Dominic grimaced at that. No doubt his grandmother would notice their absence and come to a conclusion that would be almost correct. He had been intimate with his wife the night before, but if his grandmother was hoping for more great-grandchildren, then she would be disappointed because they had done nothing that could have caused it.
He was also reluctant to have any more children, especially when Percy was only just starting to show progress. There was no need to risk messing up that progress.
But he did not want to worry about that at the moment. “Breakfast sounds excellent.” He went to the tea cart and pouredhimself a cup of tea, and fixed himself a plate of toast with jam before settling into an armchair next to Selina’s.
She smiled at him as she sipped her tea. “Last night was a lot of fun. Thank you for taking me to the opera. And for the activities afterwards.” She blushed a little when she said that.
He smiled, remembering the sweet little sounds she had made the night before as he took her apart with his hand. He would be thinking about those sounds for months to come. “I certainly enjoyed myself as well.”
“I appreciate you telling me about your first wife. I know that was difficult for you.”
He inclined his head in response, not willing to voice an answer. He did not like thinking about Eugenia because of the onslaught of horrible memories that rose to the surface every time he thought about her. But at the same time, he was glad he told her. Selina deserved to know.
Selina propped her chin up with her hand as she looked at him. “This morning, I have been thinking of a great many things. One of which is that I think you should show your vulnerable side to Percy more. He looks up to you as an example, after all.”
“I do not see what good that will do,” Dominic said, frowning. He did not like where this conversation was going. He had hoped for a peaceful morning with his wife, but now it was becoming clear that she had something else on her mind.
Why can’t you be satisfied with our roles? I am more involved in Percy’s life than my father ever was in mine.
“You need to be an example to him on how to navigate the world,” she said. “It would do him good to see more about how you feel your emotions, so he will know how to emotionally handle issues in the future.”
Dominic put down his breakfast, feeling agitated at the thought of his son looking at him for something like that. He was hardly someone to look up to in that regard. He had not been a good father in the past year. How could he suddenly become a role model for his son?
He would just fail him, even more than he already had.
He only started speaking because of you. He fell silent for an entire year because of me, and yet you think I can help him?
Selina must have mistaken his silence for acceptance instead of doubt because she smiled, looking encouraged. “Perhaps you can look at the stars with Percy to help bond with him. He loves them, after all.”
“No,” Dominic snapped. He got to his feet. “Why do you insist on involving me in these matters?”
She looked at him, shocked. “You are his father,” she said. “I thought?—”
“Have you forgotten why you are here?” He opened his closet and snatched the first items of clothing he found. “It isyourjob to take care of Percy.” He dressed as quickly as he could.
She stood up, glaring at him. “You are his father! He thinks the world of you, and it is clear that you think the world of him! I do not understand?—”
“It is clear that there is a lot that you do not understand.” Now fully dressed, he turned to glare at her. “I am his father, you are right about that. I will parent him as I see fit. You have not been here long, only a few weeks. You still have much to learn.”
“You might have known Percy for all of his life, but it is clear to me that you still have much to learn as well.” Her voice was quiet.
No amount of learning in the world would make me adequately qualified for the role you wish me to fill.
“I must leave,” he said. “I have a lot of work to do.”
Her brow furrowed. “What do you mean you are leaving? We are having a discussion.”
“The discussion is over,” he said as he strode to the door.
“Absolutely not!” She hurried to block his path as she glared at him. Her chin tilted up in defiance. “There is something that you are not telling me, and I think I know what it is.”
“Why? Because you know everything?”
“Perhaps I do!” she shouted. “Or at least more than you.” She crossed her arms in front of herself and glared at him. “You might not have loved Eugenia, but her ghost still haunts you, tainting every possible chance you have at happiness.”
Dominic grimaced at the sound of her name. “Do not mention her name.”
“I will do as I please, especially when you are being impossible! Are you going to deny it?”
