Page 24

TWENTY-FOUR

Leo King was the best actor Lily had ever seen. Anyone who'd seen him today might have actually believed he was in love with her, from the moment she entered the church, through the ceremony, photos and dancing, and every glance he shot her way in between. The photographer clicked feverishly with his camera, capturing everything, as Lily did her best to remember all the things she'd learned in her deportment classes at Mirror Academy. How to angle her head, how to smile just right, how to make sure her figure showed to its greatest advantage – stuff she thought she'd only use at job interviews and work-related media coverage, like the opening of one of her company's projects, yet here she was, using it all. She sent a silent thanks to Headmistress Laima for making the classes compulsory.

By the time Alicia announced it was time to go home, Lily almost believed Leo was attracted to her. She couldn't deny that she was attracted to him. Pressed up against his hard body for photo after photo, the searing heat in his kiss, the possessive way he pulled her close...and then when they waltzed! She'd loved dancing with him at the ball, but this was something else. Much more intimate, as he led her effortlessly across the lawn in the steps she only vaguely remembered from dance classes.

When they climbed into the car, Leo's arm went around her so naturally, she lifted her face for a kiss. It was their first moment of privacy as a married couple and she intended to enjoy it, as if this was a real marriage, and there was actual love, as well as lust, between them.

Then Alicia opened the door, insisting Leo move into the middle, and the moment was broken. "Well, I think that went well. I saw a selection of the photos he took, and they are perfect for a news story about a secret wedding. Lily, I don't know how we can possibly repay you, aside from doubling the sum we'd already agreed upon, of course, which I'll do the moment we get home. I wouldn't dream of asking you to serve dinner after a day like this. I'll see to dinner, and you're welcome to join us, if you wish. Sher said he'd prepared one of your favourites for us all, so it's only fitting."

Leo's side, warm and hard as he pressed against her, suddenly became rigid as he strained to put some distance between them. Ah, the act was over, and he was himself again. As gay as Dick's hat band, and more attracted to the chauffeur than he was to her.

"No, it's fine. I'll deal with dinner. Especially if it's something I'm more familiar with. I'll know how to prepare it properly," Lily said. She glanced down. "I just need to get out of this dress. I wouldn't want to damage it." There were already a couple of grass stains on the train, which the photographer had insisted on laying on the damp grass for some pictures. Lily much preferred it folded and tied up, making the skirt even more fairytale-like with its added volume, which had made dancing in it surprisingly easy. The woman in the bridal shop had been absolutely right about the dress being a marvel of engineering. Definitely deserving of first prize. "I would prefer to send it out for dry cleaning instead of washing it myself. I don't have much experience with silk."

"Of course, dear," Alicia said. "We'll need to arrange a suitable wardrobe for you, for when you're accompanying Leo to events, too. Would you prefer to visit the designers in person, or have them come to you?"

Neither. Wedding dress shopping had been weird enough. Lily was much more at home in practical clothing, or a business suit when circumstances required one. "Maybe we should wait to see if there are dress requirements with the invitations before we order anything?" Lily suggested. "I'd hate for you to waste money on a dress I won't get to wear." The cost of the wedding dress had been eyewatering enough, but Alicia had been adamant that Lily look like as much like a princess as possible, and as she was paying...Lily hadn't been willing to argue. Besides, the wedding dress was rather lovely. If she ever got married for real, she might have picked something just like it. If she could afford it. Maybe Alicia would let her take the dress with her when it was time for the inevitable divorce.

When they arrived back at Moray Castle, Leo stalked off without a word. Probably in need of some alone time, after today's marathon acting role. Lily didn't blame him.

It had to be hard to pretend you were in love with someone, for all the world and the photographer to see, when your tastes ran elsewhere.

Of course, as she watched his shapely backside perfectly outlined in his suit pants as he stalked off, she had to suppress a sigh. A wedding night with a man like Leo King would be wonderful. She hoped when he found the right man, he appreciated the well-muscled perfection properly.

Meanwhile, she had to get back into her maid's uniform, and see to dinner. Back to reality. It was for the best, Lily told herself, as she stroked the silk skirt one last time.