Page 85 of The Truth Serum
“I didn’t!” The very idea was insulting.
“I won’t force her,” Ras continued. “She is under my roof and therefore my protection. I will not force her where she does not choose.”
Nate was getting very tired of defending his intentions. “I want her to choose me,” he said firmly. “I always have.”
“But you are not above influencing the decision.” The way he said “influencing” implied a great many salacious things.
Nate shot him a glare. “You don’t know me as well as you think.”
Ras’s brows shot up. “That was exactly what I was thinking yesterday. And last night. And this morning.”
Hurt sliced through him even though it was deserved. Ras and Becca were his closest friends. The way they constantly questioned him and his motives cut deeply.
He knew that was the life of a spy. Indeed, Lord Benedict had often warned him of such. But now he felt the ache of it as he never had before. Now he wanted true friendship and real love.
But that required honestly, and he was the one who had broken that trust, not them.
“Lord Benedict made me an offer,” he abruptly said. “A diplomatic post.”
Ras looked up, his gaze alight with surprise and hope. Then behind him, he heard Becca gasp as well. He knew the sound of even that small noise.
She came into the room wearing one of Kynthea’s gowns, though it was tight on her in several delightful places. And, it appeared a bit too long.
He didn’t care. She looked beautiful to him. He rose, as did Ras. And he moved to take her hand, completely ignoring where Kynthea stood. Let Ras take care of his fiancée. Nate would speak with Becca.
“How are you this morning?”
“Resolved,” she said.
That was an ominous answer.
“To what?”
She glanced significantly around the room, her gaze lingering on Ras’s butler who stood discreetly in the corner. Then she shrugged.
“To entertaining Baron Courbis’s suit.”
She was playing the part he’d assigned her. She was pretending in front of the servants as all good spies did. Even friendly servants. And yet, her words still cut deep into his gut. He didn’t want her near that bastard, much less dangling herself in front of him.
“Maybe you shouldn’t—”
“Your Grace,” Becca interrupted as she turned to Ras. “Dorothy—one of your maids—has graciously accepted an offer to become my maid. I hope you don’t mind.”
Ras was holding Kynthea’s seat out for her. He looked up and shook his head. “No, no. I’m happy for her. There isn’t muchroom for advancement here. I’m pleased she can be promoted, and I hope she serves you well.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Good God, please call me Ras.” Then he looked to his fiancée. “How did your chocolate discussion go? Did you resolve everything?”
Kynthea nodded. “I’m very pleased to say that Lady Rebecca has agreed to be a bridesmaid for me. We will go to the modiste together this afternoon.”
“Excellent!” Ras said, his expression equally bright. And as Nate watched, Becca too smiled warmly.
“I’m pleased,” he said softly. “I glad you two are good friends.” Indeed, if she tossed him aside tomorrow—or more likely today—then he would still be reassured that she had trustworthy people in her life.
She smiled at him, her expression reassuring. He saw no hatred or distrust there. Only the same sweet look of affection he’d seen last night when they’d talked.
“What do you plan for today?” she asked.
