Page 94 of Temporary Vows

So, that’s what Knox meant.

I go still as my grip tightens around my glass.

Parker says something to her, and she laughs, looking intrigued.

“Business is business, right?” Knox mutters.

I don’t look at him. I set my drink on the nearest table and am already striding toward Elodie and my asshole cousin before my mind can catch up.

Motherfucker. What does he think he’s doing?

It’s bad enough he wants my job and my fucking life. Now he’s moving in on my woman, too?

“Hampton Court. Darling, you’d love it,” Parker says, flashing Elodie a rakish smile. “Especially in the winter when it snows. Though it’s been an age since we’ve had a proper snowfall in England.”

Listen to him, laying his accent on thick, talking like he just walked off the set ofBridgerton.

“Hampton Court sounds amazing. I would love nothing more than to go there,” Elodie says, excitement in her voice.

England. Of course. She’s obsessed. She’s always been obsessed with going there. So, Parker—who’s from there and sounds like he was raised in Buckingham Palace—would absolutely fascinate her.

“My lady?—”

I clear my throat before he can continue. Because no, she’s not his lady. And no, business isn’t fucking business.

The two of them face me. Elodie’s cheeks flush as she looks at me, and she tries to bite back her smile.

“Dorian, hi,” she says.

“Sweetheart.” I can lay it on thick, too.

I take her hand and pull her toward me.

“I was just talking with your cousin. I ran into him in the parking lot,” Elodie explains, glancing between us. “He was telling me about England.”

“Was he now.”

Parker grins. “She’s simply enchanted. I couldn’t help myself.”

“I adore your accent,” Elodie gushes, and I don’t know how I maintain my calm.

“You need to go to England, darling.”

He needs to head back there himself.

“Perhaps Dorian will take you. I hear he should be going there soon.”

God, give me strength. Any opportunity to take a dig at me. Even now.

Elodie’s face brightens, and her dainty hand warms in mine. “You’re going to England?”

“Not any time soon. Parker gets confused sometimes. Especially when it comes to me. And what belongs tome.”

Elodie’s smile wanes, and I can tell she’s picked up on my meaning.

“Nah. Not so much. I don’t recall being confused overanythingthat belongs to you.”

He’s testing me. Wanting me to push back again.