Page 60 of Bastard
I bite my lip. Barrington has been listening.
“Soon enough, she won’t be straying too far.”
“How so?”
Sí, how so, mi esposo?
“I’m going to put a baby in her.”
My cheeks heat.
Sabine giggles.
“But not before I get a tour of your lovely home,” I deflect. “Honey, do you mind?”
“Only if Barrington gives his permission.”
“Oh, Barrington won’t mind,” Sabine pipes in. “You won’t believe what I’ve done with the ballroom.” She grabs hold of my arm.
“Wait for Barrington’s permission,” Hayden says.
I bristle at his forceful tone, then remember that this is Lorenzo talking. He’s creating the illusion that Barrington’s in charge.
“Your wife hasn’t learned her place.” Barrington pauses. “And neither has mine.”
The veiled threat in his tone causes me to stiffen. If I disliked him before, I loathe the man now. Poor Sabine. I wonder how many times he’s bullied her.
“I’m sorry, baby.” Sabine touches his arm. “I’m just excited to show off the ballroom.”
“Go on then,” he snaps.
Sabine takes my hand and leads me toward the mansion.
“Your husband has a very commanding presence,” I say, choosing my words carefully.
“We married a month ago. Before that, I was his mistress for several years.”
“So, I’ve heard.”
Sabine winces.
“No judgment here. If you don’t mind my saying, your female guests are bitchy.”
“Barrington invited them. They’re loyal to his first wife.”
I quietly wait for her to say more, and I’m not disappointed. “She wasn’t just bitchy, but vicious. Barrington would show up full of cuts and bruises. Once, he had a swollen cock.”
“Sounds painful.”
Sabine giggles. “We didn’t have sex for a month.”
I want to ask her why she’d involve herself with a man like him, if not for love. But remind myself I’ve got a job to do.
We enter the estate through double French doors. “Over there is a library and next to it is Barrington’s study. He likes to look out at the pool while working.”
“Lorenzo has a study as well,” I lie. “And I often help him with business.”
“Oh, me too. Barrington hates computers, so he has me keeping his ledgers.” Her hands squeezes mine as she angles in closer. “He insists I earn my keep.”
