Would that he could go back to the days when his chest was barren, containing nothing but black, salted dirt. Now he was overwhelmed with sentiments. The kind of sentiments that did not grow in neat, cultivated rows, but stuck out in every direction, like the blasted thorny weeds on the drive to Wisterley.
Death would come eventually. Not soon enough for Ash.
He’d tried to protect her from his gloom. He’d tried and failed. Now she must protect their child from him.
His one consolation? She finally understood how dangerous he was. Not much a consolation, truth be told. More like a dagger to his chest. Unfortunately, that kind of dagger couldn’t make him bleed.
The door opened. He rolled onto his side.
“Made a muck of it, has he?” Hurtheven asked.
“A muck of what?” Chev questioned back.
“The woman.”
“How did you know there was a woman?” Chev snorted. “I thought Kent was discreet.”
“Kent is,” Hurtheven replied. “He didn’t tell me a thing. But you just confirmed my suspicion.” A back was slapped. “Cease your grimace. There’s always a woman.”
“There is not a woman,” Ash said aloud. Not anymore.
“I beg to differ,” Chev said. “I’ve only just seen Lady Stone.”
“Lady Stone?” Hurtheven snorted. “You are a devil, Ash.”
Ash scowled. He needn’t be told. He knew.
“Well,” Chev said, “if he really is a devil, the antichrist is expected in approximately eight months.”
Hurtheven whistled. “Bad go, my friend.”
“I tried to make amends,” Ash replied. “She does not want anything to do with me.”
Hurtheven hummed thoughtfully. “You almost have to admire Ash’s commitment to self-flagellation.”
“Dates back all the way to Eton,” Cheverley agreed. “Possibly even before.”
“Thunder-faced and forlorn, that is our Ash. …Although, are we being fair? He never elicited pity.”
“True,” Cheverley replied. “He actually believes it noble to remain alone. Protection of the weak minded, whom he’d taint simply by association.”
“Have you been tainted?” Hurtheven asked.
“No. You?” Chev countered.
“Not that I can say,” Hurtheven hummed. “Perhaps we should ask Lady Stone?”
“Stay away from Lady Stone,” Ash replied.
“I believe that is what we told you,” Hurtheven replied. “If you cannot listen, you should learn.”
Ash groaned. “Is there no one else you can bother, Hurtheven?”
“Did you hear his tone?” Hurtheven asked. “He’s elevated his usual menace.”
“You did give him the name Hades.”
“Well, yes,” Hurtheven preened. “I am a brilliant judge of character, there’s no disputing that.”
