Those poor children.
I eye my unfinished assignment. Fuck it.
“I’m done for the evening.”I pack my bags feeling nauseous with worry.
Please, Gods, keep all the little children safe.
I need to get back and wait for Alexis to take me to Wes.
“We can walk back together,” Cosmo says, yawning like he’s bored. “Ready, dearest?”
Jordan flicks her hair then arches her back. “All this studying has made me achy. Come back to mine and rub my back.”
For some reason, the idea of Cosmo rubbing oil onto Jordan’s perfect body makes the knot in my stomach worse.
“I’d love to, but I heard there may be another head count tonight. It’s tedious but we need to stay in our own rooms.”
My belly unclenches slightly.
A pout appears on Jordan’s lips. “We never get any alone time, I’m sick of it. I’m a Singleton-Smith and you’re a Drakeward. These petty rules should not apply to us.”
Cosmo puts a hand on her arm. “It’s our duty to lead by example, my dear.” His lips curve but the smile doesn’t meet his eyes. “And there’s a plus side. If we don’t have any ‘alone time’ before the wedding, think how…exciting…our wedding night will be.”
Ugh.
I know it’s bullshit, but I still hate hearing about it.
My feelings about Cosmo Drakeward are very confusing. I recognize he’s changed, and he’s doing his best to do good…but….he’s still the man who tortured me.
“That’s ridiculously old fashioned,” Jordan snaps. “We’re not living in Victorian times.”
“More the pity,” Cosmo sighs. “Try thinking of it as romantic. I’ll lend you my copy of ‘The Duke and I’.”
Both Jordan and I look at Cosmo with confusion.
“It’s what the first season of Bridgerton is based on.”
“Fine,” she sighs. “But I hope you’re not expecting me to be a virgin.”
"Pretty sure that ship sailed long ago," Cosmo mutters.
“What did you say?” Jordan snaps, her eyes narrowing.
Cosmo doesn't even glance up from his files. “Pretty sure that clip has failed. Look, it’s broken at the hinge.” He waves a binder with one hand.
Turning a snort into a cough, I smile brightly at them both. “My clip failed a year ago, but now I’m very happy with my loose hinge.”
Cosmo bends over, as if to pick something off the floor.—Theodora…—
Enough playing around.
—I’m off to see Wes…can you keep her occupied for a minute so she doesn’t see where I go?—
A flicker of a grimace shows on Cosmo’s face, then he’s back to his bland smiles.
“Did you decide on the napkin trim, dear? I’d love to see the samples one more time…”
Jordan’s face lights up. “Of course, but I do think crystal is the way to go.”
