To Collar and Keep by Stella Price, Audra Price Page B

celebrations, you can revisit everything, and if Corbin has performed up to snuff, you can welcome him in with a party.”
    “I can live with that.” Ben smiled. “But don’t mess up, I don’t give second chances.”
    “And I won’t need one.” Corbin downed his glass in one swallow.
    “Good, now go and arrange to give the women back.”
    “And the party tonight? Will we be seeing you, Corbin?” Harley bent down and picked up Jared, who had crawled over to him. The child gurgled and laughed as Harley set him on his lap.
    “You might, if I can get everything in order to the prince’s satisfaction. May I speak freely for a moment?”
    Harley shrugged. “Doesn’t bother me any, Corbin. Ben?”
    “The suggestion isn’t for Ben, it’s for you. I couldn’t help hearing your discussion before I came in. I know your father reasonably well and to put it bluntly he’d rather cut off his nuts than step down from power. An heir apparent was purely for show and perhaps to keep your mother happy. Ben’s father always made sure his sister got what she wanted. I’d maybe have a talk with him before investing too much of your life into Rummer.”
    Harley smiled and nodded. “Your concern is noted, Corbin, and I thank you for speaking your mind. Boris has his issues, but I do believe you have a point. You seem to know much about him and my mother,” he said as Jared turned and crawled up the rest of his lap. “Now Ben, are you and Minerva coming to the party tonight? Or is that crusty fuck of a father-in-law holding you and the child captive?”
    Ben shook his head. “No, we’ll be there, later though. Milton ’s milking all the time he can get from the little fella.”
    “I wouldn’t trust Milton , either, but I’m sure you already know that,” Corbin said.
    Ben nodded and Corbin continued, “In regards to your parents, Harlequin, I made it a point to know them.”
    “Well, that’s vague as hell. Milton is a ponce, seriously. Ben is an evil genius when it comes to dealing with him. Who is going to be at the Tempest section tonight?”
    “Some of the new folk. It should prove interesting.”
    “Understatement.” He looked at the clock on the mantel above Ben’s head and smiled. “So is that right? Or have we actually been in a time bubble. It feels like I have been here far longer than I think I have.”
    “That’s just my charming company.” Ben smiled. “Time’s working just fine. So Corbin? You staying for a while? ”
    Corbin nodded and walked over to the oxblood couch and sat, a small smile on his face.
    Jared giggled and stuck his thumb in his mouth.
    Harley shook his head and stood, bringing the prince to his father. “So what’s the afternoon’s activities? With the ladies off stimulating the economy and all…”
    “I don’t have anything planned, but I’m sure we can manage something fun.”
    “I did have a suggestion, Ben, seeing as Tempest is getting back into the normal family business.”
    “Yeah, go on…”
    “Why not check out the old storefronts? I mean there are several in New York that should be reopened. Have you even looked at the old business books?”
    “Haven’t looked yet,” Ben said with a roll of his eyes.
    “You know, more and more I’m thinking I should be your right hand.”
    Ben laughed. “Because I’m an evil mastermind but not so business-minded?”
    “Because your priorities are off.”
    “Off? Not quite, I’ve just got other things to do. It’s hard being me.”
    “Fair enough. Let’s take a look at the books then and take a field trip.”

    * * * *

    “Is this seat taken?” Mina asked as she stopped next to Arabella. The party bus was quickly filling, Beloveds and concubines taking their seats in groups. Arabella sat close to Stephanya, Harlequin’s mother, but apart from everyone else.
    She smiled up at Mina and gestured to the seat Mina was enquiring over. “Please, Lady Tempest.”
    Mina sat and looked about, then leaned in. “Please