Read Online Falling Into Place by Brandy L Rivers - Free Book Online Page A

didn’t suspect he would.
     
    * * * *
     
    Liz had managed to get the old fashioned
maroon gown on but she couldn’t lace the corset. She felt
ridiculous. Sighing heavily, she stomped out of her room, and
marched to Tremaine’s.
    They were staying in another mage’s vacation
home. It was a castle, a huge castle in Canada. Tremaine had told
her it was the vacationing spot for British royals.
    She would have rather gone to Ireland to
explore the forests, and old ruins. Instead she was going to a
masquerade ball in an old fashioned gown. There were so many layers
she wasn’t even sure she got them all on right.
    She pounded her hand against the door.
    Tremaine opened it and took in her
appearance. “I no longer like this plan.”
    She crossed her arms over her chest. “Just
lace it, please. Or let me dress as a young boy. The file says
Edmond likes both sexes.”
    He let out a laugh. “Yes, well this way we
can tell Kathryn you dressed as a proper lady at least once on this
trip.”
    “Somehow, I doubt it’s going to do much good
when she finds out about Robert and me.”
    “Turn around, let’s get you laced.”
    She did and Tremaine went to work on the
corset.
    He grunted. “Suck in a breath and hold it,
otherwise you won’t have room to breathe.”
    “Wha… what?” She stammered.
    “Just do it.”
    She did and he laced her corset up. Once it
was done, he apologized. “Sorry, it’s how they work.”
    She could breathe, but barely. Turning back,
she grumbled, “Is this really necessary?”
    The amusement on his face galled her. “Liz,
you fit the role beautifully. Of course the dress is
necessary.”
    There was an intake of breath. Liz looked
over to find Robert standing there with his mouth hanging open.
Shaking his head, he managed to say, “Wow, Liz, you’re
stunning.”
    Heat flooded her cheeks. If she was
stunning, he was exquisite in his suit. “Thank you. You look
amazing.”
    Robert took a few steps closer and took her
hand. “I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful than you, Elizandra.”
Before she could argue, he placed a finger over her lips. “Don’t.
It’s true.”
    She sighed and his gaze dropped to her
normally small bust, but the dress managed to push her up and out.
She heard him gulp.
    “This dress is too much,” she whispered.
    Closing his eyes, Robert took a deep breath.
“It’s not. I hate that other men are going to see you in it, but
you are breathtaking.”
    Tremaine cleared his throat. “You need your
mask.”
    Liz had nearly forgotten. She turned to go
back into her room. She slipped inside and grabbed the jewel
encrusted mask. With a sigh, she put it on, and fastened it in
place.
    When she came back out, Preston swallowed
audibly, “Liz, is that really you?”
    Her eyes widened. “I’m changing.”
    She spun around, but heard the pop before
Robert spun her back around with a smile.
    “You will not change. We need to go, and you
fit your role perfectly.”
    “Too perfectly,” Tremaine muttered. “We
don’t want to be late. Let’s go.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Tremaine was beginning to think his
brilliant plan was too damned good. Edmond couldn’t tear his eyes
from Liz, who had started in Robert’s arms. Preston cut in after
several dances.
    If Edmond didn’t make his move, it would
soon be Tremaine’s turn. If that happened, he would be tempted to
drag the three young mages back to the mansion and plan something
that didn’t put Liz in direct danger.
    That would only offend her. Robert had
already suggested another plan, one that was sound, but again,
defeated his whole purpose in this mission.
    Edmond’s eyes narrowed as he pushed off the
wall. He stalked across the room, toward Liz. As usual, Preston had
Liz laughing about God knew what.
    Edmond moved beside Preston and Liz,
apparently cutting in. Preston stepped back with a bow and placed a
kiss on Liz’s hand.
    Robert slapped his hand on the table.
Tremaine looked over with a raised brow.
    “Yeah, I