Chapter 12: Let Me Do That
After their talk about Eliana, Ruby led Stefan back to their bedroom, but the air between them felt heavy. An odd silence settled between them, one that made her uneasy.
She glanced at him, noticing the way his brows were slightly furrowed. Even though he couldn’t see, it was obvious he was still thinking about their conversation. What was on his mind? Was he starting to suspect something?
She needed to change the direction of the day before he asked more questions.
Just as she was about to excuse herself, Stefan tilted his head slightly. "I think I’ll go have a drink or two," he murmured, his fingers lightly grazing the top of his cane.
Ruby tensed.
It was a simple statement, but something about it made her wary. Why did he suddenly need a drink? Was he just in the mood, or was something bothering him? Was he drinking to think—or to forget?
"Should I get it for you?" she offered, keeping her voice light, hoping to keep him close where she could control the situation.
Stefan’s lips curved slightly, but there was something unreadable in his expression. "No need. I want to sit at the bar while having the drink."
Of course, he does. That was exactly what she didn’t want. If he sat there alone, there was always a chance he could pick up on something—some small detail that didn’t align with Ivy’s habits.
She forced a smile and quickly slipped her hand into his. "Fine. I’ll take you," she said, before he could protest.
He didn’t argue, but she could feel his scrutiny as she guided him through the house. His grip on her hand was firm, not as if he needed support, but as if he were testing something. Was he comparing her touch to Ivy’s? Was he trying to figure out if she was truly the woman he had married?
The thought sent a shiver down her spine.