the nobility gave me a keen eye for this sort of thing.
I made my rounds and spoke to acquaintances and friends. London was quiet, but she was always polite and participated, even if she wasn’t entirely certain of the subject we were discussing. Her gold gown perfectly complemented the maroon colors of the manor, and I knew my designer was worth every penny. She knew how to make London look superior to every royal person in the room.
The duke was busy speaking to all the other guests of the party, so I took my time before I bombarded him. At least three hundred people were there. Even if we had a good conversation, he probably wouldn’t remember it.
“How do you know him?” London asked when we were alone together. Just like when we were alone at home, she was close to me, a part of her body always touching mine. She drank her wine as her arm brushed against the fabric of my suit.
“Honestly, I can’t remember the first time we met. But he’s a big fan of my scotch. Has it at dinner parties and the hotels he operates around the world.”
“Are all of your friends clients?”
I shrugged. “I guess so. I didn’t push the scotch on them. They just happen to like it.”
“It is pretty good. Strong as hell, but good.” She glanced to the other side of the room then turned back to me. “Is that whore gonna be here?”
I did a double take when I heard what she said. I hoped no one overheard it. “What whore are you referring to? Dunbar?”
She didn’t crack a smile. “Josephine.”
Hadn’t even thought of her. “Not sure. But probably.”
“Maybe I’ll spill some wine on her. You know, by mistake.”
“Is this out of jealousy or loyalty?”
“A little bit of both,” she said before she sipped her wine.
“I never think about her, so you shouldn’t concern yourself with it.” It was like the engagement had never happened. I couldn’t even remember what it was like to love the woman. I met London, and my entire life changed. It seemed like she’d always been in my life, that no other woman ever mattered.
“I still hate that bitch.”
I pressed my forefinger over my lips. “Shh…you can say that when we’re alone together, but not here.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re no fun.” She finished her glass of wine and set it on an empty tray a waiter was carrying. “I’m going to use the restroom. I’m not opposed to the idea of you joining me.” She winked then walked away.
I couldn’t tell if she was teasing me or not, but that’s why I loved her.
“Crewe Donoghue.” Vasile appeared at my side in a midnight black tux. He was in his late sixties but had a youthful appearance. A life of exercise and veganism had served him well. “A pleasure, always.” He shook my hand.
“The pleasure is mine, sir. Your party is lovely.”
“Thank you. I wish I could take credit for it but I can’t. I just get to show up.” He laughed.
I laughed too.
“I hope you didn’t come alone, Crewe. You’re too handsome not to have a woman on your arm.”
It was ironic that London had walked away at the worst possible time. “Thank you, sir. I—” I spotted Ariel coming toward me, Cassandra trailing behind her. They weren’t showing any display of affection, probably because Ariel was all business—all the time. “Allow me to introduce you to my business partner, Ariel.”
“Oh yes, we’ve spoken on the phone.” Vasile kissed her on each cheek. “You’re much easier to work with than this one.” He nodded his head in my direction. “He’s all drink and no talk.”
Ariel smiled. “Trust me, I know. Let me introduce you to another business associate of mine…” She turned to Cassandra.
“And girlfriend,” I added.
Ariel narrowed her eyes at me, caught off guard by my honesty.
I knew Ariel wasn’t ashamed of who she was, and I didn’t want her to be ashamed just because we were at a royal dinner. If she was protecting me, she didn’t need to. Anyone who had a problem with that could buy their scotch somewhere else.
Cassandra covered for Ariel and shook his hand. “It’s so beautiful here. I love the lawn ornaments.”
“Why, thank you,” Vasile replied. “They’re nice, aren’t they? Lighten up the place.” If he was uncomfortable by the turn of events, he didn’t show it.
Ariel glared at me when he wasn’t looking.