“Lord Alaric Valerian, at your service.” Alaric extends his free hand towards Patrick. “I’m pleased to meet you. Are you friends of Winifred from London? We must have you at the castle for tea. My soon-to-be wife enjoys entertaining, and our chef is world-class.” Alaric looks at me and winks, and his arm around me squeezes, and Patrick glares at him, and I think I might die of happiness. “Oh, we’re not friends,” I say sweetly. “I used to be engaged to Patrick, but then he decided to cheat on me with Claire, my best friend since kindergarten.” “I see.” Alaric withdraws his hand. “In that case,
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