Page 25 of Harvey

“To talk.”

“Sorry. I am all talked out.” Lifting his almost empty glass, he took a sip, his eyes narrowing as Silas came forward to sit on the loveseat. “Say what you have to and get out. I have work in the morning.”

“Punish me if you must, but don’t take it out on her.” He said quietly.

“Ah.” A mocking smile curved his lips. “I should have guessed you were here to plead for your girlfriend. How was the walk, by the way? Did you get to make out with her, or was that reserved for when you walked her to her door?”

Silas refused to rise to the bait. He knew his brother well enough to realize he was lashing out.

“She is a married woman.”

Harvey barked out a harsh laugh. “If that’s the only thing stopping you, then you have my permission to invite her into your bed. The marriage is in name only, and that is how it will remain. The good thing is she is right inside the manor, which makes it easier for you.”

Tamping down the frustrated anger, Silas tried again. “I know I have placed you in a very untenable position, and what you did, you did for me, and I am eternally grateful. I also will be apologizing every chance I get- “

“You know what I was here thinking?” Harvey interrupted with a sardonic twist to his lips. “About my Sunday nights. I had a kind of routine, you see.

There is this local bar; you wouldn’t know of it, considering you wear a robe and a collar. But it is a place of sanctuary for single men and unhappy married men who relish the thought of getting away from nagging wives and just chill.

It’s a sports bar, and somewhere you are not hassled. They don’t care that my name is Blackwood, and I was almost left alone. Or I would be wrapped up with some delectable beauty who finds it titillating that my name is Blackwood. But now, thanks to you, I am right where I started.”

“I am- “

“Sorry. Yeah, I get that. Now leave me alone to my misery and feel free to stop in my ‘wife’s room and keep her company.”

Rising, Silas gave him one last despairing look. “You are my brother, and I love and respect you very much. I also know that you are angry with me, and I hope you can rise above it and let us return to where we were before.”

“That’s not anytime soon. Close the doors on your way out.”

Harvey watched him leave and had to tamp down the urge to call him back for their usual chat. He hated the wall of anger between them, but he was too pissed to try and make it right. He was trapped in a marriage for a year, and it was Silas’ fault. His brother did not deserve his forgiveness right now.

*****

Even though the situation was strange and complicated, it did not stop Kendra from admiring the breathtakingly lovely rose and gold suit. The bedroom alone was three times the size of her entire upstairs apartment, and the furnishings were made of the palest blonde wood, a perfect foil for the shimmering rose and gold wallpaper.

She had peeked inside the bathroom, her breath caught at the claw-footed bath, large shower, and double counters. The floors were not carpeted, which was, in her opinion, an excellent idea, as it revealed the shining parquet floor, reflecting the muted glow of the chandeliers suspended from the concave ceiling.

She knew a door connected her room to his but would not think about that now. Considering how he felt about her, she was, in fact, safe from his advances or intrusion. Taking off her dress, she padded into the walk-through closet and stood there staring at the shelves and revolving sections to hang her clothes.

Someone had already unpacked her suitcases, and her small amount of clothing was lost in the ample space. Shaking her head with a rueful laugh, she stepped back into the bedroom and donned her nightgown.

In addition to being married to a man she did not like, she would try to make herself comfortable. She could always pretend she was on vacation.

*****

“If you prefer to have breakfast in your room in the future, just let one of the maids know,” Silas said with a smile as he poured a cup of coffee.

“No.” Shaking her head, she filled her bowl with fruits and took it to the table. “Where is everyone?”

“Mom and Dad had an early breakfast meeting with some business associates, and

Harvey left early to go to the site.” Pulling out her chair, he waited until she was seated before taking his seat.

“I have some hospital visits to do, and as you know, the soup kitchen is closed today.” He glanced at her over his cup. “I hope I can still rely on you to help with the serving.”

“Of course. I will be there when I get to the store and sort some things out.”

“How did you sleep?”

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