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“No, no, they are quite real. I have it on good authority,” Amelia replied excitedly.

“And whose authority is that? Ophelia asked, her tone wary.

Amelia tsked her tongue.

“Now you know I cannot risk speaking any names!” She chastised. “It puts the entire idea of it in jeopardy. The point is, ladies, I am now sure that they exist, and I have decided thatIam going to try to gain an invitation.”

Seraphina looked up as her friends descended on Amelia with a dozen more questions, and met Hugo’s eyes almost instantly. He had been watching her. Just as he always had, from the first night they might. He gave her a charming smirk as he nodded his head toward her, and swept his eyes down her figure in obvious appreciation.

Heat swept through her as she felt the subtle need in that look he gave her, and she suddenly wondered what attending such a party would be like with him. She had to admit, it gave her a small thrill to envision the two of them naked and masked, writhing in ecstasy among black silk sheets and blood red walls.

She squirmed in her seat just thinking about the thrill of it, and had to look away.

As her eyes wandered around the room, she caught Helena not far from them. Her eyes were shifted down and toward them,and had not yet noticed Seraphina looking at her. She was chewing on her bottom lip as she appeared to fight a smile. Her husband, Morgan, leaned down and whispered something in her ear as he stroked a hand down her back.

She whispered something back to him, and Morgan’s gaze immediately shot to Seraphina’s group, an impish grin on his handsome face. Suddenly, as if sensing her, they both looked directly at Seraphina. Knowing smiles graced their faces as they both lifted their wine glasses toward her, and then moved along.

Interesting,she thought.Perhaps these parties are more popular than I believed.

“What do you think, Seraphina?” Amelia asked, pulling her attention back to the group. “Do you think you could attend such an event?”

Seraphina smiled as she felt Hugo’s hands stretch over her shoulders, and she looked up to see him staring down at her with wicked amusement.

“I don’t know,” she answered playfully, “With the right partner, I suppose.”

Hugo’s brow perked.

“And what are you ladies talking about?” He asked, massaging his hands over Seraphina’s shoulders and neck.

Even that small touch was enough to make her body want to go limp and submissive to accept his ministrations- whatever they might be.

“Nothing,” her friends all chimed in unison.

“Mhmm,” he mused, “I had no idea there was such excited chatter about nothing.”

He smirked, letting them know he was only teasing, and then looked back down at Seraphina.

“You look tired, little lamb,” he said, his deep voice thick with insinuation. “Perhaps it is time we get you home?”

“Oh, yes,” she replied, then blushed at how fast she answered.

“You can’t go yet! You’ve only just-” Theo stopped mid complaint as she looked at the clock on the mantle. “Oh my. It’s been six hours already? Where has the time gone?”

“I am sorry, dear ladies,” Hugo apologized, taking Seraphina’s hand to help her rise, “But it is late, and my little lamb is still weary from our travels. But please, feel free to visit tomorrow, as long as you want.”

“Oh, fine,” Amelia sighed.

“You two really are so sweet together,” Ophelia noted. “Little lamb. A bit much for me, but Seraphina, I love that for you.”

“May such love find me,” Rose sighed dreamily, and Hugo chuckled at them all.

Happy, if slightly bittersweet, hugs and goodbyes were given by all as Seraphina and Hugo announced their leave, and as they walked outside, he once more wrapped her tight against his side.

“Do you truly need rest, little lamb?” Hugo asked, lifting her up into their carriage then getting in himself.

In answer, Seraphina gripped his lapels and pulled him close for a passionate kiss he wasted no time responding to.

“Yes I do,” she whispered as she climbed into lap, “But not until we have a long,longdiscussion.”

Hugo smiled knowingly as he wrapped his hand around her throat, making her whimper.

“And does this discussion involve pleading and words of praise?”

“Yes,” Seraphina breathed, leaning into him.

“Thank God,” Hugo groaned, then kissed her again.

The End?