Page 126 of The Betrothal

“I’m here,” I responded, quietly.

His lips quirked and I entertained the ridiculous hope that the harsh part was past.

“We have a busy day.” He lifted his hand to brush my unruly hair behind my ear and I fought to remain still and composed.

I didn’t want him to touch me.

“You have a fitting this morning, the doctor will be back this afternoon. Plus, I’ve arranged your beautician to come here later.” He smiled and I returned the gesture shakily.

“Will I see anyone else, with the beautician?” I meant Sophie. Originally, our time being prepped for the wedding was planned together. It must be soon if I was being trimmed and waxed and painted today.

Teddy frowned and that was my only answer.

He reached over and pulled the cord beside my bed that indicated to the household staff that we were awake before reclining back beside me, watching me earnestly. The thoughts behind his eyes evident in the way they hardened then relaxed.

Teddy was waging a war in his head.

The doors to the room opened and two of our maids entered. One carried a tray, the other crossed the room, drawing the curtains and flooding us in morning sunlight.

Teddy rose, collecting the blanket and folding it. The maid watched him before blushing furiously when he passed it to her flashing a sparking smile, the effect instant as she popped a cute curtsy and a sly smile before tidying the blanket away.

“Miss Isabelle, is there anything you need this morning?” the one nearest asked earnestly.

“She’s quite alright, thank you, Tilly,” Teddy replied for me.

I didn’t turn to him, simply nodded in agreement and the two women left.

Teddy collected the tray, returning to my side of the bed, he waited expectantly.

I straightened, and he placed the tray over my lap with a small smile, much less dazzling than the one he offered to Tilly. Maybe she wanted him?

The rattle of pills unnerved me; Teddy held several out in his open palm.

When I didn’t take them immediately, he arched a brow.

“Which are they?” I asked.

He paused for so long I didn’t think he would reply.

“Letrozole.” He pointed at one, he then pointed at two others. “Supplements, and these are your benzos.” He pointed at the last two.

“Two?” I asked.

He watched me carefully.

“Teddy.” I managed my tone to avoid pleading, he wouldn’t respond well to that. “Two made me unsteady yesterday, could I please take only one, for now?”

His gaze turned calculating and his jaw ticked.

“I want to be in control for the appointments, the fittings,” I reasoned.

Teddy carefully withdrew one of the two sedatives and poured the rest into my outstretched hand, waiting as I swallowed them down with a glass of orange juice.

Stepping away he rounded the bed to an armoire, opening it and withdrawing several items of clothing. He’d moved into my room. He’d said he’d be next door.

Shaking myself I forked several pieces of fruit, slowly swallowing them down. It was like making home with a serpent, a constant threat.

He slowed on his journey across the room to make sure I was eating. Our eyes clashed and he took the opportunity to snag the long-sleeved top he wore, pulling it over his head revealing his body to me.