Free All's Fair in Love and Lion by Bethany Averie Page A

all.”
    Mischief lights her eyes. “If he told you, he’d have to kill you.”
    “What?”
    “His job. You said it was the CIA or something.”
    Relief washes over me. “Oh, right.”
    After a moment Mel says, “Maybe one day you’ll trust me enough to give me the details.”
    I remain silent, feeling sick.
    As lunch is served, the awful feeling intensifies. Mel always shared her relationships with me. She never holds anything back. But, she didn’t date someone out of a fantasy. Would she even believe me? My thoughts spiral out of control while I pick at my salad and Mel finishes her sandwich.
    After paying, we leave the café without our usual chatter.
    Standing outside, she plays with her purse strap. “Let me know when you’re ready to share.”
    I grab her arm, sadness overwhelming me. “Please understand.”
    “I’ll think it over.”
    Uncertain, I let her go. She’s never acted this way. Why didn’t I tell her? I sigh, and turn the opposite direction toward where I parked. Nobody, not even Mel, would believe me.
    In my car, I lean my forehead against the steering wheel. I hope one day she’ll forgive me.

Chapter 13: Monroe
    Saturday I lay in bed considering my options. I could claim illness, enjoy a day in bed and brave Bast and Alexia’s wrath. Of course, Bast would see through my excuse.
    Getting up, I step into the shower and let the water run over me. Thoughts of Sasha fill my mind. I wonder if her visit with her friend went well.
    After I’m dressed, Ayres materializes. “Lord Bast and Lady Alexia expect you in ten minutes.”
    “I’m on my way. If anyone should come, advise them I’m uncertain as to when I’ll return.”
    Ayres bows. “Of course, sir. Have a good time.”
    I enter the inner courtyard. Moments later I rap on the bronze doors of Bast and Alexia’s castle.
    Bast’s valet opens the door.
    “Rictor, old man. How are you?”
    Rictor regards me with his usual boredom. “Lord and Lady Cantrell await you in the parlor.”
    I pass the stuffy man and head for a small passageway. “I’ll show myself in.” Reaching a plain, wood door, I call, “Bast, you idiot, are you in there?”
    “Come in, Monroe.”
    The door creaks open. Inside, dark blue curtains frame massive windows misted over by the early morning drizzle. A piano rests in a corner. In another corner, Bast turns around as he pours rich coffee into mugs.
    Alexia gets up from her chair in the middle of the room. Her body barely hints at her condition. She glides over and rising on tiptoe, she kisses my cheek. “I’m glad you came.”
    “It seems pregnancy suits you, Alexia. Your errant husband behaving himself?”
    Her laughter fills the room. “Monroe, you’re terrible. Bast is a marvelous husband.”
    Bast walks over and wraps an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “Alexia didn’t tell you the big news.”
    “I know she’s pregnant,” I interrupt.
    They exchange a look. “No, man. Not only pregnant. We’re having twins.”
    I blink. “Twins?”
    Beaming, Alexia nods. She moves away from Bast and picks up a cup. “Would you like some coffee, Monroe?”
    “Please.” I take the steaming mug from her. “Well,” I finally say once we’re seated, “congratulations.”
    “Thank you,” Bast answers.
    “Has Sasha accepted you?” Alexia asks.
    I set my drink on the floor and lean back in my chair. “She’s accepted my marriage proposal.”
    Alexia smiles, her dark eyes shining. “I’m so glad.”
    Bast sets his own mug down and his forehead furrows. “What about the Council? Where will you two live?” His face creases further. “How will you have a wedding? Is she comfortable with the engagement after such a short time of believing in you?”
    Alexia puts a hand on his shoulder. “One question at a time, Bast. You’ll overwhelm him.”
    “No, Alexia,” I say. “He’s right. These are important questions. Sasha did express some apprehension over the brief amount of time we’ve known each