“I do hope Asher is treating you well,” she says as we make our way into her and Harrington’s massive bedroom, the size of the space making Asher’s bedroom in his penthouse look small, which is no easy feat. “I know your relationship had some bumps in the beginning.”
“Uh . . . yes, Asher is treating me well. It’s just been a little difficult to figure out how to navigate the relationship when it’s not a real relationship.”
One side of her mouth pulls into a knowing grin. “Ah. Is he still sticking to that?”
“Yes.”
“Well, he always was stubborn.”
I’m not sure what to say to that, so I remain quiet and try not to gape at the beautiful design of the room as Cathrine leads me into the opulent bathroom. It takes everything in me not to crane my neck to get a better view of the closet beyond the bathroom since Catherine’s wardrobe is literally legendary and has been for decades. I know that’s a big reason why my fashion makes the headlines it does when I’m photographed out and about. It all stems from her legacy.
“I see the way he looks at you,” Catherine says, breaking me from my thoughts as she rifles through her bathroom drawers, pulling out bottles of skincare and shower products. “And whether he has admitted it to himself or not, he cares for you, Ella. A great deal. But I also know that you’ll probably have to be patient with him. He’s never tried to be in a real relationship. All his previous relationships were barely more than flings. I know you just said the relationship is an arrangement, but I have a feeling it won’t stay that way, mark my words.”
“And you’re happy about that?” I blurt out. Then my stomach knots in panic and embarrassment.Why did I ask that?
She straightens and smiles warmly. “I am. I want happiness for all my boys, and I fear they’ve been looking for it in all the wrong places for too long. From everything Asher and Harrington have told me about you, you seem like a perfect fit for my son.”
“You’re not upset that I have no social standing?” Again, I want to punch myself for my too honest and vulnerable question, but I can’t help my morbid curiosity. Catherine is the daughter of a high-ranking noble. Titles and social standing are literally a big deal to the lifestyle she was born and raised in.
“Of course not. Harrington wasn’t the only reason I defected from the UK. I hated the pressure and the ruthlessness of the ruling class. Their ways never made sense to me, even though I was raised in them. I want my sons to have partners they love, who love them, and who fit them well. That’s it. And grandchildren.” She winks at me. “I want a heap of those, too. But I know those will come with time.”
I let out a nervous giggle, unsure what to say to that. Again, Asher’s family proves how different they are to what people would expect of them. They have ridiculous amounts of wealth and fame, but at the end of the day, they’re just a family who want the same basic things as everyone else.
Catherine passes me the bottles. “This should get you through the night, and if you don’t want to wear your dress home tomorrow, I can give you something to wear. Maybe since it wouldn’t involve a bed, my son wouldn’t have a problem with it.”
“Thank you,” I say with another giggle. “I’ll let you know in the morning.”
She nods. “Goodnight, Ella dear.”
“Goodnight, Catherine.”
Ten minutes later, I huff out a sigh in defeat and pull out my phone to text Asher.
I’m lost. This house is too big, and I can’t find my way back to your room. I give up!
Never fear, fair maiden. I will come rescue you. Where are you?
If I knew the answer to that, I wouldn’t be lost, now would I, good sir?
Look around you, what do you see?
A long hallway with stupidly expensive paneling like the rest of the house. But there is a picture of a lady in a pink dress looking out a window.
Aha! I know right where you are. You’re still in the east wing. Stay put, gentle lady, and I will be there shortly to collect you.
Thank you, kind sir.
A few minutes later,Asher saunters down the hallway toward me still in his suit pants and white shirt, but he’s lost his tie, the top few buttons of the shirt are undone, and the sleeves are rolled up. And fuck me. The sight has me practically drooling by the time he reaches me.
“Like what you see?” he purrs as he reaches me. “You’re practically eye-fucking me.”
“No practically about it. I am absolutely eye-fucking you.”
He shoots me his devilish grin that is my favorite. “I like the sound of that.”
I nod my chin toward the armful of bottles I’m still holding. “Well, since I have all these luxury products to use in the shower, maybe you can join me. We can get clean together.”
“Only after we get dirty first.”
