“Ashton is quite something,” I said, confirming nothing.
“So when am I going to meet him in person?” Bentley asked. “I know you and I have been talking about him, this place, England, the wedding so I have tried to picture it all, but I just can’t picture him.”
“Come on. I’m sure he’s in his study with Barrington, trying to hide out from his father.” I gave Mayhem the eye. “Mayhem, you behave yourself in here.” He yawned.
“Cool dog,” Bentley said as we exited my room.
“He was a gift from Ashton.” We came to the study door. It was closed. “Now,” I said, looking at my sister, seriously. “Barrington is Ashton’s best friend. His real name is Thaddeus, but Ashton call’s him by his last name, Barrington. He’s a Lord also, and quite the ladies man so try to control yourself, Bentley.”
Bentley smiled her evil grin. “Are you saying he’ll hit on me?”
“More than likely.”
“And you think I will behave badly?”
“Yes.”
Bentley laughed, brushing back a curl from my face. “Well, you do know me, mouse.”
“Stop calling me mouse,” I huffed.
“Okay, okay…” Bentley said. “Let’s get on with it. I’m dying to see this man of yours.”
I knocked and heard Ashton’s voice. “Come in.”
I took my sister’s hand, leading her into the study, and closed the door behind us. Ashton and Thaddeus were sitting in the two leather chairs, smoking cigars. Bentley grabbed into my arm. “Holy shit,” she murmured under her breath, “which one is yours?”
“My Lord, I would like to introduce you to my sister, Bentley Ann Winslow,” I said, coming to Ashton’s side.
Ashton stood up in a puff of smoke, smiling his devastatingly handsome bright white smile. He took Bentley’s hand. “I am very pleased indeed to finally meet the sister I have heard so much about,” Ashton said then kissed the back of her hand.
“Well … hello,” she said in her seductive tone. Ashton released her hand. “You are quite the dish.” Ashton chuckled. Bentley turned to look at me. “Yummy, dear sister, very, very, yummy. And those eyes.”
“Yes, I know, and thank you, Bentley,” I said before looking up at Ashton’s face. “In case you are wondering, my lord, she finds you attractive.”
Ashton guffawed.
Barrington interjected, “I am usually considered the yummy one.” He smiled going to take Bentley’s hand, applying a kiss then looking into her eyes. “I am enchanted, my beautiful lady Bentley. And may I say, you yourself are quite the dish.”
“Now aren’t you the charmer,” Bentley replied. “You must be Thaddeus.”
Thaddeus raised one dark brow. “Ah … so I see someone has spoken of me.”
“Not really,” Bentley said with a teasing smile, “I just heard of you before walking in here. I was warned you might hit on me.”
I was sure I blushed.
“Indeed,” Thaddeus said with a cat got the cream smile.
Bentley sashayed over to the divan and took a seat, crossing her long golden tanned legs. “Trinity, I am just going to come right out and say it.” Oh crap. “These are the two hottest men I have seen in a long time. You are the shit, my sister,” she said, rocking her head. “I have definitely been playing in the wrong pond. I should move over here.”
Thaddeus and Ashton broke out into serious laughter. “Yes, well,” said Ashton, “thank you for the compliment. However, my days of pond hopping are over.” He tugged me up into his arms and kissed me long, hard, and without hesitation or mercy.
“Nice,” I heard my sister say. “Well, Thaddeus, my sister looks indisposed at the moment. Would you care to show this yank around the pond?”
“It would be my great pleasure,” he replied.
“Catch ya later, Trin,” Bentley said. I just ignored her. After all, Ashton was kissing my lips off so I really had nothing to say at the moment.
When Ashton pulled back from our kiss I murmured, “Wow.”
“After all this time I can still make you say wow?”
“Oh yes, my lord.”
“Good.”
I took note of myself, cleared my throat the gazed up at Ashton. “So my sister is really pretty, right?”
“Yes,” he said.
“I told you she was pretty, much prettier than I am,” I said.
Ashton let out a breathy noise then shrugged. “She is pretty,” he said again.
“So you think she’s pretty?”
“Sure,” he said.
“I knew you would,” I said in a huff.
Ashton let out a low chuckle and pulled me close. “She is pretty, but you, my dove.” He paused, nuzzling his nose into my neck and sending chills across my skin. “You are beautiful.” He kissed down my neck, nipping. “You are stunning.” He moved his nose across my collarbone, kissing up the other side of my neck. “Without doubt, extremely gorgeous. And you are forgetting one thing.”
“What?”
“That you are mine; therefore, I see no one but you, Trinity,” he assured. “You make me burn.”
I giggled. “You always say such things to me.”
“I always speak the truth.”
****
Twilight. The sky was set in colors of pink, purple, and blue as we entered into the formal gardens where dinner for more than two hundred people was being served within an open-walled billowing tent. Music wafted through the evening air, following the scent of jasmine, roses, lilacs… Everything was adorned with sparkling white lights, flanked by extravagant fresh floral arrangements that popped up on the estate grounds like something from a fairy tale. Yellow rose petals covered the ground and made a gentle winding pathway from the driveway to the entrance of the grand dinner tent, as well as to the entrance into the grand foyer and hall where the ball would take place.
The Chef had outdone himself, and the staff as well. Elaborate tables all covered in beautiful gold satin, lace edging, and flowing golden ribbons abounded. The gold flatware was polished and shined to perfection, and the antique crystal goblets finished off the table details perfectly.
The cake, which could only be described as breathtaking, sat as a centerpiece. Artwork might better explain the grandeur of the sweet decadent desert. Yellow iced roses dripped over the sides of the layered and tiered cake onto smaller cakes and delicate petits fours that lined the sides of this masterpiece.
Ashton and I made our entrance, with my arm firmly attached to his, I wore the frost white dress and mask that I wore the first night I’d met him. His birthday gala was a masquerade, so I was wearing this per his request, but had every intention of surprising him tonight by slipping away, changing into my golden gown, and enticing him before the night was over.
I glanced up and looked into Ashton’s eyes. “Happy birthday, my lord.”
“Trinity,” he said. “You have outdone yourself. Thank you.”
“You are welcome.”
The Duke stood, his posture proud, his facial expression very much one of an arrogant aristocrat. “Welcome, everyone. As per our tradition, we are here to celebrate the return of my son from the Royal Navy as well as the miracle of his birth. This year Lady Archer and I are pleased to announce the addition of his beautiful dove, Lady Trinity,” he said. Everyone clapped. “As I am sure you are also aware, we shall be celebrating another occasion next weekend in grand style without the masks,” he joked, stiffly. Laughter flittered through the crowd. “My son shall marry Lady Trinity on Saturday next, of which you are all cordially invited to attend.” He paused, taking his wife’s hand. “Now without further adieu, I shall announce my son, Lord Ashton Braedon Willmont Archer, and his splendid Lady, Lady Trinity Lane Winslow.”
The tent burst into a thundering of cheers, high-pitched whistles, and applause. Ashton and I took a seat at our table where the Duchess and the Duke took precedence at the head.
Bentley leaned over. “You are the total shit, my sister,” she w
hispered into my ear.
“Thank you, Bentley, but so are you.”
When the ball started, I introduced my sister to Jacqueline and Alec.
“Alec,” Bentley said in a purr, “my sister has introduced me to some very yummy men, but I must say she keeps outdoing herself.”
Alec let out a low laugh. “I am grateful for the compliment from such a beauty,” he replied.
“Alec, will you keep my sister out of trouble while I find my lord?” I asked.
Alec kissed my cheek. “I would be honored, my beauty.”
“My Lady Trinity,” the Duke greeted me. “It would seem we have much to discuss.”
I couldn’t see his face, of course, obscured by a mask. “Is there a problem?”
“Lord Ironington had much to say to me this evening. Need I say more?”
I felt my heart sink to my feet, but I held my composure. “Lord Ironington has much to say quite often, my grace; however, I shall not explain myself without my lord present for this conversation.” I lifted my chin. “Now, if you will excuse me, I must find my lord.” I bowed my head and tugged my arm from Lord Archer’s grasp.
I brushed past a man wearing an antique bronze mask of the devil. It covered his brow, leaving only his mouth to be seen. The eyes were cut into strange slits while the brow of the mask looked angry, curling up into the pointed horns that adorned the top.
“Oh,” I said, “excuse me.” I walked on past.
“My Lady,” I heard. The voice sounded familiar, but I had no time to dwell upon it. I was trying to find Ashton.
“Mom. Aunt Jane,” I greeted with a hug. “Have you seen Ashton?”
“No, my sweet,” said Jane.
“It is so hard to know who we have seen in these crazy masks,” my mother replied.
“You don’t need to keep them on if you don’t want to.” I glanced around. “I see him,” I said. “I will talk with you both later. Love you.” I spun through the crowd. “My Lord,” I said. “I wish you to dance with Jacqueline. I need to attend to something.”
“What is wrong?” Ashton asked, gazing at me with his silver-white eyes from behind his white mask.
“Nothing, just last minute issues. I’ll be back soon.” I turned to see Jacqueline. “Jacqueline!” I called. Jacqueline’s mouth turned up into a smile as she approached. “Will you dance with my lord? I need to attend to something. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“Of course, my petit.”
Ashton grinned. “Hurry back, my dove.”
“I will,” I said.
“Shall we?” Ashton asked Jacqueline.
Jacqueline bowed. “Yes, my lord.” They took the dance floor in a flaring twirl.
I headed for the stairs and passed Reid.
“Reid! You made it,” I said, giving him a hug.
“Yep. I feel stupid wearing this mask so I have it on backward,” he said and turned around so I could see his mask on the back of his head. I giggled.
“You’re fine,” I assured. “That is actually funny.” Reid held my hand. “I need to go. I have something to take care of, but maybe we can find time for a dance later.”
“Trinity, you look beautiful,” he commented in all seriousness and let go of my hand.
“Thank you, Reid,” I replied. “I really have to go.” I flipped around and bounded up the stairs.
****
My transformation was complete. I donned the golden gown, and glanced down at my wrist to see the charm bracelet Ashton had given to me for my nineteenth birthday. Attached was the diamond horse, the diamond heart, the two intertwined wedding bands, a dove, an X and O for hugs and kisses, my newest charm. I smiled, watching the pavé charms glitter in the light before turning my attention to Mayhem, who was still lounging on the bed. I went to give him a kiss on his big nose and told him to behave himself.
I made my way downstairs then out the doors of the chateau. Experiencing the night air, taking a breath, and gathering my thoughts before entering the ball to find Ashton were necessary. The warm summer breeze blew through my locks, releasing a long strand. I reached for my gold mask, pulled it down over my face, and secured the silk ribbon behind my head.
As I took in the warm night air and thought of Ashton, tangible desire wafted through the breeze that whispered across my flesh. I glanced down to see my feet move forward, encased in golden straps and crossed the threshold, hearing the music float and settle over me. The smell of jasmine, the smell of summer night, and the smell of my perfumed body mixed into the air. I lifted my chin to see bodies in motion, gliding, waltzing across the dark polished marble floor.
The throngs parted, allowing my entrance. The men bowed their heads, bowed their bodies, stepping back as I passed. The crowd, the dancers, seemed to envelop, close in around me, closing me off from where I entered. There was no going back; I never wanted to go back, only forward.
Tempting smiles rose on the masked faces. I nodded, acknowledging them as I passed, only to find my goal twirling a raven-haired beauty from his arm.
When I passed Ashton, he saw me. I lifted my hand to his strong broad shoulder, brushing it seductively down the length of his muscled arm. I wove my spell, winding the tips of my fingers and stopping at the bend of his wrist. He froze.
“Thank you for the dance, my dearest Jacqueline,” Ashton said then moved forward into my heat.
I kept walking, permitting my hand to move from the connection, the heat of his body. I glanced over my shoulder. Ashton watched the temptation of my sway. His tongue swiped over his lips and his eyes burned like liquid silver from beneath the snow white mask he wore.
I stopped, turning my head from him. He took my hand. I stood silent, still. Ashton placed his nose to the hollow behind my ear and sniffed. His hand found one of the long curls that had escaped the entrapment of my hair comb. He wrapped his finger within the silken strands raising it to his nose before letting it go.
“Beautiful,” he whispered into my ear. I closed my eyes, allowing the vibration of his voice to settle onto my skin, enfolding my need into the sound of his whisper. I turned slowly, facing him, facing my need, my desire, my wanting hunger. A smile of satisfaction crossed his face.“Dance with me.”
I lifted my hand. He took it. His other hand held me close, finding a home between my shoulder blades. The song started. We spiraled onto the dance floor. Every eye rested upon us as the music seemed to be made for our movements alone. The crowd went away when we looked into each other’s eyes. We were moving as only we move, together. There was no one with us but each other in this moment.
The tango continued, my posture straight, arm locked. Ashton’s left hand splayed across my hip. My skin glistened in the light with every twirl. Ashton’s hard thigh rested between my legs before he twirled me out, in a snap. My leg shot out then I slid it back, toe pointed, shoe scraping across the marble.
As the song stopped, Ashton dipped me. My head fell back, my bosom pressed forward into a sensual arch, sending my bare leg riding high up Ashton’s tight thigh. Ashton’s lips found my throat, where he pressed a kiss before gliding his lips up over my chin and kissing my lips softly. Then slowly, he pulled me back up, into his hold, ending in an intimate embrace.
The crowd went wild, whistling, clapping… I imagined Ashton’s mother wanted to crawl under the ice sculpture that stood beside of her in hope to hide away from the scandalous scene. I caught a glimpse of the man in the devil mask; he was weaving his way through the crowd heading for the doors. “Ashton, Ironington has spoken of me to your father,” I whispered into his ear. I felt his body tense. “You father wishes to speak with me.”
“My father will speak with me on the subject,” Ashton replied with a tight voice. “You shall not worry, my dove.”
“I know everything will be fine, Ashton,” I said for my benefit more than his. I was not at all sure everything would be fine, but maybe if I kept saying the words, I would believe them. The man in the bronze mask turned and looked back
at me, then he was gone. “I’ll be right back,” I told Ashton.
“Trinity, you have left me once this evening, must you again?”
“I am the lady of the house, am I not? I have things to tend to.”
Ashton smiled. “You are that, my dove.” He sighed, defeated. “Very well, go, but hurry back.”
“I will,” I said. “I won’t be long. We have more dancing to do.”
“Indeed we do.”
I made it out the doors, but didn’t see the man who seemed to be lurking in and out of the shadows. I wondered if it was Barrington, playing around, but then I thought not, believing this lurking behavior wouldn’t really be his style. I headed for the front doors of the chateau about to step one foot out the door when I heard him.
“My Lady,” he said from close behind me.
I twirled around. “Do I know you?”
“We were introduced once, briefly.”
“Your voice sounds familiar. Barrington, is that you?”
The man shook his head in a slow, almost eerie way.
“Do you know my lord?” I asked.
“Intimately,” he replied.
I felt a bone wrenching chill scatter up my spine. It was fear. Maybe this was Fredrick? After all, I’d heard rumors he was more than pissed Ashton terminated his employment. I needed to get away from this man, but I had to make it seem as if nothing were wrong.
“Then I shall find him. I am sure my lord would wish to give his greetings.” I turned, but it was too late. He’d grabbed onto me and placed his hand over my mouth.
“Have you ever heard the saying, curiosity killed the cat?”
I nodded my head.
He growled into my ear. “Then meow, my little kitty. I believe we have some unfinished business, my pretty little American cunt.”
Gavin…
In blinding speed I was carried to the door. I had one split second in which I ripped my charm bracelet from my wrist and dropped it at the door in hope Ashton would see it. I knew it would be useless to fight. Gavin was too strong, and he would no doubt hurt me, so it would more than likely make things much worse if I fought him. I figured on biding my time, waiting until his guard was down then running from him or hurting him if I could come across a weapon.
The Good Sister: Part Two Page 21
