“I can just ask Julian about it. He’ll tell me.”

Rosa gives me a pleading look. “Yes, but I might die of curiosity before he does. I just want to see what Kent’s doing with her, that’s all.”

“Why?” I have no desire to see Julian’s right-hand man torture some unfortunate woman, and I have no idea why Rosa wants to witness something so disturbing. “If she betrayed Julian, it won’t be pretty.” My stomach lurches at the thought. Today is not one of my better days, nausea-wise.

Rosa flushes. “Just because. Come on, Nora.” Grabbing my wrist, she begins to tug me in the direction of the guards’ quarters. “Let’s just go over there. You’re pregnant, so no one will get mad at you for snooping.”

I let myself get towed behind her, flabbergasted by her inexplicable desire to play spy. Normally, Rosa displays little interest in matters concerning my husband’s criminal activities. I can’t fathom what’s behind her unusual behavior, unless…

“Are you interested in Lucas?” I blurt out, stopping and bringing us both to a halt. “Is that what this is all about?”

“What? No!” Rosa’s voice takes on a higher pitch. “I’m just curious, that’s all.”

I stare at her, noting the brighter blush staining her cheeks. “Oh my God, you are interested.”

Rosa huffs and lets go of my wrist, crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m not.”

I hold up my palms in a conciliatory gesture. “Okay, okay. If you say so.”

Rosa glares at me for a moment, but then her shoulders slump and her arms drop to her sides. “Okay, fine,” she says glumly. “So maybe I do find him attractive. Just a little bit, okay?”

“Okay, of course,” I say with a reassuring smile. With his blond hair and fierce, square-jawed face, Lucas Kent reminds me of a Viking warrior—or at least Hollywood’s depiction of one. “He’s a good-looking man.”

Rosa nods. “He is. He doesn’t know that I exist, of course, but that’s to be expected.”

“What do you mean?” I frown at her. “Have you ever tried talking to him?”

“Talking about what? I’m just the maid who cleans the main house and occasionally brings the guards some treats from Ana.”

“You can ask him what his favorite food is,” I suggest. “Or how his day went. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated. Just a simple hello would probably put you on his radar.” As I say this, I realize that being on the radar of a man like Lucas Kent may not be the best thing for Rosa—or any woman, really.

Before I can take back my suggestion, Rosa sighs and says, “I’ve said hello to him before. I just don’t think he sees me, Nora. Not like that. And why would he? I mean, look at me.” She gestures derisively toward herself.

“What are you talking about?” I still don’t think getting Lucas’s attention would be a positive development in Rosa’s life, but I can’t let that comment slide. “You’re very attractive.”