Page 40 of The Devil's Deceit

“I explained my reasoning for not wanting a traditionally arranged marriage.”

And the bastard has talked him around.

“And he’s agreed to help convince Dad you’re the right choice for me.”

That fuc?—

“What?”

“My brother Tobias. He’s agreed to help us. The trick will be Dad choosing you as my arranged bride. It won’t be easy, but between the three of us, it could just work.”

All of a sudden, this idea seems even more ludicrous. It’s scattered with pitfalls and landmines I won’t even see coming. Arron assures me he’s covered all bases, but what if he hasn’t? Once I marry Christian, I’ll be living in the bellyof the beast, subject to their rules and governance and, yes, possibly even freedoms. My mouth goes dry—so dry, I can’t even swallow.

“Grace? Say something. Have you changed your mind?”

“No.” It comes out like one of those squeaky toys pet owners give to their dogs. I clear my throat. “I haven’t changed my mind.”

Relief washes over his face. Wow. He really wants this. Even though he’s shared his thoughts on being tied down, I hadn’t realized until now how much he’s dreading it.

“Perfect. Our plan of attack is making sure my father gets to know you within several settings. That way, he can come to the conclusion on his own that we’re the perfect match. He will do his research though, so if you’ve any skeletons in the closet, now’s the time to confess them.” He grins, his eyes sparkling, while every cell in my body is screaming at me to run.

“No skeletons,” I say quietly, the lie sour on my tongue, though necessary.

“Good. Tobias came up with the idea of having Victoria, Nicholas’s wife, make the first introduction. It’s unusual for us to have multiple balls in the summer months, but I’m going to suggest to my father we have a kind of… debutante outing, where so-called suitable women are invited for me to… consider.”

“Sounds like a meat market.”

I expect him to laugh, but he doesn’t. “In many ways, it is. I’m not a fan, but it’s been this way for generations in the upper classes.”

“Time they got taken down a peg or two,” I murmur, almost to myself.

“I couldn’t agree more. My father is a traditionalist, likehis father before him, and like many men who move in rich or aristocratic circles, but we’re trying to change things one generation at a time.”

“While still conforming to your father’s wishes.” I’ve no idea why I’m choosing this hill to die on, but it feels important to state my thoughts, even if this marriage, for me, is temporary. As long as I am there, I need to play my part for future brides everywhere.

A muscle ripples in Christian’s jaw and his eyes harden. Too far. I’ve gone too far. I backpedal faster than an Olympic cyclist.

“I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. It’s just… hard, you know, when you are part of the aristocracy, but shunned because you’re poor.”

His expression softens. “Yes, that is unfair.” He reaches across and takes one of my hands between both of his. “This is a good plan, Grace, and I don’t take your sacrifice lightly. I hope that once this… lust between us has faded, we can still be friends.”

I somehow hold myself in check, nodding and smiling while internally plotting his downfall.

“Friends. I can do that.”

He leans forward and presses his lips to mine. The connection is like a powder keg exploding. Seconds later, I’m astride him, his erection thick between my legs, all thoughts of downfalls scattering in the heat of the moment. There’s only one thought running through my mind, apart from the one about climbing my (hopefully) soon-to-be-fiancé like a tree.

I’m fucked. I am so fucked.

Chapter Fourteen

GRACE

Like he promised, Christian organized another ball for two weeks’ time, and as per the last ball, another dress arrived at Juliet’s place—a gorgeous, backless, deep-sea-blue gown—along with yet more jewels. If I were a gold digger, I’d be bouncing off the walls right about now having hit the proverbial jackpot. But I want nothing more from Christian than the truth he’s hiding. Going through this charade is simply the route I have to take.

Uncle Daniel was ecstatic when I told him Christian had taken the bait. Arron, less so. He’s always worried about me far too much. I guess big brother, little sister vibes are something he can’t escape.

This time, there’s no invite for Juliet, but to keep up appearances, I get ready at her place. She gives me an extra tight squeeze before I head outside, where Christian’s driver is waiting for me. Like Arron, Juliet is worried, even if the marriage thing was her idea. She hasn’t said, but I think she’s suffering from buyer’s remorse.