Page 18 of Uncrowned

“Allen, what have you done? Don’t you dare hold anything back from me. Did you make another shady-backyard deal? Did you sign a bad contract? You didn’t break your word to someone important, did you?”

I jolted to a stop in the hallway at the urgency in John’s voice.

“What the hell are you going on about?”

“Don’t play stupid with me. We’re connected now. If you did something, I must know. If it’s not you—if it’s me⁠—”

“Start explaining right now. You’re as pale as a ghost. I’ve never seen you so rattled.”

Glass clinked as I inched closer to my father’s study. Seconds passed, and I knew John was at the bar, making himself a drink.

“I thought I saw someone. It’s probably nothing. Probably not even… him. I mean, maybe it was an accident. I-I—Fuck.”

“Accident? Explain.”

“No.” John’s tone shifted. “I must have been mistaken. So long as everything is okay on your end…”

My father got quiet, pausing. “There’s nothing on my end.” There was hesitation. “Are you having second thoughts about marrying Penelope? Are you trying to back out on our deal?”

“Back out? Of course not. Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Then what happened?”

A strangled sound left him, and weight hit against wood. Glass clinked again, and I could almost see John wincing as he finished off his second scotch.

“I told you it’s nothing. Babette is going downhill fast. It has to be why I’m so off. We thought she had months. I’ll be surprised if she lasts another week. She’s refusing to eat. She won’t drink. She doesn’t want anyone to care for her.” He stopped.

“John… I am sorry about Babette. I know this can’t be easy for you. You’ve been married for⁠—”

“Twenty-five years, and she’s put me through hell for every single one. I’m fine. I’m adjusting, that’s all. She doesn’t even look like the same person. She’s always been cold, but she stopped talking to me weeks ago.” He cleared his throat. “Where’s Penelope? I wish to see her.”

“The girl is upstairs reading. I’ll have her fetched. You can both spend time in the library today. I have business I still need to take care of. Maybe I’ll join you both later. John… no funny stuff with my girl. Until she’s your wife, you can’t have her.”

“What do you take me for?”

“A man,” my father bit out. “I don’t like this nervousness. If you’re getting cold feet, you won’t ruin her before you leave. She’s a virgin. I know that to be fact. It stays that way.”

My face burned in embarrassment. I forced myself forward, letting my flats slap against the wood so they’d hear me coming. I paused at my father’s door, plastering on the biggest smile I could muster.

“Father.” I moved my stare to John. “Lord Allford. I didn’t know you were coming over.”

“I had to see you. I couldn’t help myself. I do believe your father is busy. Would you like to sit with me in the library?”

“I’d love to.”

His smile was genuine as he came forward, offering me his arm. I wrapped mine around, holding to his bicep through the slow stroll.

“Have you decided on any locations for our honeymoon yet?”

Although I had, I found myself lying.

“Sort of. I mean, it’s a big decision. There’s so much research that goes into it. Greece is appealing, as is Madrid. Monaco, maybe. Florence might be lovely. But do I want us to live there? To put roots there as a family? As husband and wife?” I batted my eyelashes innocently as I glanced up. John appeared dumbstruck. He blinked rapidly, cupping my cheek as he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. The kiss was so unexpected and fast that I couldn’t help my own surprise. I had only meant to play the part of anxious bride. Had I really been so convincing?

“Roots. Us. Can you believe it?”

Before I could answer, John led me forward, picking up the pace as we went down the stairs to the library. The moment the barrier was shut, he spun me for the door, pressing my body into the wood. My hands flew up, leveling at his chest as his lips massaged punishingly into mine. Hardness pushed into my stomach, and I squirmed, turning my head, only to have him burying his face into my neck

“My Lord—Lord Allford. John.”