Total pages in book: 194
Estimated words: 187021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 935(@200wpm)___ 748(@250wpm)___ 623(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 187021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 935(@200wpm)___ 748(@250wpm)___ 623(@300wpm)
A few moments later, a slight woman entered wearing a sumptuous red gown that looked like it had walked straight off the runway. Her hips swayed as she moved, one foot in front of the other, on mile-high heels. Her cheeks were painted with rouge, lips a glossy cherry red, button nose highlighted, and her liner, lashes, and shadow only enhanced her arresting violet eyes.
“Welcome,” she said with a melodic voice. “It’s been too long, mon chéri.”
She strode across the room and embraced Graves like long-lost friends. Graves’s eyes rose to Kierse’s over the top of Estelle’s head. Kierse had to stifle a laugh.
“Whatever are you wearing?” Estelle asked.
Graves pulled back and adjusted his collar. “It’s been a night.”
“And you showed up without even a suit coat?”
“Do you want to hear about what happened in the limo?”
Estelle laughed. “You scoundrel.”
Kierse gritted her teeth at the implication. She had been wondering why he’d disrobed in the car. But now his disheveled appearance made more sense with her own torn dress and his rumpled suit pants. They both looked like they’d been having a wild night.
“And you brought your…friend?” Estelle said.
Graves’s answering smile made Kierse’s knees weak. Fuck, he could be charming when he wanted to be.
“My wife,” he corrected.
Kierse’s stomach dropped. No matter how many times he told that lie, she would never get used to it coming out of his mouth.
“Wife,” Estelle repeated, though there was no surprise in her voice.
“As I’m sure you have already heard.”
“Good news travels fast,” she said with a knowing smirk. “Now, you’re being rude. Introduce me.”
Graves took Estelle by the arm and brought her over to Kierse. “Madame Estelle, might I introduce you to Kierse McKenna.” His eyes lifted to meet Kierse’s. “Kierse, my longtime friend, Estelle Beaumont.”
“Pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” Estelle said. She leaned forward and kissed Kierse once on each cheek. “Anyone who can lock down the most formidable bachelor on either side of the Atlantic has my appreciation and condolences.”
“‘Condolences,’” Graves grumbled.
Estelle shot him a wry smile. “She has to put up with you.”
Kierse snorted. “She knows the right of it.”
“Will I get to hear the story of how you brought his heart back from the dead?”
“Is that what I did?” Kierse asked. She directed the question at Estelle but knew Graves would pick up that it was clearly intended for him. Kierse arched an eyebrow.
“Another time,” Graves said. “That’s not why we’re here.”
“No?” Estelle said with a soft laugh. “You didn’t come to tell me the good news? I’m shocked.” She put a hand to her chest. “Truly.”
“You know why I’m here.”
“You want to play a game,” Estelle said with a smile.
“I’m already in one.”
“If you brought your wife, then you’re foolish indeed.” She patted Graves’s cheek once. “It doesn’t suit you.”
Kierse glanced between them. “How does that make him foolish?”
Estelle’s smile turned deadly. For the first time, Kierse could see the power behind her Game Master title in her violet irises.
“Graves has played games with me across a century. He knows how the rules work. He knows how my magic works,” she told Kierse. “Playing with him used to be more interesting.”
“You mean when I won?” Graves teased.
Estelle shrugged. “It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about what you’re willing to lose to play.”
Kierse’s head snapped to Graves. “What does she mean by that?”
“Graves has sacrificed many others to the game. You may be his wife, but for what he wants, I believe he’d sacrifice you, too. Am I right, mon chéri?”
“It depends on the price,” he said, unconcerned.
“Graves,” Kierse snarled.
Estelle smiled. “Are you going to tell me what you’re here for, then?”
“We both know the answer to that.”
“Yes, but we can only begin when you ask for what you want. You know the rules.”
Graves’s eyes cut to Kierse. “The cauldron.”
Estelle grinned devilishly. “Ah, so it has reached your ears that it was found.”
“That it’s in your possession.”
“And you want to play for it?”
He nodded. “Let’s play an old familiar game, Estelle.”
“Not you.” Estelle’s eyes cut to Kierse. “Her.”
“Me?” Kierse asked, uncomprehending. “I am not here to play a game. I’m actually over games in general.”
“She’s not part of this, Estelle,” Graves growled.
“She’s very much a part of this. If she’s here in my house…with you, then you knew it was a possibility. What would it hurt to have her play?”
Graves ground his teeth together. “I’m not willing to harm her.”
“My games don’t harm anyone.”
His laugh was sardonic. “We’ve known each other too long for that.”
“Surely you want to play,” Estelle said, turning on Kierse. “You could win your beau his greatest prize.”
“I’m the prize,” Kierse argued.
“She is off-limits,” Graves said. He moved between Kierse and Estelle. “I am not sacrificing Kierse to your machinations. She is much too precious for that. I will play the game, and I will win my reward.”