Page 108 of The Exception

“Mm,” I said. “Okay. Unfortunately, I never met them.” Though I had heard stories of their legendary love.

“Prince Albert and Queen Victoria.”

“Your dogs?” I laughed, but it quickly turned into a gasp when he lightly pinched my nipple.

“No. Their namesakes. Their deep commitment and abiding love were admirable. They were all about family and duty.”

My lips curled into a smile. That was really sweet, actually. I’d never known the true reason behind their names, but I’d certainly heard rumors during my time at Huxley.

He tilted his head. “Why do you seem surprised?”

“I’m not, but I know some people who would be.”

He frowned. “What does that mean?”

“You know what a Prince Albert piercing is, right?”

He stared at me, aghast. “You thought I named my Irish Wolfhound after a dick piercing?”

“Ididn’t. But, yeah—” I lifted a shoulder. “Others do.” When I’d been working at the Huxley Grand, it had been a joke among the employees.

“And I suppose they think the V in Queen V is for vagina?”

“Vulva, actually.”

He grumbled, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“You know,” I said, grabbing his collar and pulling his lips down until they hovered over mine. “I never would’ve guessed you were such a hopeless romantic.”

“And I never would’ve guessed you had such a dirty mind.”

I tugged so his ear was close to my lips. “Read some of my favorite books, and then you’ll understand.”

His eyes narrowed into slits. “I don’t like the idea of you thinking of other men—fictional or otherwise.”

I started backing away toward the château, raising a brow. “Then I suggest you give me something better to think about.”

His eyes darkened. “Is that a challenge?”

I smirked and lifted a shoulder. And then I turned and walked away, my core heating at the determined expression on his face.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

“Let me grab my camera gear, and then we can get started.”

“Now?” Graham balked.

“Unless you have somewhere better to be?”

“I definitely have something I’d rather be doing.” He gave me a pointed look.

“Mm.” I bit my lower lip. “Tempting.”

He took a step forward, and I held up a hand as if to stop him. “Nope. I know what you’re trying to do.”

“And what’s that, Mrs. Mackenzie?” He took another step closer. His chest met my palm, easing against my resistance.

“Distract me.”

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