Page 65 of The Billionaire's Secret

"And would that be so bad?"

I blink. "Are you implying what I think you are?"

"Don’t let my age and gray hair distract you."

My mouth opens and closes… "You mean…you are…into the same lifestyle as the Seven?"

"I’ve known them since they were boys. They’ve been through a lot, each of them… They’ve each found their ways to cope. And while I don’t necessarily condone it… I realize it’s one way of coming to terms, to find balance in their lives."

"That doesn’t answer my question."

"Which was?"

"Uh… Are you into the S&M stuff as well?"

"Maybe I am…" She raises her shoulder. "Maybe I am not. What difference does it make? After all, it’s not me who has a marriage proposal from someone who means more to me than I am letting on."

She strolls forward.

I turn, follow in her wake.Jeez… What the hell was that all about? What does she even mean? Is she that privy to the private lives of the Seven…and their friends? Does she know their associates? Business partners…? Their enemies?I swallow and my heart begins to race.Was I wrong to confide her? Maybe Saint didn’t want me to tell anyone about his proposal. But then, he hadn’t mentioned otherwise. Why would he even want to marry me? What does he get out of it? A willing slave…yes…but there are so many other women out there who would be more than happy to oblige. Why me?

She comes to a stop in front of a beautiful heritage building. I glance up to find the elegant lettering that states, Claridge's.

She walks up it, "You coming?"

"This is what you meant by an elegant little spot?" I blink. It's only one of the most iconic hotels in the world.

"Oh, they have the best tea and sandwiches, and after the morning you’ve had, it’s only fair I treat you, right?"

I follow her up and into the plush reception area. The liveried man by the door does a double take. "Meredith!"

"Dorian, how are you?"

Dorian walks forward, takes Meredith’s hand and kisses her knuckles.

"Fit as a fiddle, my dear. And who is this charming young woman?" the built-like-a-tank man asks. Doorman, my foot. Clearly, he's there to take care of any trouble that erupts.Is there going to be trouble?My heart begins to race.

"This is Victoria."

Dorian tilts his head. "Ah! Good to meet you." He shakes my hand, with a half bow, then I am treated to the hand-kissing as well. He steps back, beckons us to proceed. "Your guests are waiting, Meredith. Best seat in the house for you ladies."

I trail after Meredith, "Guests? Did he say guests?"

She waves a hand in the air, "It was time to call in the reinforcements. Such devious planning to take on one of the Seven needs strong English Breakfast Tea, girlfriends, and of course, cake. Lots of cake."

Half an hour later, I lean back, "I’m stuffed." I pat my lips with my napkin.

Amelie pushes the tiered cake stand toward me. "But you haven’t had the scones yet."

I stare at the shortcake-like baked goodies. A groan wells up my throat, "But—"

"You must." Summer plops one of the rectangular delights onto my plate.

"I can’t."

"You can do this." Amelia’s lips quirk.

Jace's wife, Sienna leans forward, pats me on the shoulder. "It’s good for you."