I stare into her eyes and consider telling her that Mercedes might need her as a welcome distraction, though she would never admit it. She will be seeing Van der Smit and his new wife there, and it could undoubtedly stir up some issues in her. But my sister would never forgive me for telling Ivy such an intimate detail of her life. She doesn't like to appear human to anyone.

I will need to deal with her later this evening after I've finished my conversation with Ivy. In the lingering silence, I know what it is I need to address. But I suspect as soon as I bring up her brother, she will shut down entirely.

Just as I'm about to mention it, there's a knock on the bedroom door. It's late, and my staff knows better than to interrupt me in here unless it's something important.

Ivy sits up, glancing at the door as I rise from the bed and move to answer the door. I open it enough to see Antonia standing there in her pajamas, an apologetic expression on her face.

"I'm sorry to disturb, sir," she says tiredly. "But one of your men is waiting for you in your study. He says it's urgent."

I nod and dismiss her before glancing back at my wife. Our conversation will have to wait for another time.

"Go to sleep, Ivy."

She drags the sheet up to cover herself and meets my gaze for one lingering second before breaking it.

"Okay."

29

Ivy

I sit up as I watch Santiago walk out of my room. The door closes with a soft click. I wait to hear the lock turn, but it doesn’t.

I wonder who’s here to see him so late at night. Wonder what could be so urgent.

Throwing the blankets off, I pull on a robe, very aware that I’m still damp between my legs. I’m trying not to think about what he just did or remember the feel of his mouth on me, his tongue inside me.

He’s a monster. That’s all I need to remember about my husband.

My one consolation is what my brother told me.

I walk to the door and lean my ear against it. He’s quiet, though, and rarely makes a sound, so I wait, giving him time to go before I open it and peer out.

The corridor is dark and empty.

Taking a few steps, I glance over the banister down to the first floor. I can’t see more than the large hall that connects the different corridors, but I don’t hear anyone, and the rooms are dark, not even the usual candles lit now.

If he has a guest, then he’d have taken him into his study, especially if he wants privacy.