Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom(131)

“Very well,” he said, putting down his knife. “What, specifically, would you like to know?”

She wanted to know so many things, but one question topped the list. “After this situation with Stephen is resolved—”

Justine paused, struck by the realization that part of her didn’t wish for the situation to be resolved. With every day that passed, she hated the idea that Stephen’s care might soon pass from her to a stranger.

“Yes?” Griffin prompted.

Her father’s voice whispered in her head. One problem at a time, my girl. That’s how you’ll get on.

“Once Stephen’s situation is resolved,” she continued firmly, “what are your immediate plans?”

“My immediate plans are to conclude my business with Madeline and her partners, rent out the house on Jermyn Street, and arrange for my departure from England.”


Justine’s stomach gave a nasty little flip. “Your departure?”

Griffin hesitated, but then he gave her a smile that was more cautious than welcoming. “Our departure, if you agree to join me. I’d be very pleased if you’d travel abroad with me, Justine. Not only might you enjoy it, but I believe it to be the wisest course of action for you.”

She frowned. “I’m not sure I follow.”

His lips firmed and his nostrils flared a bit. It was a look Justine was beginning to recognize, and it signaled her husband was about to dig in his heels.

“Despite my ability to set you up in a comfortable situation, either in town or in the country, you will be left without the protection of your husband,” he replied. “My name will only go so far in keeping you safe if I’m not here to see to your well-being.”

“Why would I need protection?” She cut him off with the wave of a hand. “Yes, yes, I understand that less than honorable men will see me as a target ripe for seduction, particularly given the, er, irregular nature of our marriage. But surely you can’t believe I’d be susceptible to that sort of thing.”

When he didn’t answer, her stomach dropped again. “Griffin, you cannot believe I’d be capable of such a thing,” she said, aghast. “I would never betray you.”

A glimmer of a smile lightened his brooding expression. “I know. You are eminently trustworthy, my sweet, more than anyone I’ve ever known.”

A great sense of relief allowed her to breathe again. “Thank you,” she said, shyly pleased by his compliment. “But then what could possibly concern you? I am not without friends and family, as you know. I can always rely on them for help in your absence.”

Except I don’t want him to leave—ever.

Justine did her best to ignore that useless wish.

He was back to fidgeting with his knife again, and she began to get a very bad feeling. “Griffin, what is it?”

He put down the fork and let out a sigh. “I’ve made enemies over the years, Justine. Powerful enemies. If I am not close by to protect you, any one of those men might decide to use you as a tool of retribution or revenge. Dominic might be able to keep you safe from some of them, but he cannot protect you like I can.”

Justine could do nothing but stare at him. It seemed insane to be discussing such a thing in so domestic a setting. But for the first time, perhaps, she began to realize just what it meant to marry a man like Griffin Steele. How much she would be forced to give up, like her long-sought and cherished peace, and the quiet order of her days.

He held her gaze, and she saw in the dark depths of his eyes a bleak cynicism. For a man who was not yet thirty, he suddenly looked considerably older.