“I am fortunate to have a sister so sweet, dear Nisa,” he said with an unwavering smile that did not meet his eyes. “You have taught me much in what to look for in a good woman.”

Namely, someone who could keep the same maid for a year.

Aslan had long ago learned to look comfortable with implications that he could not metaphorically wipe his own arse. Sometimes, he even believed it.

This was not one of them.

“There is the ball,” he said before he thought out the implications of a man who would catch her attention.

Too late. The words were already rolling.

“Plenty of well-bred men associate with the McPadraics – and those of our station have been invited, too. Once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Allah. He was willing to sentence someone else to death for a mere night of relief from her.