Page 145 of The Betrothal

“And they just accepted it?” I continued.

“Not quite. But they did in the end.” Alex shrugged as if it were nothing.

“Don’t sugar-coat it for me, Alex.”

“The certificate stands. It may be a forgery but it’s technically legally sound. Fairchild demanded an annulment. Your mother and sister demanded you be institutionalised. I told them that my dick was bigger than theirs, politically and by family association.”

“Translation,” Seb whispered. “Alex is blue-blooded. His godfather is royalty and his cousin is a titled lord. They might have rejected anyone else, but not him.”

I cocked a brow at Alex who lifted one shoulder in reply. “I threatened to destroy them if they crossed me.”

“He promised to go back to London and tear them a new asshole.” Seb’s commentary continued.

“Do you think they’ll go against you? That people will see through it?” I asked, not yet sure how they were going to spin this, but people were untrustworthy. Especially these ones.

“There’s nothing to see through. I’m more than happy to step back into the fray to protect those I love.” Alex stiffened and the men caging me in froze.

“Pardon?”

Alex looked at me, a war raging in his eyes. He straightened.

“You heard me, Isabelle.”

How could he make a declaration like that sound like a challenge?

He waited for me to give him attitude back but I was busy hiding my Cheshire cat grin, the grogginess and the headache lightening with our chat and their proximity.

What they said about co-regulation and those you loved was true.

“There were plenty of hurt feelings, but they accepted it, and I’m expecting their PR proposals later this evening. They’ve agreed to wait for my sign-off on whatever they choose to announce.”

I laughed. Alex frowned. It wasn’t a joke.

“It’ll take a little while but your guardianship will pass to me, I imagine within the week?”

“You’ll be my new guardian?” I asked with the settling realisation.

“Well, they think I’m your husband.” Alex frowned at me. “It doesn’t mean anything?”

“Yeah,” I scoffed, grimacing at Alex’s flinch. “I mean, thank you.”

What was I saying?

“Thank you?” Alex repeated.

“Yes, thank you.” I steadied my voice.

My guardianship was going to change hands yesterday anyway; Alex was a better choice than Teddy. So why did it hurt so much?

“Oh dear, Killer.” Seb’s voice was lighter than it ought to have been. Alex looked like he’d been insulted and I was bristling at the transfer of my ownership.

“You think there’s something in being your guardian for me?” Alex murmured, tilting his head.

“No?” I answered. “I don’t know? I don’t think so?”

“Huh.” Alex stood, his body stiff, hands clenching. “Allow me to assuage your fears.”

He gripped the bed frame.