Page 34 of No Going Back

“Not worried, exactly.”

“Have you spoken to Simon about the way you feel?”

Ros shook her head, and if anything, her sadness seemed to increase. “I can’t. He’ll think I don’t trust him. I can’t let him think that, because I know I can trust him. But if I can trust him, why do I feel this way? It doesn’t make sense. I suppose it could have something to do with… but it’s been months…” She turned away.

“Since Simon was kidnapped and you nearly died rescuing him?” Guy stood and placed his hands on her shoulders. “It’s going to take time. You know what the counsellor said.”

“I know. How can I talk to Simon about this without making a mess of things?”

“By being honest with him. He’ll listen to you. As one Dominant to another, don’t you think you owe it to your submissive to discuss anything and everything that affects your relationship?”

“You’re right. I didn’t think of it that way, and I should have done.” She nodded, as if coming to a decision. “I’ll talk to him. And I’m going to tell him about the dress I want to get married in.”

“You found something you like the look of, then?”

“I think so. It’s white with an abstract pattern of painted flowers around the hem and up one side. Perfect for a summer wedding, according to Heather.”

Guy chuckled. The conversation was straying into areas where no sane man would venture. “You know me and fashion—oil and water, although that does sound like it might actually be a good compromise with what Simon thinks. I do know you’ll look beautiful, no matter what you wear. Feeling better now?”

“Much.” She turned to face him, and she did indeed look more relaxed about the situation. “I’m going to finish up here, then take Simon for a ride.”

“Good idea. And don’t forget—this is going to be the happiest day of your life. Make it for the two of you, and never mind what anyone else thinks you should do.”

“I’ll try to remember that.” Her mischievous grin returned. “And I’ll also add Maddie as your plus one on the guest list.”

Guy left his niece to her nuptial dilemmas. Now that his relationship with Maddie was in the open, with his family at any rate, his heart was, at least in part, considerably lighter.

As for the part that wasn’t, that wouldn’t be resolved until he put to bed his suspicions about Maddie’s background. On his return to Stonehaven the previous night, he’d sought the sanctuary of the library, and over a glass of Dalmore, he’d considered what he knew about her.

She didn’t seem to exist beyond her job and their relationship. Any friends she alluded to were connected with her work, she never mentioned anything about her family, and she’d divulged precious little about her past.

He hated being backed into a corner, but that was exactly where he was. He had no choice. With an irritated sigh, Guy headed for the kitchen. Ros could probably use some more coffee, and then he’d get on with putting the doubts out of his mind once and for all.