The Wrong Wife (Morally Grey Billionaires #5)(121)

"Why did he leave?"

I frown. "That’s not my story to tell."

"Was he injured?"

I shake my head. "Can’t reveal that. What I can say is that he was awarded the Victorian Cross, the highest decoration in the British honor system, and then he retired."

"Wow, how old is he?"

"Not too old to lead the team, and with Finn on there, as well, he has all the support he needs."

"Not to mention Gio."

I nod. "Your friend is perfect for the role of Marketing and PR Director for the London Ice Kings.”

"Hmm." She scowls up at me. "You realize, she and Rick don’t get along, right?"





74





Penny





"All right, everyone, settle down." Abby taps a fork against her champagne flute. The people in the room gradually quiet. I glance around and take in JJ with his now-fiancée Lena—yep, he proposed— talking with that other silver fox, Philippe, in a corner of the room. Their heads are bent, and JJ whispers something to Philippe, who barks out a laugh.

Next to them, Sinclair sits with Summer. There’s a bassinet next to them in which their daughter snoozes. Sinclair pulls Summer into his side, and she cuddles in. On the opposite side of the room, Michael and his wife Karma are absorbed in each other. They’ve gotten a babysitter for the evening and are, undoubtedly, enjoying their free time. That is, until Karma’s next one comes along. At three months, she’s not yet showing, but there’s no doubt she’s pregnant. She’s glowing; also, Michael has his big palm cupped over her belly—a dead giveaway—and the other around her shoulder. He kisses her forehead before turning his attention to Abby.

Mira is working tonight and couldn’t be here, much to her disappointment. The celebrity factor is covered by #Declene. Solene is curled into Declan, while he's sprawled out on an armchair not far from Summer. The two were shooting in New Zealand but took their first break in weeks and decided to come to London to catch up with their friends before they whizz off to one of the islands in the Mediterranean for a much-deserved break.

Edward, the only one of the Seven who doesn’t live in London but who happens to be visiting, stands next to the bar. He has a drink in his hand. Rick stands next to him. Tiny pants at his feet, his gaze fixed firmly on the bottle of champagne Cade holds in his hand. Cade, for his part, has his gaze locked on Tiny. There’s a warning look on his face. Tiny whines, and Cade shakes his head slowly. Tiny lets out a big sigh, then sags to the floor and cradles his big head on his paws. He hasn’t taken his eyes off the bottle of champagne, though. Yep, the mutt has a taste for champagne. He’s been known to pour an entire bottle down his gullet. Or so Isla warned me in one of her calls. No wonder, Cade has one arm around Abby and the other is fixed to the bottle of bubbles. He’s not giving it up easily.

"Thank you everyone for being here today. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to see all our friends and family in one room. I know we are all busy people, but I wanted to properly welcome the newest addition to our family."

"Is she talking about me?" Bianca whispers from where she’s seated on the sofa between me and my husband. Her dress is pink, of course, a twin of the one I’m wearing. She transformed into a mini-me practically overnight. In fact, she’s taken to us and us to her so quickly, I almost can’t remember how it was without her.

"Of course she is, Princess." Knight takes her hand in his and brings it up to his mouth, kissing her knuckles.

Bianca giggles. "I’m not a real Princess, Papa."

"You’re the princess of my heart." He flashes her an adoring smile. Knight’s entranced by Bianca, and she has a case of hero-worship. Not that I blame her. He has that effect on all females.

"We are so proud and grateful to have you with us, Bianca. Welcome home." Abby raises her flute.

That’s when Giorgina breezes in on her six-inch high heels. "Hello everyone, sorry I’m late." She takes in the scene, and in a very dramatic gesture, pops out her hip and plants her hand on it. "Hope I’m not interrupting…" She arches a delicate eyebrow.

Across from me, Rick stiffens. He glares at the newcomer with something like longing, before quickly disguising the expression.

If Giorgina notices him, she doesn’t pay him any heed. She spots the bottle of champagne Cade holds and exclaims. "Aha, so you’re the guardian of the bubbles?"

She struts toward him, snatches up a flute from the bar, and taking the bottle from him, examines the label. "Dom Pérignon, excellent. I think I might have found my tribe after all. I—"

Tiny leaps to his feet. She blinks and watches him, mouth open as he prances over to her. For a big dog, he can be very graceful and purposeful when he has his sights set on something. Before she can move, he rears up. Gio screams, and her eyes bug out. Tiny snatches the bottle of champagne from her hands, tips the bottle down his gullet, and plants his paws on the floor next to Gio in one smooth move. He releases the empty champagne bottle, which rolls away, then brushes past her. The momentum makes her stagger back. Her heels catch in a crack in the wooden floor, and she begins to tip over. She yells out, throws up her hands, and her handbag goes flying. Before she can hit the floor, Rick is there. He catches her around the waist.