Page 55 of The Rogue and His Flower

“Okay, if that’s what you truly believe then I apologise for suggesting otherwise. But will you just do me a favour?”

“What?”

“If you do find yourself feeling something deeper for Dalton, and he reciprocates, don’t close yourself off to the potential of something real. Don’t be afraid to explore it. If I’d let my fear get the better of me, Drix and I might not be together today.”

Her words linger in the crisp January air, mingling with the distant laughter of Drix and Toby as they continue to play. I watch them for a moment, their carefree joy a stark contrast to the turmoil gathering in my own heart. I honestly don’t know what to believe. Could Lia be right? Could it be that Dalton really sees me more than just his best friend’s younger sister? Could there be the potential for something more? And even if I did want something more, is Dalton capable of something deeper than just physical intimacy? I highly doubt it.

Before I can dwell on it further, Drix strides over to the both of us with Toby in his arms. “I think it’s time we got Toby something to eat, he’s worked up quite an appetite.”

An hour later,after dropping Lia and Toby home, Drix and I are sitting together in his car on the driveway of Highwood Manor Estate, an uncomfortable tension between us. Throughout lunch at Daphne’s café he’d been thoughtful, quiet. I know there was a lot he wanted to say, but refrained given the cafe was full of people.

“So,” Drix begins.

“So?” I retort, turning my body to face him. “Whatever you’ve been keeping inside, just spit it out, Drix.”

He scowls, his fingers drumming on the steering wheel. “He kissed you, Daise.”

“He did.”

“I warned him not to touch you.”

“It would’ve been a little weird if he hadn’t kissed me, don’t you think?” I reply. “We’re engaged to be married after all.”

“He could’ve pecked you on the cheek, not practically mauled you!” he says, side-eyeing me.

“We did what we had to do,” I counter.

“He took liberties,” he argues, scowling.

“You heard what Mrs Fernsby had to say, she wassurprisedto hear of our engagement. She doesn’t believe it’s genuine any more than the rest of the guests did. Everyone was whispering about us, Drix. Even Clarissa believed that the only reason Dalton is marrying me is because he must’ve gotten me pregnant. The sad fact is, they’re suspicions aren’t even that far from the truth,” I reply bitterly. “God forbid a wealthy man like Dalton Gunn would ever choose to marry someone like me.”

Drix runs a hand over his face, his features softening as he looks at me. “Don’t do that,” he says.

“What, speak the truth?” I reply heatedly.

“Put yourself down. Any man would be lucky to have you as their wife. You’re an incredible person, Daisy.”

“I’m not searching for compliments, Drix, I’m just stating the facts. They sensed something wasn’t quite right, so Dalton and I tried to counter that. We have to make this believable, you know that.”

“I do, but I don’t have to like it.”

“Well, you’d better get used to it, because this is how it’s going to be,” I reply, stoically. “I’m marrying Dalton in a little under a month.”

“I know.” His jaw grits as he looks out of the window, but he doesn’t try to argue.

“Eventually Dalton and I are going to have a child together, and I need you to support me when that happens.”

“Of course I’ll support you, Daisy. I’ll even be there when you give birth if that’s what you want,” he offers, reaching for my hand and folding his fingers around mine.

“Erm, I think that’s taking it a bit far. I don’t need you seeing my vagina, Drix,” I chuckle.

“Yeah, okay, fair point,” he agrees, then his expression darkens. “And neither will Dalton.”

“He’ll be the father.”

“And he can wait outside the damn labour room with me,” he mutters.

“Let’s not think about that for now,” I reply, waving off his concerns. “We haven’t even gotten that far yet, let alone discussed the practicalities of it.”

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