Chapter 76 - Seventy Six
Ryan’s brow furrowed as he watched Suzy struggle for words. It was the first time she had addressed him as "HER HUSBAND." Usually, it was a formal "Duke," a respectful "Your Grace," or a casual, almost dismissive, "Ryan." This simple change held a weight he couldn’t quite decipher.
Silence draped itself over the room once more, thick and heavy. Suzy fidgeted on his lap, her earlier bravado fading with each passing second. "Well," she finally blurted, her voice barely a whisper, "that’s..."
"Technically, Duchess," Ryan interrupted, his voice surprisingly gentle, "you haven’t answered my question."
Suzy felt a prickle of heat crawl up her neck. Technically, what? Technically speaking, it was none of his business why she chased Eleanor away. But then, a different thought struck her.
He must have overheard her conversation with Eleanor. The realization sent a jolt through her. Had he heard everything? Her declaration of him being her husband?
A defiant spark ignited within her. So what if he did? It wasn’t a lie, was it? They were married, partners on paper at least. The word "husband" wasn’t some magic spell that conjured affection. It was a title, a fact cemented by their signed marriage certificate.
Internally, Suzy chastised herself. Why did she feel compelled to defend their marriage, especially to a man who probably didn’t care either way?
She shrugged, attempting a nonchalant tone. "Apparently, she was under the impression she could spend her days and nights here, playing nursemaid, nursing you back to health," she said, the words leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. "Didn’t seem very appropriate, allowing a stranger such intimate access."
Ryan’s lips curled into a smirk, a playful glint in his eyes. "Hmm, a stranger, is it?" he drawled, his fingers idly toying with the cloth tied around her waist as a belt. "Seems a little harsh, wouldn’t you say?"
Suzy felt a prickle of annoyance. "Harsh? It’s the truth," she retorted, trying to ignore the way his touch sent a shiver down her spine. "Why should I let her meet you?" she blurted out finally, the words tumbling out before she could stop them.
Ryan’s amusement deepened. "Hmm, why indeed?" he mused, his gaze fixed to the rope cinching her waist as a belt. He continued with his ministrations, his fingers idly brushing against the fabric.