Chapter Twenty-Six
By the time Daniel and Kate arrived in London, the icy chill of winter had settled over the city and her pregnancy had begun to show. As the elegant Sutcliffe carriage carried them through the teeming, dirty streets, Kate was struck anew by utter despair.
Returning to the land of her birth was more depressing than leaving it had been just a few short months ago.
She pressed her hand against her stomach, taking solace from the child who rested safe and secure in her womb. She’d felt the baby move for the first time just yesterday. Her need to share the moment with Talon had been a physical ache that burned within her still.
Daniel stared at her, his eyes darkening in concern. “Is anything wrong?”
“I can’t believe you have the nerve to ask such a thing. Everything is wrong. Absolutely everything. You’re about to deliver me into the hands of a monster, and the only man who could protect me is thousands of miles away.”
“Can’t we have even one conversation without you mentioning him?” Daniel glared at her and then shook his head. “I promise my father will never harm you. You must believe me.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep. You know what it’s going to be like. You know the hell he’ll put us through.”
Daniel flushed and looked away, his fists clenched at his sides. She knew she’d hurt him again, but she wasn’t the least bit sorry. He was trying so hard to win her over, as though one day she’d simply wake up and not love Talon any more.
As though she could ever allow him to touch her and not shudder with revulsion.
She no longer thought of Daniel as her husband. Talon had been right. A few weeks on a ship did not make her Daniel’s wife.
But a few days on the white beaches of Carolina had made her Talon’s in every way possible.
The carriage slowed and halted before Sutcliffe’s imposing townhouse. Kate took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. Sutcliffe wanted her child, but Kate intended to guard the babe like a lioness. She would never allow her father-in-law to damage her son the way he’d destroyed both of his own.
Sutcliffe met them in the formal drawing room just moments after they arrived. For once, there was genuine welcome in his icy blue eyes.
And why not, Kate thought cynically. He alone had gotten what he wanted.
His gaze went to Kate’s slightly rounded stomach. “Kathryn. It’s so good to have you home at last.”
Kate laughed, a lost, bitter sound. “I’m sorry, but I really can’t say I’m glad to be here.”
Sutcliffe frowned, glaring at her so intensely she was surprised she didn’t burst into flames. “I’d be careful, my dear. You wouldn’t want anyone to know whose child you’re really carrying.”
“Wouldn’t I?” she answered recklessly. “I’m not ashamed of loving Talon. It’s you and Daniel who want this kept secret.”
Sutcliffe’s handsome face, so like Talon’s, turned red with fury. He grabbed her shoulders and shook her. “Don’t even think about crossing me, you little trollop. I’ll keep you locked away in the country forever, if need be.”
Kate laughed again, past the point of caring what happened to her. They’d already taken the one thing that mattered most. “Go ahead. Nothing could make me happier. All I’ve ever wanted was to be left alone in the country with my roses.”
Dear God, if only that were the truth. If only she hadn’t dared to dream of far, far more.
Tears stung her eyes, and she jerked away from Sutcliffe’s punishing grasp. Daniel stared at her, pity and regret darkening his gaze.
She hated Daniel in that instant more than she’d ever hated anyone in her life. Despite all his talk of wanting a family, she knew he’d be reunited with his lover tonight while she’d spend the rest of her life alone.
But to her immense surprise, it appeared Daniel wasn’t ready to abandon her yet. He took her arm and steered her away from his father. “Let me help you upstairs to your room, darling. You’re looking pale. I’ll have your dinner sent up later.”
Sutcliffe made a sound of disgust. “Go on. Get her out of my sight.”
Kate followed Daniel reluctantly, unwilling to acknowledge her gratitude. Surely, he would tire of playing the doting husband soon, leaving her alone and defenseless. It would be foolish to start trusting him. She couldn’t afford to depend on anyone but herself.
He didn’t leave when they reached her bedroom. Instead he came in and sat down on the same striped sofa where she and Talon had shared their first kiss. She looked away, blinking hard as the memory crippled her with loss all over again.
“Aren’t you late for a tryst with Philip Carrington?” She was desperate to make him leave. She wanted to be alone so she could wallow undisturbed in her grief.
He flushed. “There will be plenty of time to see Philip later.” He crossed his legs and made himself comfortable as though he planned to stay.
