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“Thank my period tracker app,” I snap back. “You’re going to just leave me here and run off to London? I know people there, I could see them—”
“No, Bailey.” He doesn’t even give me a reason. “When I return, we’ll spend every moment together, I promise.”
“For five days. While you try to get me pregnant.” I scoff. “Un-fucking-believable.”
He watches me in silence. I have no idea what he’s thinking, but it’s probably for the best. Judging from his expression, it isn’t complimentary. When he speaks, it’s to change the subject. “I’ve sent an offer to your sisters. They may return as prisoners of the crown and stay here, with you, at Aconitum Hall.”
I much prefer my sisters to Nathan, so I’m happy to let his bullshit trip go for the moment. “What did they say?”
“No word yet. But as soon as my office has an answer, they’ll inform you.”
“Can’t you just order that they come back?” I ask, though I know it’s a selfish wish. Would I really want to tear them away from their mates? I got the impression that they actually like theirs.
All Nathan says is, “My office will let you know what your sisters decide.” His phone chimes and he pushes his chair back. “My car is here. I’ll see you on Saturday.”
“Nathan, wait,” I call after him.
He stops, and the tie between us surges. How can I be so helplessly attracted to someone who is such a dick?
I struggle to keep the tremor out of my voice when I ask, “Were you going to tell me that you were going to London, or were you going to just leave me wondering when I would see you again?”
“I didn’t realize you wished to be kept apprised of my schedule.” He sounds sincerely apologetic, while at the same time missing the point entirely. “I’ll be sure that Amanda receives a copy on Monday mornings. She can go over it with you—”
“Amanda is a supercilious peon who talks like a customer service robot and looks like a Laura Linney impersonator,” I snap. Fuck it, I’m queen. I’m going to act like one. “I’ll be hiring a secretary of my own.”
Nathan blinks at me in shock. “I—I suppose that’s all right. I can have Amanda compile a list of suitable thralls—”
“Not a thrall. I’m going to hire someone within the pack. I’m sure we can afford it.” I stress the “we” as a shot at his finances, another thing about him that I’m not sure of. Aconitum Hall comes with the title; maybe if he weren’t king, we’d be living somewhere less grand. Of course, no one in the pack is impoverished. Even my parents, who’ve lost all their assets, have probably already secured loans and a guest house from their remaining allies.
My chiding works; Nathan says, coolly, “You needn’t worry about our ledgers.”
“I’ll remember that when I’m all alone the rest of the week, shopping online,” I warn him.
“Whatever it takes to fill your time,” he says with a fake, gracious smile. I sit back and survey all the wasted food that we couldn’t have eaten on our own. My appetite is slowly returning to normal, but I grab one of the heavily frosted Danishes and chew angrily as I contemplate my next steps.
CHAPTER 28
“Good morning, Your Majesty.” Hannah glides into my sitting room with baby Jo on her hip. They’re wearing matching pantsuits, compliments of Hannah’s new boss.
I spent thousands of dollars on them.
“Good morning, gal Friday,” I giggle back. “Wait, is that what gal Friday means? My dad always used that phrase, but he’s like, a hundred and thirty.”
“Yeah, my dad is actually cool, so... I wouldn’t know.” Hannah sits Jo in the playpen I bought to keep in the residence, with the toys I bought to go with it. “What are you going to spend your husband’s money on today?”
“I don’t know. How does one buy international real estate?” I tap my lips. I don’t want a vacation home in Negril, but maybe somewhere less sunny. “I’m sure Nathan would love a cozy little cottage in Siberia. That’s a place, right?”
“As your secretary, I must advise you to hire a tutor.” Hannah sighs. “And as your friend, who wants to keep her new, very high-paying job, I must advise you to not piss your mate off too much.”
“I don’t think I can make him mad.” Well, there’s one thing that will make him mad, but I’m not interested in putting my own safety at risk. But I am curious, “Hey, what happened to Ashton?”
“From what I heard, he ran off to Quebec.” Hannah hesitates. “Ryan said it’s all but an admission of guilt.”
“It doesn’t matter if he admits guilt or not. Nathan says he’s guilty.” I shrug.
Hannah tilts her head. “Your face looks a lot better.”
“I think the transformation sped healing up. Is that how it works?”
