Free One Sinful Night by Kaitlin O'Riley

Wesley Lawrence, as well as Aidan and herself. Vivienne idly wondered where Jackson Harlow was, since she had not seen him since supper ended. She had so enjoyed his company that afternoon and would have appreciated his charming presence with her now.
    â€œWhat are the forfeits?” asked Sarah Atwood, a pretty brunette with a matching set of dimples framing her wide mouth.
    â€œWhatever the Questioner decides,” George said. “For example, if someone refuses my question, I can make up a forfeit for them to pay for not telling the truth, such as doing something as ridiculous as having to recite one of Shakespeare’s sonnets.”
    â€œOr you can demand a kiss as a forfeit…” Gregory whispered with a devilish gleam in his eyes.
    â€œWhat my charming cousin won’t do for a kiss.” The others laughed at Vivienne’s dry remark.
    â€œHow do we decide who begins the first question?” asked Helene, smiling with excitement.
    â€œWe’ll draw straws. The shortest becomes the first Questioner and asks a question of the person of his choice. When that person has answered the question honestly or paid the forfeit, then he or she may ask the next question,” Gregory said as they began to arrange the chairs in a close circle. “And if we know you are lying or if you do not perform your forfeit satisfactorily, you are out of the game. The winner is the last one in.”
    It seemed an amusing game to Vivienne, and if Aidan were not there she would have actually enjoyed playing. As they settled into their seats, Vivienne found herself sitting between Harry Gardner, a tall, lanky fellow with brown hair and eyes the color of coffee, and Wesley Lawrence, a fair-haired man with a broad nose. She was positioned directly across from Aidan, who sat between Victoria Atwood and Gregory.
    Since the shortest straw went to Lord Harry Gardner, he asked the first question.
    â€œMiss Victoria, which Cardwell twin do you think is more handsome, Gregory or George? Fact or forfeit?”
    Amid much laughter, Victoria answered confidently. “I can honestly answer that one. It’s a fact that the boys are identical. They are equally handsome.”
    They applauded her answer. Victoria said excitedly, “Now, my question is for Lord Whitlock.”
    They all turned to look at Aidan. With a self-satisfied smile Victoria asked, “Why have you yet to marry, Lord Whitlock? Fact or forfeit?”
    A chorus of oohs went round the circle. “You could have asked that same question of any of them,” Sarah Atwood called laughingly to her sister.
    Managing a bland smile, Vivienne felt uncomfortable with that question to Aidan. The answers would be too painful. Yet she could not resist a quick peek at Lady Helene Winston, who blushed prettily at the mention of the Earl of Whitlock and marriage. Her cool, refined features were beautiful and her wheat-colored hair was elegantly coiled in a knot at the base of her neck. From what Vivienne had gathered from her cousins, it was generally believed that there was an understanding of sorts between Aidan and Helene that they would eventually marry. Vivienne had to admit that Helene seemed a perfect match for Aidan. She already appeared every inch a countess.
    Aidan rose to the challenge and answered Victoria’s question without hesitation. “The fact is I have chosen not to marry because I do not believe I am ready to settle down.” He gave a droll look around the circle and winked at Helene. “Not yet anyway.”
    â€œNicely evaded, old chap,” Lord Harry commented with a chuckle. “Your question.”
    A moment of silence ensued as they waited expectantly for Aidan to ask one of them a question. With a sudden, sickening sense of dread, Vivienne knew, just knew, he was going to question her.
    â€œMiss Montgomery,” Aidan said clearly, his narrowed emerald eyes pinned on Vivienne, as he crossed his arms across his