Page 38 of One Naughty Christmas Night

“It isn’t, of course,” Victoria replied.

Phew, that was close.

“Hello ladies,” Quinn said, coming to join them again.

“Where’s Valentina?” Victoria asked, looking around for her.

“She should be back in a moment,” he replied and sat.

“Is she unwell?” her mother inquired.

“She is fine. She only needed a moment to cool down.”

Her mother turned back to Lady Bastion, who was enjoying the small cakes that Mimi made.

“I can see Heath from here,” Quinn said. “He looks like he’s enjoying himself.”

“Is he?” Victoria asked, deliberately keeping her eyes elsewhere.

“It’s a shame my brother hasn’t settled down,” Quinn said, the statement needling Victoria.

Victoria clenched her teeth together. Releasing them, she said, “He hasn’t found the right person yet, or so he says.”

She brushed a non-existent crumb from her dress. “When he does, I’m sure you will be one of the first people he tells, as you’re his brother.”

His brow furrowed, then relaxed. “Well, whoever it is will be a lucky lady. He is quite a catch.”

“Yes, he is.” She cleared her throat. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get some air. It’s gotten a bit stuffy in here, I’m afraid.”

She stood, straightening her skirts. With a nod to him, she took off toward the doors.

Stepping outside, Victoria took a deep breath, calming the rising panic inside her.

Jealousy was an unfamiliar emotion, and she wasn’t sure how to handle it.

What was supposed to be a few days of fun and passion turned into something more, and she was only slightly upset by the whole thing.

“It wasn’t supposed to be more,” she whispered to the night, the snow silent and lifeless from where she stood.

“Victoria?”

She turned at his voice. He stood framed by the doorway, his hands tucked behind him.

“Are you all right?” he asked, joining her on the patio.

“I was a little bit warm,” she replied, shivering when a burst of air washed over them.

He removed his jacket and slipped it over her shoulders, the warmth of him surrounding her.

“Thank you,” she said.

He simply nodded. “Your mother was worried about you, so she asked that I come to find you.”

“My mother worries too much, I think,” Victoria quipped, a harsh laugh drawn from him.

“She does. Mine does as well. Always after me about this and that.”

“She means well, as does Mama, but sometimes it can be quite interfering.”