Page 75 of Wreck Me

‘So, you’re the young lady keeping my boy in line.’ He politely presses a kiss to each of my cheeks, but it’s not nearly as warm or enthusiastic as his wife’s greeting.

‘Trying to.’Though no one ever called me a lady before.A waiter approaches with a tray of champagne. James hands one to me, then one to his mother.

‘It’s Scarlett’s birthday.’ Vivienne says to Alex and nudges his ribs.

‘Many happy returns.’ Alex raises his glass.

‘Scarlett, you must come to the house. We’d love to have you for dinner. Oh, and it’s Alex’sbigbirthday in April. Put the date in your diary. All the Becketts will be there. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet the family in one go, isn't it Alex?’ Vivienne places a hand on her husband’s chest but doesn’t wait for his reply, ‘and perhaps we could do lunch this week? There’s a fabulous new tapas place in O’Connell Street. The owner is a friend’s son. He spent the last five years training under Marco Valiente in New York, but now he’s home and he’s opened this gorgeous old nunnery he’s had converted. You should see the interior, it’s a modernist Art Deco haven. He has the most elaborate wine selection.’ Vivienne barely pauses for breath. ‘Oh, and Isabella, Zara and I have a weekly spa date at Eden every Friday afternoon at three o’clock. You simply must join us sometime. They do the best LED light therapy facial, sweetheart. Not that you need it, of course. Your skin is beautiful.’ She brushes a hand gently over my cheek and I flinch out of habit.

James sniggers.

So this is what he meant when he said his mother was “a lot”.

I don’t think I need to worry about Vivienne’s approval if her invitations are anything to go by. But Alexander Beckett might be a tougher cookie to crack if his sidelong stares are anything to go by.

In the main ballroom, the tables are laid with lavish displays of peonies and primroses. A band plays on the main stage but not so loudly that you can’t hold a conversation. We’re seated with Caelon and Isabella, and some friends of Vivienne and Alex’s.

They seem like a lovely family. Every minute movement and exchange of playful banter is weighted with warmth.

‘Are you enjoying yourself?’ Vivienne checks as the waitresses clear away the entrees. She places a soft hand on my elbow. Her easy affection and the maternal lilt to her tone cracks my chest right open.

I miss my mother like a heart misses a beat. It was so cruel how she was taken from me. If Jack O’Connor spent every day of the rest of his miserable life rotting in prison, it still wouldn't be long enough.

My fingers automatically reach for the silver cross at the base of my throat. Martha begged me to switch the necklace for pearls or a diamond at the very least, but while I was happy for her to pick my outfit, right down to my panties, taking the necklace off wasn't up for negotiation. My mother lent it to me a couple of days before her death. When I have it with me, I feel like I still have a part of her with me. When I touch it, I’m reminded I wasn't always alone.

‘Scarlett?’ Concern creeps into Vivienne’s honeyed voice.

‘Yes. Thank you.’ I blink back the tears threatening at the corners of my eyes. ‘You have a beautiful family.’ I glance around the table at Caelon and Isabella, Alexander and finally my eyes rest on James.

‘You’re part of it now.’ She offers me a conspiratorial wink as her palm brushes up over the back of my arm. ‘I’ve seen the way James looks at you. He’s obsessed.’

Her words stoke a fire in my chest. A longing steals the breath from my lungs. ‘Do you think?’

‘I don’t think.’ She beams at me again. ‘I know.’ She turns to her husband. ‘Alex, how’s your caviar?’

‘It appears you’ve made quite the impression.’ James’s deep baritone rumbles into my ear, his hot breath brushing my neck. ‘My mother is all over you like a bad rash.’

‘So far, so good. Not sure about your dad, though,’ I whisper.

‘He’s a teddy bear under his armour. He’s infinitely more controlled when it comes to keeping his emotions in check than my mother. It’s something he instilled in all of us, thankfully.’

‘Thankfully?’

‘Because,’ he leans closer and lowers his voice, ‘if I hadn’t mastered complete control of my emotions, you would be spread across this table with your dress up around your waist and I’d be devouring your sweet pussy while three hundred people watched.’

Fire crackles across my skin. Sharp longing tugs at my tummy. I turn my face to meet his stare. Black pupils burn back at me. ‘You look positively delectable in that dress,’ he purrs. ‘I think it’s time for your next lesson.’

Chapter Thirty-Six

SCARLETT

‘Here?’ I squeak.

‘Perhaps not on the table, but yes, I don’t see why not.’ His eyes glint as my mouth falls open.

I swipe my tongue over my lower lip as a need builds deep in my core. I am so ready for my next lesson but I’d prefer it was at home so we can take our time. ‘Aren't you supposed to be behaving?’ I glance at Alex pointedly.

‘I suppose there is that.’ James reaches for his bow tie and tugs it off with a sharp flick of his wrist. He shoves his chair back as he stands and clears his throat.

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