Page 105 of Red Masquerade

Her face scrunched. “He’s not eventhatattractive.”

I breathed out a laugh. “I don’t think Lucas picked him for his looks.”

“So, you two met?”

“Wemorethan met. It didn’t take long for him to start sounding like Lucas. And when I made it known I was not interested, Lucas… made it known that was not an option.” I remembered the feeling of his fingers around my neck, looming over me, shaking me. Wright’s insistence that Lucas get me under control.

But instead of fear, it conjured up disgust.Howwas I related to such a man?

And how was Mother so blind to it?

I realized a sadness had settled deep within me, a soft, almost imperceptible sensation; a kernel buried underneath all the other emotions, but still there nonetheless. Sadness that this was how it had to be. Sadness that I couldn’t confide in my mother, sadness that I couldn’tlovemy brother.

“And—Vince?” Flora caught herself before she said his old name.Adam.

I shut my eyes for a moment, letting the memory of that night wash over me. “Hesavedme, more or less, and brought me here. And I’ve been here ever since.”

Flora’s hand fell to my knee, and she gave me a sympathetic smile. “I’m glad you have him. If I were able, I would’ve stolen you away long ago.” She lifted a shoulder. “But perhaps you’d be too easy to find.”

“Perhaps,” I laughed.

“What do you do all day?” Flora removed her hand and leaned back into the couch again, lifting her teacup.

“Oh, I just—” WhatdidI do? The past few days had been such a whirlwind; I felt like I had done everything and nothing all at once. My days were spent lounging, roaming; I slept a lot, and often did not wake until at least midday. And then, before Iknew it, it was evening, and Vince was overwhelming me with his touches andhim.

Was that not enough?

“Surely there must be a lot to explore here,” Flora giggled. “It’s such an old building, and there aresomany rooms!”

“Believe me, I know.”

“I’m so jealous!” She grinned. “I wonder what Dixon’s house in England is like?”

“Probably much of the same.”

She shook her head. “No, he’s told me his house is a little old-fashioned. He’s said…” She trailed off.

“What?”

Her cheeks reddened. “He’s said that Vince’s house is…excessive.”

I laughed, because it was true. This housewasexcessive. But it was also grand, wonderful, and enthralling. Just like Vince. “Sounds like Dixon. Comes from money, but would never let you know.”

Flora rolled her eyes at me. “You know how he is.”

“I do. Which is why I’m expecting him to fly in any moment.”

Her face turned serious, troubled. “He wouldn’t.” Her brows furrowed for a moment, then she looked up at me. “He told me he’s never coming back.” A pause, then a sly quirk to the corner of her mouth. “And I’m not supposed to come back, either.”

I exaggerated a gasp, hand to my chest. “And here you are! What a bad girl!”

She wiggled a brow, then straightened in her seat. “Perhaps Ilikebeing bad.”

“You like Dixon worrying about you,” I said.

She looked around the room innocently. “And what of it?”

“Just don’t get me in trouble with him.”