Mr Spencer (Mr. 2)

“Isn’t Sarah a loose cannon?” Lara frowns.

“No. She’s smart, intelligent, and I adore her. As for Paul, well, he is just Paul. He’ll be good for the place until his next trip.”

“Who else is going to work there?”

“Two young lawyers straight from university—both guys. They start in February.”

Beth bounces in her seat. “This is so exciting, Charlotte.”

“I know.”

“Don’t let Sarah bonk the solicitors,” Lara warns me. “Or Paul, for that matter.”

I laugh. “I already warned her: no sex with the staff.”

“What did she say?” Lara asks.

“She told me she was hoping for a threesome on their desk.” I smirk.

“Charlotte.” Lara gasps. “You’re going to have pubes on your desk, too.”

We all burst out laughing. “How are my father and Edward?” I ask.

“Good.” Her eyes meet mine as she catches herself, shrugging casually. “As far as I know.”

“Have you seen them?”

“I ran into Edward the other day. He asked me how you were.”

“What did you say?”

She shrugs again. “I told him you were happy.”

I watch her.

“Did you tell him to fuck off from me?” Beth asks casually, lifting her drink to her mouth. “I’m so fucking annoyed with him.” She tuts. “If he took the time to get to know Spencer, he would see how wonderful he is. He pisses me off to no end.”

“Edward just wants you to have your own place, Charlotte. It’s not unreasonable, if you ask me.”

Beth’s eyes meet mine. Always defending him.

“I’m old enough to make my own decisions, Lara. I love Spencer. I want to live with him. My family should accept that and stop judging him like they judge Penelope. Spencer’s done nothing wrong and I won’t stand for him to be treated the way that they treat him.”

Lara rolls her eyes at me, clearly unimpressed.

“Have either of you

ever tried bondage?” Beth asks. “I met this new guy and he wants to tie me up.”

I bite my lip to stop myself from smiling. I can’t believe Beth. She’s fishing for information for me.

Lara smiles darkly. “Being tied up is fucking hot. Handcuffs are a personal favourite of mine.”

Beth looks at me again. I swear that was her in Edward’s room that night.

“Have you ever fucked Edward, Lara?” Beth blurts out.

Lara chokes on her drink. “What?”