“Wonderful. We’ve so much to talk about,” Rebel exclaimed and smiled sweetly.
Too focused on her reaction, I didn’t see Winona and Oceane swap a concerned glance.
The Observer
“I think I’ve made myself perfectly clear, Sinclair,” I said.
Aaron chuckled in response. “I can’t see what you do. There’s nothing special about that couple. Just one in a thousand. Boring and tiring. Kensington’s a pompous asshole who believes he’s more important than he is. And she’s the typical housewife, firmly under his thumb.”
“Get Winona on it. Your wife is astute.”
“If this comes back to bite me on the ass—”
“I’ll cover any losses,” I agreed.
“Okay but I reserve the right to deny them.”
“That’s fine by me.” I steepled my fingers. Eliganz would get its much-needed influx of cash. Winona would see what I did. I was sure of it.
Winona
“The truth, woman,” Aaron ordered as he tackled me to the bed. “We were going to refuse Oliver the money. Asshole treated Alicia like she was a possession he could display. And Alicia seems the usual bland Stepford Wife.”
“Alicia’s got a secret,” I replied, sliding my hands up over Aaron’s bare shoulders. This man slayed me. Aaron would every time I set eyes on him.
“Are you going to share?” Aaron murmured, kissing my throat lightly. I squirmed under his body as Aaron settled between my legs.
“Alicia’s secretly designing clothes, and by the dress she was wearing tonight, Alicia Kensington is very talented.”
Aaron drew back in surprise and lifted onto his elbows. “What?”
“Do you see the irony? The perfect wife is covertly rebellious. If Oliver Kensington had realised that Alicia was dressed in her own creation, he wouldn’t have let her out of the house. Oliver’s a controlling asshole, I don’t like him. Did you catch how he tried to get Alicia out of the invitation, like Oliver thought she’d damaged his chances?”
“Yes, I did notice how Oliver spoke for her and didn’t even bother trying not to embarrass her.”
I nodded as Aaron pursed his lips. “Maybe we shouldn’t offer funding.”
“No, darling. Let’s play the long game. I have plans, and if you ruin them…” I let the threat hang with a grin. Aaron ducked his head and growled against my throat, making me shiver.
“Is Alicia Kensington worth it?” Aaron demanded.
“We’ll know for certain tomorrow,” I replied and screamed with laughter as Aaron tackled me and kissed me senseless.
Alicia
“Do I look okay?” I asked, stroking my skirt. Oliver turned and checked me over. He’d come home to take me to the club, to which Winona had texted me the address.
I wore a blush silk blouse, a cream skirt, low heels, and a pearl necklace. I had my hair in a chignon and thought I looked presentable.
“Change into trousers. Men shouldn’t look at your legs. Only I should,” Oliver grouched. I headed into the wardrobe with a smile. It was nice to be adored. Oliver had been my rock since we started college. He’d always been there, and I was overjoyed at seeing everything begin to fall into place. Oliver had worked so hard, sacrificed so much, including time together. We were finally going to reap the rewards.
I exited wearing smart, tailored trousers, and Oliver nodded approval. As we walked down the stairs, I admired Oliver from behind. He was truly handsome. He’d kept his broad shoulders and trim waist by attending a gym near the office. Oliver worked out for an hour a day so he could enjoy his food.
Honestly, I’d wished I could eat what I wanted and work out. Oliver refused to allow me, though. He said the gyms were full of perverts who ogled women and were stalkers. He’d shown me several articles showing victims who’d been attacked on the way home from workouts. Oliver believed I could control my weight myself if I were careful with what I ate. But sometimes I wanted more than salad and chicken. It would be nice to stuff myself with a huge steak or a burger, but that would add pounds.
By the door stood my old case, carrying art books and designs. Oliver had demanded to know why I was taking it, and I’d informed him Zinnia had wished to see it. He told me not to take it, but I said Winona and the others had insisted that I bring them. Oliver conceded gracefully but warned me not to push too hard, because they might believe I was angling for connections. Plus, he pointed out, my creations were amateurish.
As Oliver drove, he gave me a list of dos and don’ts. Obviously, this was important, and the investment seemed to weigh on my shoulders. Naturally, I’d do everything feasible to secure it. Once Oliver secured it, he could expand; vacations and weekends together would return, and we could even start a family.
