Page 49 of Rim Job

I snicker, but I lock that down so Isadora understands I mean business. I have no doubt she’s used to getting her way, but I am one person whom she can’t bully into submission.

Not today, Satan.

“The nerve of this trash. How dare you talk to me like that?” Isadora shouts through the dressing room door.

Of course, Jen comes to my defense.

“Look, lady, and I use that term loosely. I don't know how shit is handled in your circle on this side of the pond, but where I'm from, you're one more catty remark away from an ass beating the likes of which you've never seen. Shut the fuck up, turn around, and walk away.”

A few seconds later, a knock sounds on the dressing room door.

“Boo, you okay?” Evelyn asks.

“Yeah, I'm changing. Be out in a second.”

My blood boils in my veins. How dare this woman think she can stake a claim to my husband! I don't think so. Rim is mine. I've got the rings to prove it. My shirt shakes in my hands as I try to shove my head into the material.

Wait. Shit. Why am I so mad? Why did I just thinkmy husbandand mean it?

That means...

Shit, shit, shit.

I really am falling for Rimmington Banks.

24

CHRISTINA

I’ve been staring at my reflection since the girls left and headed to the ball, after we all finished getting ready. Rim had a business call and will be here any moment to get me.

I look different. Not just this gorgeous dress, but me. My skin glows. My eyes twinkle. I'm smiling. I'm happy. For the first time in a long time, I'm genuinely happy.

This happiness, it's about me. I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone. I’ve lost the list I've let dictate my every move, for far too long, and I'm living in the moment. I have to say, it feels good.

“Are you ready?” Rim pushes the door to our room open. “My God, you are stunning.”

“This old thing?” I ask, twirling in place.

The A-line, off-the-shoulder tulle and satin gown is dotted with lace brocade and crystals that swirl around my form, and honestly, this is the happiest I’ve been in months. My heart pounds in my chest just knowing what lies behind his smile. His eyes trace over me, and there’s no way he can disguise he likes what he sees. The feeling is mutual. The past week we have kept it fun, no heavy discussions, just concentrated on getting to know each other. I have gotten to see what his life here is like. He is just magical. He…he overrides any damn logic in my brain. A look, a touch, and I’m done. No control, no thoughts of my future—or the damage he can do to my heart—just him.

Him.

“How about we skip the ball and you finish what you started in the solarium.” He waggles his eyebrows suggestively.

I turn to the mirror and smooth the dress with my hands. The soft material clings to my curves in all the right places. I'm not sure I've ever worn anything so beautiful. I adjust the sweetheart neckline, tugging to make sure the girls are securely nestled in there.

Rim’s gaze meets mine in the mirror from where he stands in the doorway. I smile at his reflection, my cheeks flush under his intense gaze. The heat in his eyes sends goosebumps across my flesh. I thought he looked hot in a suit, but that's nothing compared to Rimmington Banks in a tuxedo. He comes up behind me and rests his hands on my shoulders. His warmth seeps into my bones.

I look at us in the mirror. Really look at us.

Him in his tuxedo, me in my white dress. We look like a bride and a groom. The only things missing to complete the picture in my mind are a veil and bouquet. I can't help it when my heart rate kicks up a notch, and a small smile at the thought of us really together tugs on my lips. Maybe I don't remember my wedding. Hell, I didn't remember my groom, but here, right now, after what we've shared this week, I can't be upset that this man is my husband.

Obviously, he's handsome and wealthy, but he has a big heart. He's a kind, good man who cares for everyone within his circle. I'm lucky to be included.

I want this fantasy to be reality. I want to be his wife. I mean, of course we need to actually date and get to know one another on that level, life in the castle has been fun, but hardly like being in the real world. I can see myself with him now. I can see myself as his wife. I can see myself as Lady Christina Banks. The scariest part about all of that is the fact that it doesn’t scare me at all.

We need to talk after the ball tonight. To discuss how this relationship can flourish for real. No more pretend. No more lies. I want it. I want him. I want us. I just hope he feels the same.

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