Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
That man was going to haunt my dreams, I was sure of it.
“Stupid, stupid Allie,” I murmured, gripping the balustrade.
“Ah, yet another poor woman destined to have their heart broken by the Grand Duke.”
I jolted and turned at the unfamiliar voice, almost dropping my glass. “What in the world are you talking—”
Scarlet-red hair.
Light purple eyes.
A cocky smile.
An air of arrogance that could only come from deep-rooted power.
“I hear you’ve been looking for me.”
Ezra Alansia.
Chapter Eight
Making Acquaintances
“It took you long enough to hear it,” I retorted.
His shit-eating smirk never left his face, even as he bowed. “Ezra Alansia at your service, my lady.”
Ugh. I didn’t want to show him any respect, not after he’d left me hanging for so long, but I didn’t have a choice.
I offered the smallest curtsey possible. “Alicia Vermillion, my lord.”
“Call me Ezra. What may I call you?”
“Lady Alicia.”
“Ooh, you’re a tough one, Lady Alicia.”
“Are you surprised? That’s how I convinced you to meet with me, after all.”
“Convinced? I believe the law views it as blackmail.” He waved his hand over his head, and a faint red glow emanated from his palm.
I tensed. “What did you just do?”
“Relax. It’s a mere deterrent spell. Anyone who approaches these doors will quickly forget why they were coming this way. I don’t like to be interrupted when I’m talking to clients.” He stepped closer to me and dipped his head so his lips were close to my ear. “Even less so when that client is as beautiful as you.”
I reached up and pushed his face away. “If you wanted your sweet talking to work on me, you should’ve accepted my first request to meet.”
He sighed dramatically. “Are you sure? I’m warning you—I have a complex about wanting things I can’t have.”
“Then you should make sure not to want me.”
“Impossible. I already do.”
“I’m not a cake, Lord Ezra.”
“Just as well; I’m not a fan of cake.”
I spun to face him.
God.
He was irritatingly handsome as well.
I took back my thanks to the author of this world. This was torture.
“You are aware I wanted to hire you, yes? Not engage in this peculiar banter that only you seem to be enjoying,” I said curtly.
“My lady, it pains me to hear that you think my flirting is peculiar.” He clutched his chest. “But yes, I am aware of the fuss you kicked up when you put the fear of the god Khimos himself into my poor aide.”
“Then your so-called poor aide should watch his tongue in future.”
Ezra’s lips curled up again, and his lavender eyes sparked with amusement. “You’re quite something. And absolutely nothing like the rumours.”
“Pray tell, what are the rumours about me?”
“That you’re weak in the face of your stepmother and half-siblings who, apart from Lord Vincent, bully and abuse you into submission.”
Ouch.
“You’re cruel and spoilt and look down on those below you, which is why you barely have any friends.”
Ouch.
“You send your half-sister, Sophia, to events you’re invited to because you don’t think they’re good enough to grace with your flawless presence.”
Ouchy ouch.
Wait.
“The first two may have been true in the past, but for someone who runs the most infamous information guild, your knowledge is quite lacking on the third point.”
“Ah.” He held up a finger, leaning in close. “I said that was the rumour, not that it was the truth.”
I tilted my head back so I could meet his eyes. “Then what do you think the truth is?”
“Marchioness Vermillion is in charge of your letters and has been taking out the best invitations, sending your sister in your place without your knowledge.”
Hmm. It seemed there was a rat in House Vermillion.
“Aren’t you clever,” I said dryly, touching my fingertip to his chest. “Then I suppose you’re aware of how my sister was utterly humiliated at your estate this week.”
“There’s nothing I enjoy more than petty revenge.” He clasped his hand around mine and pulled it away, peering down as if my palm were something to be studied. “I’m also interested in what you know about me, my lady.”
“A lady never reveals her secrets.”
“Oh, you will.” He brought his face close to mine again. “Now what could the eldest daughter of House Vermillion need so desperately that she can only speak to me about it, hmm?”
I stepped back, extracting my hand from his grip. “I need a list of bachelors between the ages of twenty-two and thirty-five who are looking for their first wife. They must be either a first or second son of a marquess or higher, but a count’s household would do if they were high enough in the Imperial Family’s estimation. And I need it within a week.”
Ezra stared at me, shock flashing through his eyes, breaking through his usual cocky demeanour. “You… want me to find you a husband? Forgive me, but isn’t that your father’s job?”
“Yes, but he’s open to my input. I promised to present him a list of my choices for his perusal.”