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The sickening twist of tension in her gut started to unspool. While her family might not understand her, Royal did. He always did.
“In all fairness, only Mamma knows about Tira. But, yes, I take your point.”
“And why the hell would you expose yourself to that kind of scandal? I may not be a prime catch on the marriage mart, but my family is respectable and well regarded. Divorce makes no sense at all.”
It made more sense than one would think, when one knew all the particulars.
“Maybe my parents heard about the twins,” she said, trying to make a joke of it.
He simply scowled at her.
Ainsley sighed. “That’s why I didn’t wish to tell you. It’s quite awful.”
“Your whole family is both crazedandawful.” His expression softened as he studied her. “I understand why you didn’t want to tell me, but I’m glad you did. Thank you.”
The tension unspooled ever more, and she felt like she could breathe again. “You’re welcome. And thank you for understanding.”
He cupped her chin again. “I will always understand, love. Or at least give it my best effort. I promise.”
What had she ever done to deserve him? The guilt was surely going to kill her.
“Thank you,” she managed.
“You’re welcome. But if you had no intention of telling me all this, why did you come to my room in the first place?”
Finally, the perfect opening.
She slipped her hands to his chest, curling her fingers in the soft linen of his shirt. “I came for this, silly man.” Stretching up, she feathered a kiss across his lips. “I came for you.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
If not for her nerves, Ainsley might have laughed at the stunned look on her husband’s face. As it was, her stomach was doing handsprings. She couldn’t decide whether kissing Royal was delicious or nerve-racking.
Of course, it was a combination of both, with the scales weighted in favor of delicious. So delicious, in fact, she’d best kiss him again.
When she moved closer, he grasped her shoulders and held her back.
“Hang on, lass,” he said, his brogue growing thick. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
She sighed. Seducing her husband was turning out to be surprisingly hard work. “Do I really have to explain it?”
Amusement warred with heat in his gaze. “Just to be on the safe side.”
“What does that mean?”
“Ainsley, I’m about one minute away from flinging you onto that bed and having my wicked way with you, preferably all night. I simply want to be sure we’re on the same page about this. If not, tell me now.”
She loved him for being so careful with her, but the time for caution was past. Grabbing his side whiskers, she tugged his head down until they were nose to nose.
“Ouch,” he said.
“Don’t be such a baby. I’m not hurting you in the least.”
“I’ll have you know I’m very sensitive to pain. Ask anyone.”
“Ha. You’re the most stoic person I’ve ever met. Insanely so.”
“You’re too kind, madam. Now, why are you tugging so fiercely on my whiskers?”
