Page 42 of The Duke’s Bloody Bargain

“Please go ahead.”

He wolfed down the cake and added several sugar cubes to a cup of tea. I stopped counting them after the fifth one.

“Sorry. I had a tray, but you know…” He finished the tea with a sigh of relief. “I’m usually optimistic, but I’m afraid the situation is more serious than you think. Alex did the right thing by sending you away. His control is growing thinner by the minute. Heck, I had to spray him with blessed water to make him stop drinking.”

“Oh no.” Goose bumps stung my skin. “I’m worried.”

“So am I. His healing power is slow, and that’s not a good sign.” He showed me his arm where two red dots marked the skin. “His tolerance for sunlight has diminished, and his temper… No, that’s the same foul, horrible one. Anyway, don’t go to him.”

“Now that I can touch him, I can’t be with him.” I couldn’t completely remove the frustration from my voice.

“That’s called irony, which I’ve always thought to be a fancy word for bad luck.”

I dropped myself onto the bed. “He shouldn’t be dangerous now, should he? He’s just fed.”

He gave an uncertain nod. “He was calmer when I left him. Do you still have your gold cross?”

“Heavens. I can’t believe I have to use my cross against Alex.” Sadness sat heavily on my chest.

“Just a precaution. And I’ll come with you, even though my magic is at its lowest.” He sipped another sweet cup of tea before opening the door.

I wrung my hands as we walked along the corridor to Alex’s room. “He’s turning into a rogue, isn’t he?”

His aura lacked its usual brightness and colours. It was a dull grey halo with no spark or vitality, likely due to the blood loss. “I’m afraid so.”

Alex was buttoning his waistcoat when we entered. Steam floated from his lavatory, and the air was thick with the scent of sandalwood soap. The bond gave a light yank. The muted throb had nothing to do with the harsh pull I’d experienced earlier. It was a soft tug, drawing me closer to him.

He brightened when he saw me.

“Irene.” He cupped my face and kissed me with such sweetness that I sagged against him. “I’m sorry for having frightened you. I’m sorry for how I behaved.”

My skin tingled at his touch, but my concerns didn’t slip away.

The wounds on his neck had vanished although a thin red line blemished his neck where the rogue had bitten him.

“I was worried.” I brushed the wet hair from his face, my heart filling with compassion.

“I’m better now. Thank you for helping me.” He craned his neck towards Darius. “Are you all right?”

“I’ve been better.” Darius snatched a biscuit from the tray on the nightstand. “I’m here as Irene’s chaperone.”

“Excuse me?” Alex held me by the waist.

“You aren’t yourself.” Darius stood next to me. “Why risk?”

“I’m in control, and while I appreciate your concern for Irene’s safety, I’m surprised you don’t trust me.”

I touched Darius’s shoulder. “I think you can leave us alone.”

The sense of calm the bond gave me was a good indication of Alex’s state, and I trusted the bond.

“Are you sure?” Darius searched my face.

“Very much.”

“Here.” He handed me a bottle filled with a clear liquid. “Blessed water. Avoid contact with the eyes unless you’re really angry with him.”

Alex didn’t protest when I took it.