“I made myself remember who we were before I ruined us.”
I catch one hand and pull the wet fingers to my lips. “You don’t have to do all this. Seducing a sick man takes much less effort. Just tell me what you want. Then go back to being stone, shiny impervious marble.”
She tugs free and puts her hands back into the water. The warmth splashes my chest. Then she thoroughly scrubs me, even my tummy like Lydia would say.
Katherine’s fingers again find that spot along my spine that needs her and only her. “I told you it would be my pleasure to bathe you. I wish to bring you comfort. Let me make you happy.”
That doesn’t sound like stone. Sounds soft and kind, very much like the sprite I married—she was so caring, so frighteningly determined. Katia made me believe the world stopped for us. A man short on time needs to think that love can do anything.
With her fingertips, she stirs the waters, releasing lavender scent from the soap. Suds form like fog clouds and surround me. Then she washes me everywhere. Everywhere. Scrubbing, rubbing, soothing. Water and fire baptize my spirit.
As much as I don’t want to, I remember what we had. I think of how joyful and loving and unpredictable she was until I grew ill. I still crave the hope and peace of what was, what could’ve manifested with a longer marriage.
Stupid.
Stupid. Stupid. How many times will I let her tease and break my heart? This round of play goes to Katherine. She’s never beenshy about me … and she wants something. There’s no other logical explanation.
I sigh, and she leans over my shoulder. “Am I doing things right? I want to please you.”
If I tell her she’s doing everything perfectly, she’ll know it didn’t take much effort to fool me. Guess I want to be her fool, the simpleton who wishes she truly cared. So I nod, stay silent, and continue to take this punishment like a man.
Chapter 13
KATHERINE—BATHTIME
The smartest man I know becomes timid in my hands. Into his fine hair that bears Lydia’s dark brown coloring, I scrub lavender soap. With the sweat gone, it smells divine and reveals waves mirroring her curls and texture.
The memories return. Didn’t I plait his locks once?
“You’re quiet, Katherine. Have we skipped to the nefarious part of your plan?”
“I wasn’t always nefarious. I was once in love—blindingly, foolheartedly, stupidly in love.”
He stiffens and pulls away. “One of us was stupid. It was never you.”
I massage his back and draw him to me. Rubbing at his neck always made him easy.
Jahleel settles against the tub, and I scoop a bucket of water and rinse the suds away.
“Got it. You plan to give me the pneumonia Scarlett and Carew feared. Then no one can blame you for my death. Brilliant, Katia.”
My heart hurts. He still thinks I want him dead. “Have I missed a spot?” My voice sounds strangled. “I vaguely remember that you are picky about your baths.”
“Not tonight.” He leans further back. “I’m grateful. A truce in your evil plan is welcomed.”
“The jade chessboard remains on top of the desk in your study. I left you the first clue that I wanted a truce.”
“Oh, you purposely left the knight on G4.”
“All you had to do was take your bishop and move to F7. You’d put my pieces in checkmate. Then you win.”
“A woman who knows chess is a rarity. One who can actually beat me even rarer. You should’ve just said the truth. I knew about our son. Then I’d know you actually cared.”
But I did … do care. “If I said I’m sorry for the lies, that I’m sorry for not believing in you …”
“And that you are sorry for abandoning me? Sorry that I will die? Is that something you actually will regret?”
Gaining his full trust is hopeless. “Spotless like a lamb.” My voice has collapsed to nothing. I scrub his ears. “As your mistress, I’ll make sure you are clean. Perhaps this bath breaks the fever.”
