Maison Plaisir (Spirit World 1)

Belle schooled a blank expression. “I have to wake up at five tomorrow.”

“This won’t take long, Belle.” Clara brushed past her and invited herself into her apartment as if she owned the place. “It’s about Mom.”

Sarah followed Clara, throwing a glance at her small apartment. Even though Sarah sported a big smile on her face, her eyes emanated contempt.

Belle crossed her arms on her chest. Usually, she would’ve offered them drinks and obliged in menial pleasantries, but she’d decided she’d cut her family off from now and she wanted to let her sisters know their visit wasn’t welcomed. “What does she want?”

Her twin sisters traded a glance. Clara started. “Mom was concerned about you. She feels sorry to have invited Trent over.”

“Duly noted. Anything else?”

“Mom wants to us to get together again. Maybe a weekend in Hampton or something? Giselle Lambert went to Europe until the end of this year and she said we could use her bungalow.”

Good Lord, a weekend trip with her mom and her sisters? No way, Jose.

“I don’t know. I have to check with Hervé. He’s pretty busy lately.”

“Tell Hervé, Mom is looking forward to meeting him again soon. To discuss a few things,” Clara said.

“What things?”

“Silly girl. To see when you and Hervé are going to get married. You two are serious, aren’t you?”

“Sorry. Hervé and I haven’t planned that far.”

“Maybe you should discuss this matter with Hervé.”

“I’ll talk to him.”

“Are you two really seeing each other?” Sarah blurted out.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Belle snapped back. She felt suspicious that this whole thing was only the twins’ hoax.

“What she means is, a man like Hervé is a hard catch. I bet he won’t get married without a prenup and stuff. We know his type, Belle. Mom and we were talking. We thought you should consider a smaller fish in the pond. Trent is a good man.”

Belle narrowed her eyes. “If I can get Hervé, why would I bother with a guy like Trent?”

Sarah’s mouth pursed grimly. Clara flustered. She wanted to rebuke when she saw someone at the door. Belle turned and saw Armand. Her heart stopped for a moment.

“Evening, babe. Need to talk to you,” Armand told her.

Belle stammered. “It’s not a good time. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

“I can’t wait. It has to be now.” Armand walked through the door and turned to her sisters. “I have something to discuss with Belle if you ladies don’t mind.”

Clara and Sarah gawked at him.

“Who are you?” Clara finally managed.

“I’m her boyfriend.”

The twins spun their heads to Belle with triumph. “I thought Hervé was your boyfriend?” Clara didn’t bother shielding her accusing tone.

“Oh, Hervé was only a temporary distraction. But not anymore. Belle’s my girl now.” Armand seized Clara and Sarah’s arms and pushed them out the door. Her twin sisters protested, but Armand ignored them. Unceremoniously, Armand slammed the door shut. “Well?”

She felt heat rising between them. “You should go, too, Armand.”

“Hell, I will.”