Page 15 of Ruby Queen
Chapter 10
Christine awoke to immense heat pressed against her backside. She tried to remember where she was, realizing immediately she was in her own bed. The events from the last twenty-four hours steamrolled through her mind.
Glancing at the pale leg wrapped around hers, she realized Rory was asleep beside her. Christine tried to ease her body out from under Rory, but the movement woke her.
“Christine? Shit…” Rory pulled her leg off, “Did I hurt you?”
Christine glanced over Rory’s shoulder, spotting Anthony pressed against her back, “What the hell is he doing in here?”
“Shit… Anthony?” Rory kicked him, “What the hell are you doing in here?”
Anthony grunted, “Sorry. I couldn’t sleep in that big bed without you.”
“This is fucked up.” Christine pushed herself up, sliding her feet to the floor.
“Stop, please.” Rory reached out and grabbed her arm. “We need to talk about this, Christine.”
“What’s there to talk about. You’re lying in my bed with Anthony, Rory. I am pretty sure that says it all. In fact, I want both of you to leave right now.”
“Please, Christine… just give me a chance to explain.”
“You promised, Rory. You said if I asked you to leave, you would. Now go. Get out.” Christine pointed her finger at the door.
“You’re wrong.” Anthony’s timber voice startled Christine, causing her to jump.
“Jesus Christ.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you, but you really need to stop running and listen to what Rory has to say.”
“No. I’m too pissed off, and I want you to get out of my quarters.”
Rory sighed, fighting the tears that threatened to spill. “I’m sorry about this, Christine. Truly… but when you’re ready, we need to talk. Things aren’t what you think.”
Rory climbed from the bed, latching on to Anthony, who was waiting for her at the door. Giving Christine one last glance, she opened the door and left. Once back inside her quarters, Rory let the wall down and sobbed against Anthony.
“She’s never going to forgive me.”
“I’m sorry, Rory. She’s been through a lot the last twenty-four hours. Give her a couple of days to calm down and approach her again.”
“I hope you’re right, Anthony. But I feel she may never give me a chance.”
Anthony held Rory for the next hour, giving her the chance to work through her emotions. Deep down, he feared Christine would shut Rory out, but those words would never fall from his lips. Anthony would never tell her his concern.
The next few days went by in a whirlwind. Rory postponed the wedding, telling the Constable she needed time to get preparations done, but Anthony knew it was about Christine. Rory wouldn’t marry him until that situation was resolved.
“Rory,” Anthony grabbed her arm as she walked past him in the hallway, “You need to talk to Christine.”
“Don’t you think I’ve tried? She won’t see me. In fact, she hasn’t come out of her room in days. The guards on her door tell me she’s been having her meals delivered.”
“Then go to her room. Take her breakfast and make her talk. We can’t avoid the ceremony forever.”
Rory could see the hurt in his eyes. Reaching out, she cupped his cheek, “I’m sorry, Anthony. This isn’t fair to you either.” Dropping her hand, she shrugged her shoulders, “I’ll go to her room tonight. I want this resolved too.”
Anthony prayed Christine would give her a chance to explain. He worried if she didn’t, he’d lose Rory too.
