Page 35 of Vicious Seduction
And with that thought, I returned to mingling with my first genuine smile of the night.
CHAPTER 17
ORAN
BringingLina to the wedding came about so quickly that I didn’t have a chance to warn Nana that Lina was coming. Now, the two were about to meet, and I wasn’t entirely sure what my feisty grandmother might say. The possibilities were unnerving.
I considered tactically avoiding her side of the room but decided her wrath, if I did, would be even worse, and that was a guarantee. There was at least a slim chance Nana would play it cool.
“Nana, I have someone I’d like you to meet.”
“Well, lassie. I thought Oran here had exaggerated when he told me how bonny you were, but I can see for myself it were the God’s honesttruth. You must be Lina.”
So much for playing it cool.
“Lina Schultze,” I said, “I’d like you to meet my grandmother, Nana Byrne.” When I looked back at Lina, she studied me with an intensity that made my skin itch.
“Nana, it’s lovely to meet you.” She extended her hand with effortless grace. Every awkward situation I’d thrown at her, whether intentional or not, she’d waded through with practiced ease. I was impressed. Though I liked it better when I saw the true Lina—the fury and snark that lived beneath the aristocratic facade.
“I’m so glad you could join us,” Nana beamed. “Can you believe such a marvelous celebration was thrown together in only a week?”
“You’re kidding!”
“Not at all. They were ready and saw no need to wait, but that’s the way of these Byrne men. Not a lick of patience among them.” She held up her hand the second I opened my mouth. “Don’t you argue with me, boyo. You’re a Byrne through and through.” She continued talking to Lina as though I weren’t there. “The whole family came together, the ladies especially, of course. It was a group effort, and I’d say it’s a splendid show of how well we work together.” The old woman was damn proud. I had to smile.
“I’m shocked they could get a florist to do an event like this on such short notice.”
Nana shrugged nonchalantly. “Sometimes you just have to know how to talk to people.”
“Alright, Nana. That’s probably enough out of you.” I didn’t know what information she might have or what she planned to say, but I wasn’t risking it. “We still need to make a few introductions.”
She gave me a deadpan stare, then turned to Lina. “See! What did I say? Not a lick of patience.” She reached out twowrinkled hands and clasped Lina’s affectionately. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Lina dear. Take care of my Oran. He’s not so tough as he lets on.”
Jesus H. Christ.
Lina looked like she was ready to split at the seams with laughter. “I’ll do my best. And trust me, the pleasure was all mine.”
“Ignore her. She’s completely senile,” I grumbled as I herded Lina far, far away from Nana.
“Interesting. She seemed lucid to me.”
“That just goes to show how questionable your judgment is.”
“Careful, that’s your fiancée you’re talking about.” She shot me a look filled with sass.
I gave her a quick tug, bringing her back flush with my front, and wrapped my arms around her. “You have any idea what that mouth of yours does to me?” I rasped quietly, my cheek close to hers.
Lina shook her head. I lowered one hand to her belly and pulled her against my thickening cock. I felt rather than heard her sharp intake of air.
“A little something to remember next time you feel like being smart.”
“That’s who I am,” she said, her voice gone husky. “I suggest you get used to beingpainfullyembarrassed.”
I took her hand and spun her as if we’d been dancing, then pulled her front flush with mine, my cock now pleasantly pressed into her lower belly. “Sweetheart, I don’t give a fuck who knows I’m hard for you.” I brought my face closer, my stare melding with hers. “Now, unless there’s something more … sophisticated on the menu, it’s time for cake. I’m famished.”
“Cake,” she breathed, nodding sharply. “Yes, cake would be good.”
I released her with a wolfish grin, thrilled at how thoroughly I’d managed to disorient her. We took our cake slices to a vacant table and sat with a view of the room. I grabbed a glass of champagne for each of us, smirking when she downed half in one go.