I realize I’d made a noise—a tiny, dry sob.
“I’m fine. I mean, yes?” I thrust my hands under my thighs.I won’t bite my thumbnails.
“We’re just coming up to the house.”
“But this isn’t Chelsea.” Just call me Captain Obvious as I glance out the window.
“I don’t live in Chelsea.”
“Right.” I nod. “Got it. That’s just where your illicit party house is. I suppose if Daisy had been in the house, you wouldn’thave…” I turn to him, my cheeks suddenly burning hotter than a thousand suns.
“I wouldn’t have what?” he asks, all taunt and smirk.
“Hosted an illegal gambling den?”
“Right. That’s exactly what I thought you were about to say.”
“Good.” Damn his sharp gaze. Why is it he always seems to see and know far too much?
Maybe I should just get this wedding night over before I end up with negative brain cells.
As the electric gate opens slowly, I steel myself for what’s to come. I’m nervous. More nervous than I was sayingI do—more nervous even than telling Polly I’d robbed her of a fancy wedding do.A party and stuff.
I’m sure she’ll look forward to Primrose finding love.Provided my sister can find someone stupid enough.
The thing is, you can’t fool kids. You can try, and you can tell yourself their brains aren’t big enough to decode what’s true and what’s not. But I think it’s exactly because their brains are working on limited software that their intuition is somehow elevated. Children are perceptive. They can work out if you’re telling porkies and are absolutely aware whether you like them, no matter how many smiles you dish out or lollies you magic out of your pocket. So yeah, you might say I’m worried as Raif pulls the car into the turning circle.
A house with a turning circle. In central London. This guy must have more money than sense.But then, he offered me millions to marry him, so I guess that story checks out.
Me. Why me? I usually frighten men off. I can’t even get Tod to notice me, and he’ll bang anything with a pulse!
I stare up at the historic mansion with its Italianate white stucco facade. Juliet balconies upstairs and imposing black-painted double doors standing beneath an imposing portico. A dozen steps lead to the entrance, flanked by iron railings and well-tended potted bay trees.
Suddenly, one of the doors opens, and a little girl pops out, all smiles and waves. An older woman stands dressed from head to foot in neutral shades with her hair pulled back from her face in a tight bun. She looks more like granny than a nanny.
“Uncle Raif!” Daisy presumably calls.
Unless collecting waifs and strays is his hobby.His house is big enough to be an orphanage. I give myself an imaginary slap around the head. Daisy might not be an orphan, but I remember how devastating it is to lose a parent.
“I’m so happy you’re back!” Her long blond be-ribboned ponytail bounces as she does.
Oh God. She’s perky like Primrose. Primrose is ultra-perky, but only when she’s not annoying me. Needless to say, I like her best when she’s giving me shit.
Oh well. I suppose there are only three hundred and sixty-four days to go…
“And you’ve brought a friend,” the little girl adds with what sounds like consternation.
“I have.” Raif smiles warmly as he glances my way.
I shake my head. Poor girl is going to be so disappointed.Hey, kid. I’m your new step… whatever. You can just call me Auntie Cruella.
Poor little thing. I hope Raif is a good substitute dad. Not that he’ll be as good as mine. He was the best. My heart does that little pinch when I think about him and how his death rocked all our worlds. But as Raif reaches for my hand, my thoughts move back to the present.
“Daisy can be a little hesitant around strangers,” he murmurs.
“Don’t worry, I’m better with kids than I am with grown-ups.”
“Well, now I have high hopes.” He smiles at my unhappy expression. “Because you’ve already charmed me.”
