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

“So Mother was certain Sir didn’t know Kipling’s name?”


“At that point, I don’t think she cared. She said, ‘Marcus has no say in what I name this baby.’ And she made me promise to name you Kipp. I’ve often wondered if she knew she wouldn’t leave the hospital alive.”


“Do you think Sir had something to do with that call bell being out of reach?”


“No, no, not at all, Kipp! How could you even—I’m sorry, I’m—” He couldn’t seem to catch his breath.


“This…this must be taking more…”


I pressed the call bell, but I wasn’t going to wait; I ran out into the hall and down to the nurses’ station.


She was already up and coming around the counter. “What is it?”


“My grandfather’s having trouble breathing.”


“I’ll take care of him. But I’ll need you to stay out of the room.”


I touched her arm. “I know this is a hospice, but please don’t let him die.”


Chapter 86