Page 189 of Vexatious Queen

Romeo arrived a few minutes ago and looked like he would rather be anywhere other than here.

Myles and Lip were in the den. Lip was talking and socializing, but still not smiling like his old self. It was going to take time, but I really felt for the kid. Nothing like a bunch of buried family trauma to fuck you up.

Pouring two glasses of scotch, I wandered over to Romeo, who was standing by the large front window in the dining hall.

“Amazing how winter is hanging on this year,” I said as I stepped up beside him.

“I hate snow,” Romeo said, and then turned to look at me. “So, we meet again. You aren’t joining another poker game that I’m attending anytime soon, are you?”

“Not that I know of, but I guess anything is possible,” I said, and held out the scotch.

Romeo accepted the glass and sniffed. His eyebrow raised.

“Not what I’d normally choose.”

Edmundo had brought in this particular small batch just for the party. Romeo took a sip and smiled.

“Damn…that’s good.”

I smirked and gestured around the room.

“Not that I don’t want you here, but I have to admit that I’m surprised you came to meet Vicky.”

“So, you know about the offer.”

Nodding, I took a swig and savored the unique spice.

“Let’s just say that this might be my ticket out of a situation I don’t want to be in,” Romeo said.

Romeo was most likely referring to a different arranged marriage, but I wasn’t sure Vicky was a better option. He might just run for the hills after he met her. I glanced at Ronan across the room, smiling and flirting with a server who had offered him an hors d’oeuvre.

He picked up the little puff pastry, but instead of eating it, he pressed it to her lips. She tentatively opened her mouth to take a bite. These two were the best Edmundo could find for Vicky? Then again, she was a handful, so maybe they were exactly what she needed.

Vicky waltzed into the room like I’d summoned her, looking like she’d just stepped right out of Hell. She was dressed in fire-red sequins and matching heels, with rubies dangling from her ears, neck, and wrist, and a lipstick that sparkled just as brightly. Her long black hair had been styled in waves and fell around her shoulders.

Both Romeo and Ronan stood gaping. Whether they wanted to be captivated or not, they were, and for good reason. I’d never been a fan of Vicky, but you couldn’t deny her beauty.

Vicky sauntered further into the room.

“So…which of you two will be lucky enough to marry me,” Vicky asked.

“I think you mean, who will you be lucky enough to marry,” Romeo said, and I almost spit my scotch out.

Well, this would be an interesting dinner.

The doorbell rang, and I walked away to see who had arrived, leaving the three of them to their cage match.

When I got to the foyer, my parents were walking in, followed closely by Ethan and Blake.

“There is my handsome son,” Mom said, giving me a hug.

“Hi, Mom, it’s good to see you. I wasn’t sure you two would be back from your trip in time,” I said, holding her tight.

I’d never been much of a hugger, but we had lost so much lately. It was best to let the ones you loved know how much they meant to you before it was too late.

“We wouldn’t have missed Edmundo’s party for the world,” she said, pulling back with a smile.

Dad offered me his hand and gave it a good shake. “Son.”