Vanquished (The Encounter #3)(30)

“I’ve missed this part of you …” he paused as our eyes connected, magnetizing, hypnotizing. It was as if the rest were a blur and the only thing that mattered was us right at this very moment, caught in something so profound, so undeniable it had the power to suspend us both from reality.

Hugo had the sense to pull the plug by saying, “I still think you need to see someone. Although you didn’t hit your head on anything since I caught you, people still don’t faint just out of the blue. The last thing I need is to be accused of not taking care of you.”

“I would never do that,” I gasped as I saw the masked pain in his eyes. “I’m fine. I skipped dinner, thinking I would be able to eat at the party, so it’s just a wild case of that. It’s nothing to worry about. The only cure I need is food.”

He nodded then got to his feet, his eyes remaining on me. “Since it’s late, the staff isn’t available to cook, but I’m more than able to whip up something in the kitchen if you don’t object to that, so come down when you’re ready. If you want to freshen up, there are toiletries available in the bathroom and whatever else you might need.” He instantly became monotonous, distancing himself as he exited the bedroom.

The moment the door was shut, I sat up, wondering what the bloody hell had just happened. His highs and lows were too troubling, and I just couldn’t read him, not that I’d had the capability to do so before, but tonight, he was much more mercurial than I had ever seen him, which aggravated the situation even more because I wasn’t sure how to act around him. One moment, he was screaming at me as if he was the devil himself, and the next, he would be sweet and kind before he resorted back to being nonchalant and aloof.

Releasing a frustrated sigh, I looked down at my red dress, wondering if I should change or keep it on. Knowing I wouldn’t be back to Monaco until tomorrow, maybe the best thing to do was find something comfortable to wear while we ate and discussed what needed to be said. There was no doubt in my mind that we would be going through this tonight like a closure of some sort. As much as I dreaded the talk, I knew it would set his mind at peace, as it would for me. Tonight would truly be the end.

While I was still undergoing unprecedented exhaustion and as inviting as the bed was, the babies need nutrients for them to be able to grow and be healthy. Hopefully, I would have enough energy to eat more than I normally would. It had been over six hours since I had nibbled on some crackers and cheese.

Once I was in the cool confines of the bathroom, I took a moment to bask in my surroundings. There were soft, earthy tones from the terra cotta tiles and a large, detached bathtub that overlooked the French windows that had vines growing on the side of them. One thing I loved more than anything was the heavy, intoxicating scent of pink roses that lingered in every section of the room. I could see myself soaking in a warm bath with candles about while I listened to Sarah Brightman softly playing in the background.

It took a while until I finally had the courage to gaze at my lone figure in the bathroom mirror. My makeup surprisingly still looked fresh and pristine, masking the inner turmoil in my eyes. The deep plum playing with a brush of black made my eyes seemed more violet and mysterious. I remembered the smile Julien had on his face the moment he saw me with the dress on, stating I didn’t show any hint of pregnancy. Here was hoping that sentiment would stay true, because if anything happened tonight, the man knew my body more than anyone else in the world and would surely see the difference in my changing body.

My breasts were already a size bigger than before, and although my stomach didn’t show the slightest hint of it, I could feel the difference. There was a tightening feel to it, as if I were bloated or something. It was still taking me time to get used to it.

Looking away from my sad reflection, I scoured for a toothbrush then gently brushed my teeth. For a moment, I opted to wear this sexy dress, but came to a realization that Hugo might be more drawn to my cleavage if anything, so it was best to appear demure and less revealing. The only way I could achieve that was to wear the soft cotton chemise robe that hung against the wall.

Leaving the dress hanging in the bathroom, I exited the room in search for Hugo in the kitchen. The moment I came out of the softly lit hall and onto the landing, the delicious aroma of food wafted through the air and immediately made my stomach growl. The smell was almost effervescent to my lowly spirits, and I became a puppy in search of its treat.

I had thought I was a little hungry before, but I’d had no idea just how much. I instantly reprimanded myself, feeling as though I was an irresponsible parent already. I wasn’t living for myself any longer. I would have two little cherubs to take care of before I knew it, and that would take some getting used to.

The rustic interior of the chateau contrasted with the high, glittering crystals of the chandelier. The earthy colors of beige and brown beautifully played out with the chic addition of silver and gold. And once again, pink roses were littered everywhere, enhancing the appeal of this gem of a place. I had never been in such a setting where it didn’t scream gaudy or too pretentious, yet the designer here had achieved it with ease.

Completely struck by my surroundings, I was unaware of Hugo appearing until he cleared his throat to get my attention.

“I was just coming upstairs to get you,” he murmured. “Your meal is ready.”

“Thank you,” I said before looking back at the living room and the vast entryway. “This is a beautiful home, Hugo.”