Kipp Llewellyn, the proverbial poor little rich boy, can have whatever he wants, except the one thing he wants most: his father’s love. When the opportunity arises to obtain it, Kipp jumps at the chance, even though it means breaking a date with “Ham,” the man he’s sure he’s falling in love with. However, the opportunity turns out to be an arranged marriage with his father’s biggest competitor. Even worse, Kipp discovers his proposed groom is Hyde Wyndham, the man of his dreams. Having lived in a gilded cage his entire twenty-one years, Kipp refuses to settle for anything less than love and walks away from both his father and his future husband. Hyde didn’t achieve his position in the financial world by taking no for an answer, however, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make Kipp realize he’s wanted for himself, including wooing the young man he intends to marry, prenuptial agreements be damned. He’s certain he’s succeeded, until Kipp learns something that puts an insurmountable barrier between them. Will Hyde be able to overcome Kipp’s doubts, and will Kipp realize that some things are worth the sacrifice?

Two Lips, Indifferent Red

“It doesn’t matter. I couldn’t have eaten it anyway. Sir was having shrimp cocktail as the first course.”


I pulled over the easy chair and sank down into it. I’d often asked him why Sir seemed to hate me so much, and Granddad had always put me off, telling me I’d just caught Sir in a bad mood. The problem was he always seemed to be in a bad mood when I was around.


I ran a hand through my hair. “I’m not Sir’s son, am I?”


“What? What makes you ask something like that?”


“I overheard Sir talking to the heads of the other three Families. He said Hyde wouldn’t get my share of Llewellyn, Inc. because I’m not his son. Is that true?”


He was quiet for so long, I didn’t think he was going to answer me. Finally, looking utterly defeated, he said, “I’m so sorry, Kipp.”


Oh, Goddamnit. “I’d better give you the ring back.” I wouldn’t be marrying Hyde.


“The one you found in Mother’s keepsake box. The one you had Beauchamp give me.”


Chapter 84