Page 132 of Theirs to Tempt: The Marriage Claim

“Because, wife, knowing the game is the first step toward recognizing who is actually playing whom.”

Before I can demand an explanation, he stands.

The lesson is over.

Silently we take the private elevator back to the main level.

The doors open onto a quieter edge of the Royal Sterling lobby, near a collection of exclusive shops.

Then I see it.

I stop so abruptly that Caleb nearly walks into me.

Set into a curved alcove is an elaborate machine unlike any vending device I have ever encountered. The casing is pale blush pink, trimmed in polished gold, with individual cupcakes displayed behind glass like jewels. A crown rests above the touchscreen, and curling gold script announces:

THE STERLING SWEET SPOT

Below that, in smaller letters:

Cupcakes.

“Oh my God. I’ve heard about this dispenser for years.”

Caleb moves beside me. “From whom?”

“People. Articles. Clients who returned from Las Vegas with financial regrets and detailed pastry reviews.”

The illuminated display rotates through the current flavors.

There are familiar choices—deep chocolate fudge, red velvet, lemon with cream-cheese frosting, vanilla bean. Then the selection becomes more adventurous.

BACON-MAPLE MORNING AFTER

MOJITO MADNESS

CONFESSIONS OF A CHOCOLATE SHOWGIRL

SALTED CARAMEL BAD DECISION

Then the seasonal option appears.

SUNSET STRIPTEASE

Blood-orange cake filled with passion-fruit curd, topped with pink-champagne buttercream, candied citrus, and sparkling edible gold.

I press my fingertips to the screen.

“Sunset Striptease,” I read aloud.

Caleb looks over my shoulder. “Subtle.”

“It has fruit in it.”

Lucian joins us. “That does not make it nutritionally sound.”

“No one invited reason into this conversation.”

“Reason travels with you everywhere.”