Page 79 of Battle with a Billionaire

He eased her to sit on the couch, perching on the heavy coffee table across from her. The barely perceptible shake in his hands as he grabbed hers made him more uneasy.

Sierra eased to sit next to her as Kyle leaned against the door casually.

“Julia, there is something you need to know.”

“Okay,” she said, her apprehension obvious. She shifted on the leather couch her eyes flitting from Sierra to Grant.

“It’s about our marriage.”

A flicker of something flashed across her eyes. What was it–fear or something else?

He sucked in a breath, his heart thudding. As many times as he’d practiced this, he struggled to find the words to tell the woman he cared so deeply for that their marriage was a sham. “Julia…when we got married…I…we…”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Julia, your marriage is nothing more than a contract set up to save Grant’s image,” Kyle said.

The words smacked him like a physical blow, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He’d rehearsed it so many times, but now, stripped of control, he felt a mix of relief to have the words out and profound regret. And he could only wait to see how Julia reacted.

CHAPTER 18

JULIA

Julia chewed her lower lip as she stepped over the threshold of Harrington House, her heart pounding hard as she wondered if her memories would return in a triumphant flood or if she’d merely end up disappointed with a broken memory that showed no signs of being fixed.

It loomed large over her, its grandeur feeling more oppressive than welcoming. The scent of polished wood hung in the air, unfamiliar but oddly comforting.

She tried to picture her first time coming through this door. Had she been here before the wedding? Had she spent time here?

If she had, she had no recollection of it. The marble floors, the curving staircases, the ornate features, none of it brought back any memories. She still only had the one, though she now knew where they stood when he’d pressed his lips against hers.

It had been in this very space. She slid her eyes closed for a second. She’d kissed her husband’s son under his roof.

“Mrs. Harrington, so lovely to have you home,” an older man said.

Julia studied his white hair and kind features, searching for any sign of recognition, but found none. “Worthington, right?”

“That’s correct, Mrs. Harrington.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t remember you. I wish I did.”

Grant rubbed her shoulder. “It’s okay, Julia.”

But she felt as though it was anything but. She couldn’t remember a single person outside of Kyle. Why? There had to be a reason for that. Was it an emotional connection or something else?

“Would you like me to show you to your room?” Worthington asked.

Kyle cleared his throat.

“Not just yet, Worthington,” Grant said, his grip tightening on her shoulder. “I need to speak to Julia for a few moments.”

“Why don’t we go into the living room?” Kyle suggested.

“It may be better if I–” Grant began.

“Not a chance,” Kyle answered. “I think Julia will appreciate the support from all of us.”

Julia crinkled her brow. Support for what? Her heart began to thump out a heavy beat as she wondered what she’d hear. Their behavior was tense since she’d woken up. Why?

Her throat parched. Was Grant aware of whatever was going on between her and Kyle? Was their marriage on the rocks?

---