“I’m helping him.” Obviously, they didn’t want his shirt to touch the wound and get stuck to it.

“Get out.” Dexter pointed at the doorway. “Now.”

“Are you always this rude?” she asked.

“Are you always this inappropriate?” he countered.

“This better not have anything to do with the fact that he’s a man and I’m a woman.” She climbed off the bed, putting her hands on her hips.

“That’s exactly what it’s about.”

“I was raised as a boy. I’ve seen plenty of men in my lifetime. And it’s not like I’m looking at your brother with lustful eyes. I’m simply trying to help him.”

“You can’t see my brother half naked.”

“Why not?”

He ran his hands through his hair, muttering something unintelligible.

“You’re insufferable,” Reid retorted, leaning over to help Colbert remove his shirt. When she finished, she folded and set it on the end of the bed. To Colbert, she said, “If you need anything else, please let me know.” She strode from the room, not acknowledging Dexter.

About halfway down the hallway, she heard Dexter jogging after her. Refusing to confront him, Reid continued as if she didn’t know he was there.

He grabbed her arm, halting her. “Wait.” When she faced him, he quickly released her. “I want your word you won’t mention this to anyone.”

She was half tempted to say something nasty. However, she’d already promised Colbert she wouldn’t say anything. “I give you my word.”

Instead of thanking her like a normal person, he simply nodded and went back into Colbert’s room.

They weren’t even married yet, and their communication already left something to be desired.

That evening at supper, Colbert was notably absent. Nara and Henrick sat at either end of the table while Reid and Dexter took their seats across from one another. A servant quickly removed the extra place setting. Once they finished serving the food, Henrick ordered all the servants out of the dining room.

“Where is your brother and why won’t be he joining us?” Nara inquired.

“I asked him not to come,” Dexter answered. “He happily agreed since he has a tremendous amount of work to do.”

“Why don’t you want him here?” Nara asked.

Dexter raised his eyebrows, giving his mother a how could you even be asking that question look. “Colbert doesn’t need to be here while we discuss my personal life.” He took a bite of his food, focusing on his plate.

Reid wondered if he spoke the truth or was only covering for his brother’s absence.

“Lady Reid,” Henrick said, capturing her attention.

“Please, call me Reid.”

“Reid,” he said, picking up his fork, “what has happened since the last time I saw you?”