Page 14 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
“Or he would have just paid for you to have help, and we could be enjoying a rather pleasant afternoon tea,” Adele chimed in, her voice soft.
“But at what cost? I am already in enough debt to him; I have no wish to increase it further.” Rowen shook her head.
Adele arched an eyebrow and pursed her lips.“Do you really think he would hold it over you?”
“Yes. No. I do not know. Maybe?” Rowen fidgeted with the hem of her skirt. “But even if he did not, it is too late now. If I go back to him and ask for help, he will be like a cat who got the cream.”
She could picture his smile, practically feel the warmth of his body as he gave her that rakish grin. She ran a finger across her knuckles absentmindedly.
Are you sure?
“I do not want him to think that my mind is so easily changed. And if that means a little more work, then so be it.” She swallowed as the memory of his low, throaty chuckle traveled down her spine like a touch.
“You sound as though you are getting ready to enter a war, not a marriage.” Verity laughed.
Rowen gave her a somber look. “That is what it feels like.”
“Surely he cannot be that bad. Were you not just telling us how he said the children could be the groomsmen if they wished?” Adele pointed out.
“Yes, and while that may seem nice, he does not have to deal with the reality of it. I will be the one who has to ensure that they are prepared, that they are dressed. More to the point, what will people think of Georgia is groomsman? Does he not realize how much scrutiny she will be under?” Rowen could already hear the viciousness of their peers’ voices.
“Perhaps he assumes his title will be enough to protect her? Or that she will simply opt to be your flower girl or one of your bridesmaids,” Verity suggested.
“I have asked her, and thankfully, she agreed. And I will admit that Alistair is thrilled that he gets to be in the wedding, but I do not want them getting too attached to Tob—the Duke. After all, this is only a temporary arrangement.” Rowen gestured around them. “We will only be with him as long as the repairs are underway. Then, we will come back here.”
She looked around the room, not wanting to admit that a part of her was looking forward to being out of the house that held so many bleak memories for her. Even though the reprieve would only be temporary, it would still be nice.
Nicer if I did not have to stay under the same roof as Tobias.
The image of his teasing smile and sparkling green eyes flooded her mind, and she violently shoved it away.
“This whole thing is just a means to an end. Tob—The Duke has demanded a say in my children’s education, and I will admit that his opinion may be useful. He does know things I do not. And he has kindly offered us a roof and financial support. But once he feels his debt to my brother is repaid, that will be the end of things.” She took a steadying breath. “I have to be able to survive without him, or I will be entirely at his mercy.”
“Or you could view this as an opportunity to have a helping hand. You have already admitted that he has been of some use.A husband is not just for warming one’s bed at night, you know.” Adele gave her a sidelong look that made her blush.
Verity clapped a hand over her mouth, giggling. “Adele!”
Rowen stiffened, trying to look dignified while acutely aware that even the tips of her ears were scarlet. “I have no intention of engaging in such activities, especially not with him. The only thing we will share is breakfast—perhaps dinner on a good day. That’s it.”
Before anyone could say anything else, there was an almighty crash and shouting from the twins’ room. Rowen sprinted out of the room, all thoughts of Tobias forgotten as she hurried to her children.
“Gigi! Alistair!” she called as she barged into their room. “Are you hurt?”
Her children surged towards her in an instant, each babbling over the other.
“Alistair started it. He was—” Georgia began at the same time as Alistair said, “George is lying. She?—”
“It’s always been mine—” Georgia was tugging on the sleeve of Rowen’s dress.
The twins continued to chatter, speaking over one another so fast that Rowen could only catch a few words. As they spoke, she scanned them both for signs of injury, but could see nothing.
“And I said no?—”
“It’s my favorite one and?—”
“Not fair!”
She held up a hand, and the twins fell silent. She rubbed the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger, exhaling slowly to slow her hammering heart.
