Page 86 of The Bachelor Spy
Which only increased his unease.
Graceneverdiscussed fashion unless she was nervous about something.
The ache in his chest spread, branching through his ribs.
Confound it all! If he could only see her face, he’d know the truth instantly.
It was quite late when they finally settled Zahra to bed. Grace, in all her soft, lovely sweetness, helped him into a chair by her bedroom fire while John prepared his bath in the adjoining dressing room.
She’d whispered something about her eagerness to help him bathe, which brought a confusing tangle of desire and … what? Pain? Mistrust?
He wanted her desperately. He always wanted her. She was hiswife,for heaven’s sake.
But what on earth was she hiding, and how did it involve last night and Blake?
Without any awareness of his current turmoil, Grace slid onto his lap and cradled his face in her hands, kissing him quite thoroughly in the process. “As soon as you’ve finished with your bath—and if you’re not too tired—do you think we might … kiss for a considerably longer time? Your lips are clearly working perfectly, and we don’t need eyes for what I have in mind.”
No. Surely Grace would not betray him in such a manner.
But what else could it be?
Blake was charming, handsome. But also Frederick’s dearest friend. No, it couldn’t be.
“I would love nothing more than to indulge in such missed pleasures, darling,” he said carefully, “but I need clarification on something first.”
She shifted back slightly on his lap, probably studying his face. “Of course. What is it?”
He moved his palms to her waist, the slight fullness there reminding him that their child grew inside her.Theirchild. “How long has Blake been here?”
She hesitated, and he felt the pause like a physical blow.
“Almost two weeks, I think.” Her voice was cautious now. “And I can’t tell you how happy I was when he arrived. Having him here feels as if you’re somehow nearer.”
Which should have comforted him. “I’m pleased he’s such an adequate substitute.”
“Oh, he could never replace you.”
Which was exactly what he wanted to hear, and yet …
“Grace.” He drew in a breath, working to keep the edge from his voice. “What exactly is going on between you and Blake?”
Her sharp intake of breath didn’t help his peace of mind in the slightest.
“It’s really nothing … and I would love to tell you, but it’s just that—” A sound like a whimper escaped her, though she didn’t leave his lap. “I don’t want to upset you and have your eyes grow worse or damage the fragile workings of your mind beyond repair.”
“What?“
“Blake said that sometimes men who’ve experienced gas exposure have sensitive mental faculties for a while afterward and that I shouldn’t say anything that might upset you.” Her voice pitched higher. “Oh Frederick, I’d never wish to make you go mad.”
“Mad? Upset me?” His jaw tightened, and he released a slow breath, hating the darkness, hating that he couldn’t see her face to read the truth in her expressions. “I know I’ve been absent from you for far too long. I know you’ve shouldered tremendous burdens with the hospital and now … the baby.” He paused, forcing the words out. “But surely you can imagine how Blake’s comment may have directed my thoughts into a most unpleasant direction.”
“Blake’s comment?” Her voice held genuine confusion. “About being mysterious?”
Remember, Frederick. This is Grace. Your wife. She rarely responds the way any other woman in the world might respond to anything.
Directness was his best option, for good or ill.
“I heard Blake mention that you both needed to discuss what happened last night.”
