Page 46 of The Forgotten Queen
Marx placed his hands on his hips. “You were just about to leave. That’s where we were.”
Her smile drooped into a frown. “That’s it? That’s all you have to say to me after you married some stranger?”
He lowered his head. “I should’ve told you beforehand. I only found out last night.”
“And?” she pressed.
“What do you want me to say?” He didn’t like seeing Cheney upset. “It’s not like I chose this.”
“I know.” She folded her arms across her chest. “I heard my father talking with your father. I know, obviously, that this is an arranged marriage. But what does it mean for us?”
Marx furrowed his brows. “There is nous.”
She shifted her weight. “I guess I always thought that you would come around, that there would be anussomeday.”
“I’m sorry if I led you to believe that, but it’s not going to happen, especially now that I’m married.”
“But this isn’t a real marriage.”
He felt the same way, but he wasn’t going to tell Cheney that. He didn’t want to encourage her. “I’m going to try to make this marriage work, and I need you to respect that. It’s what my father wants.”
“But ifyoudon’t want it, then what’s the problem with us continuing?”
“I want it too,” he lied.
She stood there, shaking her head as if she didn’t believe his words.
“You’ll come back.” She walked toward the door. “You’ll regret her, and you’ll come running back to me.”
She left the room by slamming the door.
Marx smoothed his damp hair back from his face.
Bravo.
Somehow, he’d managed to hurttwowomen’s feelings in a matter of five minutes.
He needed to set things right with Sydria, let her know that he hadn’t invited Cheney to his room and that he hadn’t let her stay. He opened his side, lifted his knuckles, and paused. He looked down. Was he really going to knock on her door dressed in a towel?
No.
He had boundaries.
He shut the door between their rooms.
Marx would apologize tomorrow.
14
Sydria
“I’m glad you invited me here tonight,” she said, slowly walking toward him. She made a conscious effort to sway her hips, to lace her eyes with passion, to smile in a pleasing way even if it didn’t feel right.
“I’m glad I did too.” His voice was quiet. “You are my only future.”
She stared back at the nameless, faceless man as darkness closed in around her.
You are my only future.
