Page 13 of Forbidden Earl

Remy’s schedule was his own business, but Cassidy kept her lips sealed from asking questions. First, she’d have to show him that she wasn’t his sister if she wanted a chance for more with him. She went toward the first rack she saw, familiar with the designers she hadn’t been able to afford. “If you say so. But if I was you, I’d go soon and guard my true love.”

Donna stilled at the first rack. “Why would you say Blackwell is my true love?”

Cassidy ran through the dresses fast. None of this group matched what she’d envisioned as her perfect wedding dress. “It’s what thecomputersaid.”

The room went quiet. Donna asked, “So who does the computer program say for you? Anyone we should contact before your wedding?”

It felt like everyone stared at her and her face flamed. “No one important.” Cassidy quickly went to the next rack of gowns.

Renee walked in with Michael, the castle stylist, who normally avoided Cassidy. His sway of disapproval always made her avoid him right back, but this time, he came right toward her and picked up the ends of her hair. Thetskannounced his disapproval as he picked up another section. Finally he said, “We’ll have to cut off at least three inches and perhaps a keratin treatment will bring out the shine.” Cassidy turned to speak only to him. “Whatever we do today must be simple. I want shock and awe for my wedding day.”

“Girl,” he whispered with understanding, “that won’t be an issue. It’s going to take me two days to get through all this hair anyhow. Tell me we’re starting today.”

“All right,” Cassidy agreed. She walked away from Michael and caressed a satin sleeve with lace cuffs.

“Last chance,” Donna said to Cassidy. Michael had followed her and now lifted her hair, like he was looking for buried treasure at her scalp. “Whoever the computer says doesn’t have to be important. Finding true love matters.”

Cassidy said nothing to the stylist and held Donna’s gaze. “So, you’re truly happy with His Grace?”

“Yes.” Donna answered fast and without a hint of doubt.

Cassidy leaned closer. “Then listen closely. Chelsea is pretty spiteful right now. Just be on guard until after the wedding.”

Donna’s face went white. “She’s your sister. Why are you telling me this?”

Cassidy turned away from the stylist and went back to the dresses. One of these had to match what she’d imagined. Nothing too frilly. “She’ll try to take my place next, sister or no, and part of me wants to see how Remy handles it.”

Donna placed her hand on her hip. “How long have you known Lord Sky?”

Since birth. Cassidy let out a huge sigh. Which was why she was okay with marrying him despite her computer program’s obvious malfunction. “All my life. We went to the same schools in California until our parents regained their titles and we moved back here. We were on the same flights and we even went to college together. Unfortunately, I saw too much of him, and he saw me. But I don’t matter. What matters today is my sister.”

“Got it. Thanks.”

Donna quickly said her goodbyes. Cassidy went through the dresses and finally picked one that she liked. The short sleeves but poofy bottom would be a little old fashioned with the flowered lace design on the bodice, but Cassidy liked classy and this one would make her look exactly that. She put it to the side. Renee examined it, and showed Kristin.

Soon she had a pile of amazing dresses. She hoped the dress of her dreams was in this selection, if not, she’d have to pick one anyway. It seemed Michael was going to help her with her plan to dazzle Remy on their wedding day. He’d never call her “sister” again.

Chapter 6

The palace refused to send Remington the name of his perfect match partner?

The morning letter irked Remington, even as he rode his horse with Blackwell across Avce’s mountainous terrain. Curiosity drove him. How often was he turned down? This afternoon he’d get his suit tailored as promised, then slip into the palace and ask Prince Antonio for the name personally. He wasn’t going to cancel his wedding no matter whose name was listed. Marrying Cassidy made the most sense and they’d be happy enough.

At the stables, he slowed his horse and brought him to the Duke of Oakley’s stable boys for a good wash down and rub.

They’d ridden hard this morning, exercising their steeds and themselves, traversing the land they were responsible for, as their ancestors had before them.

Blackwell, the Duke of Oakley, finished with his horse and joined him near the gate.

Neither man spoke, but neither felt they had to. Blackwell married tomorrow, and he married the day after, though Blackwell’s ceremony was to be small. However, as he neared Blackwell’s estate, he noticed that the windows rattled. His friend looked confused as they heard the bass of music pulsating through the air. Remy turned and asked, “What’s going on?”

Blackwell stilled, gazed at him with suspicion, and then shook his head. “I’ve no idea. Did you put together a bachelor party?”

“No.” Blackwell raced toward the house, and Remy followed. “With Grannie dying, I didn’t think it appropriate.”

In fact, he’d thought to get home to check on her but he’d help his friend clear the house first. They rushed up the stairs and cheap floral perfume itched his nose. Blackwell opened the door releasing the blare of music. “Well, let’s find out what the ruckus is—I can’t imagine anybody else putting something together—nobody knows.”

Naked prostitutes were everywhere. Remington rubbed his eyes to be sure but then a huge bubble of laughter emerged from his throat. There was no way straight-laced, boring Blackwell would have approved of this. He’d have done it for him if he had more time, though he’d not have planned this many women. While funny, it could be trouble. He patted his friend on the back and whistled. “This looks more like an orgy than a bachelor party.”

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