“A penny for your thoughts.”

She nearly leaped out of her skin, only then noticing Aiden leaning against her side of the fireplace, his arms crossed over his chest. Why did he always have to appear so masculine, yet so rough? Why was her first thought upon seeing him always how much she longed to wrap her arms around his neck, lift up on her toes, and kiss him? “I was striving to recall if I’d read this book.”

“Liar.”

She laughed lightly, wondering if she’d ever be able to keep a secret from him, wondering if she’d ever want to. Her relationship with him, in spite of its initial deceptions, was the most honest one she’d ever experienced. “You’ve found me out. I was thinking how marvelous it is for your sister to have this opportunity. How brave she is to go forth not knowing the outcome. She could fail.”

“She could succeed.”

“Precisely. Is everyone in your family always so optimistic?”

“Life seldom rewards the faint of heart.”

She shook her head. “I wish I had your sister’s courage.”

“You came to my club, to me. You married a man you didn’t love in order to protect your family. Hardly the acts of a coward.”

“I did them out of fear.”

“It is not courageous if there is no fear.”

She was scared now, scared of the deception she wanted to perpetrate, scared of the guilt she harbored regarding the unfairness to Lushing, scared she might lose Aiden. “What do you fear?”

“Too many things to count.”

“I’m not certain I believe that.”

Reaching out, he skimmed his knuckles along her cheek. “I fear disappointing you.”

“By not giving me what I need?” Had he made his decision? Had he not found her sisters worthy of his seed? Did he not consider her worthy?

“Apologies for interrupting again.”

This time neither of them were startled by Beast’s voice. They didn’t jerk, didn’t back away, didn’t try to hide. Aiden merely turned his head to look at his brother, a dark brow winging up in query.

“Mum has supper ready. We’re heading over now.”

Those words caused Selena to start. “Oh. My sisters and I should be on our way then.”

“You’re invited,” Aiden said.

She shook her head. “We couldn’t possibly impose.”

“No imposition. She was counting on you being there and prepared more than enough food. We’re supping in the hotel dining room across the way.”

Panic threaded itself through her. “We can’t eat there. We can’t be seen in public.”

“The room has been closed off for our private gathering. We’ll enter through the back. No one will see you.”

“We can’t possibly—”

“My mum went to a lot of trouble.”

“Well, she shouldn’t have. Our agreement was to help in the shop, not dine with your family.”