“Yes, it probably is.” Before my lava hot rage could erupt, I stepped back into the hall to open the battered secretary I kept in the entryway. I scooped a few precious coins out of the jar I kept inside, and then I handed them over. “Thank you for the information, Janet. Could you come back tomorrow? I have some things I need to take care of today after all.”
Like kicking my cheating lover out of my bed.
Janet nodded. “’Course, sir. Same time?”
“Yeah.” I cleared my throat. “I mean, yes, that would be fine.”
It was difficult to speak over the lump in my throat. I had known I couldn’t keep my duke. I wasn’t an unrealistic dreamer. He had family responsibilities to uphold, and I couldn’t exactly give birth to the next duke or duchess of his bloodline. However, I would’ve appreciated a warning, a note, some preparation before I was cast aside. That he still felt comfortable lounging in my bed while he waited for his heir to be born shattered the fragile trust I had extended.
She patted my arm. “Let me know if ya need an alibi,” she whispered with a wink.
As soon as the door clicked shut behind her, I stumbled to the parlor. Tears building, I threw myself down on the couch. Maybe I should try Oss’s approach. Stab first, then ask questions. Betrayal, sharp and bitter, crushed my chest.
“Marbrey, love, are you all right?” Justin’s melodious tenor rolled across me like thorns pricking at my soul. “I thought I heard someone.”
“You did.” I straightened my spine and sat properly. Channeling my inner Oss, I tilted my chin up and prepared for a confrontation. My shy nature vanished beneath the blood-boiling fury coursing through my veins. “My charwoman just brought me some unexpected news.”
I curled my fingers, fighting the temptation to throw the lantern next to me at his stupidly handsome face.
Justin joined me on the couch, snuggling in close as if he had the right. “What news did she bring that she couldn’t stay and clean after?”
I rubbed my sweaty palms across my thighs. “Oddly enough it was about the upcoming birth of your heir. I had no idea that you were expecting a child.” I pulled away from his touch and stared him down.
“Marbrey, please let me explain!”
I jumped to my feet. “Explain? How can you explain away that you planted your seed into some woman? I know we didn’t make any promises to each other, but I thought I meant enough that you would warn me before you tossed me aside.” I paused to take a deep breath. It wasn’t in my nature to screech like a barn owl. I preferred calm and sensible conversation, neither of which this topic ensured.
“I was going to tell you.” He dared to stand and try to pull me into his arms.
I jerked out of reach. “When? After it gave its first squalling cry? Or maybe when it was old enough to question your absences from its mother’s side?”
He winced, convincing me I was right. He had never planned to tell me, at least no time soon.
“I didn’t want to upset you. You can be sensitive about such things.”
“What things? The fact I’m not a woman and can’t give birth? I’m aware of that fact. I knew you wanted an heir, but I thought you’d be honest with me, not wait until I was informed by the charwoman!”
Justin loomed over me. His hands fisted at his sides as if he wished to throttle me for my impertinence. “I don’t know why you are acting like this. The baby won’t have any impact on our relationship. We can still go on as we are.”
I deflated and sank back onto couch. He couldn’t have hurt me more if he had stabbed me with one of Oss’s daggers. “You are right.”
“I am?” His flashed me a relieved smile.
Idiot.
“Yes. It’s obvious there is nothing to salvage between us. Gather your things and get out.”
Justin kneeled before me, close enough to touch but smart enough not to. “Marbrey, don’t do this. I love you, but I need a child to continue the dukedom. I can’t let the line die out. There are only four Lock Lords and if there isn’t anyone to take our place, who is going to create new locks? We can barely keep up with demand as it is, along with running the city.”
I sighed. “I’m…” I pressed my lips together and fought back the words begging him to stay. My latest foray into romance lasted approximately seventeen weeks and three days before ending in a flood of tears and fury.
Now, staring at the traitorous creature who had cracked my fragile trust along with my heart, I understood Oss’s occasional foray into homicide with perfect clarity.
“Marbrey, love, she means nothing to me.” Justin’s words fanned the fading embers of my anger back into a towering inferno.
“Do you think it makes it better if you call me love, then dismiss me in the same breath? Love involves trust and two people talking before they make big decisions, like having a baby. Especially when it is with a person not in the relationship.” I blinked rapidly, holding back my tears. He didn’t deserve the satisfaction.
Justin smoothed down his already perfect hair. “This doesn’t change anything between us. What can I say to make this better? I can’t lose you.”
