by M. S. Parker
Her own eyes were shining with tears as she said her own vows, her accent thickening as her emotions got ahold of her. In the past six weeks, she was coming into herself. She still didn't remember all of the things she had done as Katka, but their personalities were merging. Livie was the dominant, obviously, but she had become more relaxed, more sure of herself in a different way.
No one aside from my father knew the whole truth of her condition, and no one who hadn't been at my family dinner even knew that there was anything wrong. As far as Philadelphia society was concerned, the Westmores' black sheep had married a Czech immigrant in a hurry, but was actually trying to straighten up and do the right thing.
I was sure there were plenty more detailed rumors floating around, but I didn't care. People could think whatever they wanted about me. Then again, with everything else that had been happening in our little social circle, Livie and I weren't exactly the biggest story.
My brother's affair with Rebecca Stirling had come out, which had also made my parents look on me with a bit more favor. Delphine had eventually forgiven him, but it had been touch and go for a couple of days. I personally thought she should've knocked him on his ass, but hey, that was their marriage. The only thing she had done was ask my parents to make sure Rebecca Stirling wouldn't be at the wedding. I had to say, I'd been relieved that my mother had said she'd already taken care of it.
Mr. and Mrs. Stirling were there, I realized when they quickly shook my hand in the receiving line, but they looked very much like they were trying to fade into the background. Based on what I'd heard, it didn't surprise me. The business Rebecca had been running was bought out by another wealthy Philadelphian family. The Atwoods, I thought.
They were here too, I saw later at the reception. Their own black sheep, Julien, was there with his girlfriend, Piper. There had been some stories about them too, but she seemed like a nice girl. Even though I didn't know him very well, I'd always liked Julien.
About halfway through the evening, I found myself at their table. Also there was a young man who looked vaguely familiar. Golden blond hair, eyes so dark they almost looked black. Reed Stirling was older than Rebecca, but younger than me. I'd seen him around, but I didn't really know him. Even so, I could tell he didn't look the same.
“Congratulations,” he said, holding out his hand.
I shook it. “Reed.” I pulled up something I'd heard. “You're back. Europe, was it?”
He nodded grimly.
“He was just about to tell us why he looked more like he'd come back from a funeral rather than a trip to Europe,” Julien said.
Reed shook his head. “Love can change a person.”
Judging by the way Piper's cheeks flushed and how Julien shifted towards her, I guessed there was some serious history there. Reed confirmed it.
“Not you, Piper.” He gave her a half-smile. “No offense. I'm talking about someone else.” He sighed. “Someone I met while I was gone. She was everything I wanted. Everything I needed. And I lost her.”
As Livie came up and caught my hand to pull me over to another table, I heard Reed start to tell his story.
- The End -
Find out what happened to Reed in his own brand new series, Exotic Desires, coming in April...
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FREE BOOKS: Don’t forget to check out my other book series with Reed, Sinful Desires, which is also taking place in Philidelphia. Book 1 is FREE right now.
Other book series from M. S. Parker
Casual Encounter Box Set
Sinful Desires Box Set
Club Prive Vol. 1 to 5
French Connection (Club Prive) Vol. 1 to 3
Chasing Perfection Vol. 1 to 4
Broken Pleasures
Forbidden Pleasures
His Pleasures
Dark Pleasures – release April 7th
More Pleasures – release April 24th
Pure Pleasures – release May 12th
Exotic Desires series – release April/May 2015
Acknowledgement
First, I would like to thank all of my readers. Without you, my books would not exist. I truly appreciate each and every one of you.
A big “thanks” goes out to all my Facebook fans, street team, beta readers, and advanced reviewers. You are a HUGE part of the success of my series.
I have to thank my PA, Shannon Hunt. Without you my life would be a complete and utter mess. Also a big thank you goes out to my editor Lynette and my wonderful cover designer, Sinisa. You make my ideas and writing look so good.
About The Author
M. S. Parker is a USA Today Bestselling author and the author of the Erotic Romance series, Club Privè and Chasing Perfection.
Living in Southern California, she enjoys sitting by the pool with her laptop writing on her next spicy romance.
Growing up all she wanted to be was a dancer, actor or author. So far only the latter has come true but M. S. Parker hasn’t retired her dancing shoes just yet. She is still waiting for the call for her to appear on Dancing With The Stars.
When M. S. isn't writing, she can usually be found reading– oops, scratch that! She is always writing. ☺
