All my inhibitions about coming faded at the beauty. I smiled when Rayden reached for my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. His excitement alone of having me meet his family, all the reassurance I needed that it was going to be a wonderful holiday despite it being the first time strangers would surround me. Yet, when the massive black gates to estate swung inward, the mildest trepidation curled my insides.It’s just nerves for the unknown—a normal reaction.
Rayden cruised down the snow-covered driveway, circled the large fountain with a massive Phoenix as its centerpiece and a glassy base of green water, and stopped in front of the double oak-paneled doors. When he climbed out and came around to open my door, I laughed, feeling like royalty. While he busied himself with retrieving our belongings from the trunk, I gazed around at the enormous Tudor styled home—no, make that a mansion. With its floor to ceiling windows, delicately carved balconies, and superbly manicured lawns, I wondered how many bedrooms made up this beauty. I followed Rayden up the marble stairs leading to the door, still in awe of the outside. When it opened by a well-groomed butler with a pleasant smile, I resisted the urge to laugh. This sort of luxury was all new to me, and the fact I was dating a wealthy man, even more so.
“After we unpack and relax a little, I’ll take you on a tour of the house.” Rayden glanced at me over his shoulder.
I nodded and followed him. When we climbed the flight of carpeted stairs flanked by thick wooden banisters that resembled polished cut logs, I was stunned to discover that the landing looked directly into a glass enclosure that equated the beauty under the ocean with tropical fish and plants. We walked down the passage, which looked like it went around the tank with doors tapering off at various intervals. He stopped at the second one and opened it.
“Our bedroom.” He gestured for me to enter.
“Wow.” The room was a decadent splash of teal and white ornamented by glass accessories. “I might not go back.” I laughed.
Rayden circled my waist from behind and nuzzled my neck. “You don’t have to.”
Turning in his arms. “Yeah, right.” I planted a soft kiss on his lips.
He faked a pout. “If you change your mind—”
“I’m not the barefoot and pregnant type,” I teased.
“You never know until you try it.” He bit my bottom lip.
“Dream on.” I patted his cheek.
He laughed. “Worth the try, right.” He kissed me before I could respond. “I’m just going to zip around to Zena’s parents to say hello. Want to join me?”
“No.” Was it strange I didn’t feel weird that my boyfriend was popping off to visit his dead girlfriend’s parents? Then again, I knew they doted on him after losing their only child, and I didn’t mind. “You go. I’d like to stretch out a little.” I didn’t want to tell him that I just needed some time to myself before the house filled with people I didn’t know.
He nodded. “You have the house to yourself for now. If you’re keen, take a dip in the jacuzzi, it might relax these tense shoulders. He massaged them before dropping a quick kiss to my lips. “The spa is two doors down at the top of the stairs.”
“Okay.”
When he left, I moved to the window and stared out. Huge bay windows overlooked wide-open fields, now shrouded in light snow but probably painted a radiant picture during warmer days. I opened the French doors and stepped out onto the balcony, inhaling deeply despite the chilled air. Leaning over the railing, I thought of my one-bedroom flat. A diminutive contrast to this sizeable intimidating home, yet it was my space. Something I’d worked hard to achieve even after living with Ruvash then at Trent’s place for almost a year.
“Sorry, madam.”
I turned and eyed the smiling butler standing at the threshold with a tray in his hand. “Mr. Rayden asked that I bring you a mug of hot chocolate.”
I stepped inside to accept the mug he held out. “Thank you...er.”
“Raj, madam,” he offered.
I smiled, noting the unusual accent. “And you can call me Sianna.” At his raised brow, I laughed. “I insist. I’m not used to being called madam, and I’d prefer you using my name.” I took an immediate liking to the stately old man with his ready smile and easy mannerisms.
“I’ll try my best, madam.”
I couldn’t place his accent. “You’re British?”
“Indian, actually. Raised in South Africa, though,” he replied, his smile went all the way to his eyes.
“I love the accent, it’s unique.” His blush made me smile. “Where’s the rest of Rayden’s family?” I asked, more out of the need for conversation than curiosity.
“Mr. Princeton is in the city. Miss. Princeton and Miss. Kyra, together with the senior Mr. and Mrs. Princeton, are out shopping.”
“Shopping? Don’t they have someone to do that for them? I mean, judging by this house, I’d expect them to be lounging by the fire while—” I broke off, suddenly ashamed by my outspoken probing. “I’m sorry.”
Raj gave me a consoling smile. “No need to apologize, madam—er—Sianna,” he corrected shyly at my frown. “The family isn’t as sophisticated as everyone believes. They enjoy shopping, even for the kitchen at times. They’re a good family, and during the holidays, the senior Mr. Princeton likes to do what you youngsters call, party. If you’re feeling a little intimidated. Don’t worry. It’s the house. It has that effect on people,” he explained, as though he sensed my apprehension.
“It certainly does.” I chewed my lip thoughtfully. “How long have you been with the family, Raj?”
