Page 84 of Once Bitten, Twice Mine

“I believe he liked me a fair amount. He said I was the best agent he has ever worked with.”

“That bodes well for our future then. You said our marriage depended on how well this trip went. Surely, now you will be made a partner, and we can get married without any concern.”

Edgar kept his smile, but she thought his expression may have fallen a fraction. “Yes, my sweet. I cannot wait for us to finally start our life.”

“You two are so sweet my teeth hurt. You’re both so eager to fall over each other with your little declarations of love and hopes for your future. You’re the most wholesome couple I’ve ever seen.”

Caroline ground her teeth. Valeria could barely keep the smirk from her face, as if she was so proud of her dangerous wordplay. Edgar didn’t seem to pick up on any of it yet, but she didn’t need Valeria to grow bolder. She needed to marry Edgar. The roof needed to be fixed, they had creditors to pay, and her family’s reputation to save.

“I suppose it’s a side effect of not being around many couples who truly care for one another then,” Caroline said, narrowing her eyes.

“And the trust between you, of course.”

“Yes.”

Valeria lifted an eyebrow and then looked to Edgar. “And what would you have to say about the trust contributing to your relationship?”

“Lady Valeria, may I speak to you in the other room?” Caroline asked, shooting up from her chair.

Valeria slowly turned to face her again, and she hated the smug look on her face. “Of course, Miss Blythe. I would be more than happy to help you with whatever you need.”

Caroline huffed, her eyes darting to Edgar. He remained far more concerned with cutting into his roast beef than anything than anything else. It was a bit frustrating as he was usually much more attentive, but she needed to afford him some grace since he was still recovering from an illness. “I have some questions for Lady Valeria about my wedding clothes; we’ll only be a moment, dear.”

Edgar hummed, barely acknowledging she spoke. She supposed it was for the best he wasn’t paying the closest attention, but it still grated her. It would be nice if he cared a little.

With a straight spine, she led Valeria from the room. She could tell by the sound of her swishing skirts that the vampire languidly followed. That set a fire within her. The absolute casualness Valeria had when she had the power to destroy Caroline’s life with a few careless words.

The side door to the dining room led to her father’s study, which was where she took Valeria since she wanted privacy for this conversation and one of the servants was more likely to catch them in the hallway. The gas lamp on her father’s desk bathed the room in an amber glow. It was enough light for her to see the details of Valeria’s face, the shine of her eyes and the flush of her cheeks.

“Are your wedding clothes stored in your father’s study?”

“What are you doing?” Caroline hissed, careful to keep her voice down. The door was thick, but she had spent enough time eavesdropping on her parents to know people could hear on the other side if they were loud enough.

“I’ve been making conversation. Which has proven to be rather difficult. He isn’t very forthcoming, is he?”

“You seem to be hellbent on having him find out about us. Is it a compulsion for you to ruin my life, or just a treasured hobby?”

Valeria snorted. “Please, he doesn’t have a single suspicion. What have we shared that you’re so worried about him finding out?”

“A mistake. Everything we’ve shared has been a huge mistake that I wish I could forget.”

Valeria’s eyes went flat as she flinched, as if Caroline’s words hurt. “Was it a mistake when I had my mouth on your cunt and you screaming my name? I couldn’t pry you from my bed, so it was a mistake you were willing to make over and over again.”

“I was weak.” Her eyes darted away; it was a difficult conversation, but she needed to stay strong. “It’s over now.”

Valeria snorted and took a step towards her. “Your words may say that, but I don’t see the resolve in your eyes. I can hear your heart race.” She reached out and pushed back a fallen lock of Caroline’s hair into her updo. “Your breath hitched. I guarantee if I were to reach between your legs, you would be wet too.”

Caroline stepped back. Valeria wasn’t wrong, but they couldn’t keep doing this. Her back hit the door, and she flinched at the sound. At what Edgar may think. She mourned not having anywhere else to go when Valeria stepped forward again, crowding her space like the predator she was.

“I’m engaged.”

Valeria snorted. “You’ve been engaged every time we’ve fucked, and it’s never stopped you before. Why should it matter now that your beloved Edgar is here?”

“Because he’s in the next room. I can’t give him any reason to change his mind.”

“We could call him over to watch, and I’m sure he wouldn’t have a problem with what we are doing.”

Even the idea soured her stomach. Not only was Valeria hers, but she had no interest in sharing herself with Edgar like that. She would do her duty when the time came, but this was hers.