He shook his head. “Again, not something I bring to work.”

“Well, start,” I grumbled.

He laughed, getting up. “Can I wait here for five minutes? Don’t really want to explain myself.”

Sitting up, I glanced at his crotch. And grinned.

“Gabriella.”

“What? I can’t look?” I ran my hand through my hair with a sigh, then stopped.

Oh.

“Hang on. I have an idea.”

“I’m not pulling out. That’s how my cousin got his side piece pregnant.”

“Yes, well, I’m on birth control and I’m not your side piece—wait, am I?”

Miles laughed. “No. You’re the only piece, princess.”

“Bloody right I am. Just wait here a second, okay?” I held up my hands and pulled up the shoulder of my dress that had fallen down as he’d undone the buttons. I clasped it at my breasts and quickly darted out of the room, pulling the door closed behind me.

Aunt Cat had condoms in her room. Nobody else was home, so I could slip into her room and grab one from her nightstand. She’d told me that when the storm hit, so she wouldn’t mind now, surely.

Besides, I could put one back for her. I’d just borrow it.

I felt like I was back at university.

Not that I’d lasted long there, but I digress.

I crept down to her room, thankful to be barefoot. It was a lot harder to creep if one was wearing shoes. I gave a cursory glance around for anyone, but there was nobody, and there was nothing to indicate anyone was here, either. Our guests had all left this morning except for Alexander, and it looked as though he was still out with my father.

All right.

I was going to do this.

My vagina demanded I do this.

My brain was in full agreement.

“Two years, Gabriella,” it whispered.

Sod this.

I pushed open the door and froze.

There were people in the room.

In Aunt Cat’s room.

She was in the bed, frozen in place, and—

I screamed and slammed the door, bolting down the hallway back to my room where Miles was already making his way out.

“What’s the matter?”

“Get inside now!” I shoved him in and shut my door, leaning against it.

I was never, ever going to be able to look Arthur Fredericks in the eye again.

Or my aunt, for that matter.

At least she’d been mostly under the covers. Arthur…had not been. Thank God he’d been putting his trousers on and was covered up.

“Gabriella. What’s wrong?” Miles cupped my face. “Is someone there?”

I nodded, horrified.

“Who is it?” He tried the door, but I wouldn’t move. Couldn’t, actually.

“Arthur. In my aunt’s bedroom. Half-naked.”

Miles stopped. “What?”

“Uh-huh.” I stared at the wall on the opposite side of the room. “I think I need therapy.”

“What’s going on? Who screamed?”

“Oh, no,” I breathed. “That’s my father. Hide. I have to distract him.”

I took a deep breath and stepped outside. Both Dad and Alex were there, looking around curiously.