Page 69 of Cross Me

“Sorry. I’m due for a scan, and I guess that means I’ll be making up with Alexander sooner rather than later.” There was no way I could face that alone.

“I’ll go,” she offered. “Smith can drive us. Your entourage can follow. Just give me the details.”

I hesitated, wondering if I needed more time away from Alexander, or if I was just punishing him. In the end, it didn’t matter. “It’s on Wednesday.”

I was getting nowhere with Brex.

“You don’t need to come. I want Georgia there.” I planted my hands on my hips and wondered how to get through to him. He wanted to send half an army to the doctor with me this afternoon. I hadn’t told him I was having an ultrasound, because I didn’t want it to get back to Alexander. As far as anyone needed to know, I was going to a routine exam.

“I need to run it by Norris.”

I was getting somewhere, but that was the last thing I wanted. “I’ll tell him.”

Brexton tilted his head to the side, his lips flattening.

“I will,” I promised.

“I should come,” he said, shaking his head.

“You don’t want to come. It’s going to be Vagina City.”

“Now I definitely want to come.” He smirked and glanced toward Georgia, who had stayed out of the argument.

She raised her hands. “It’s up to you.”

“Talk to Norris,” Brex said firmly.

“I will.” Norris could be reasoned with. He’d been there when Alexander had revealed the truth about Anders, so he would understand why I needed some space now.

Georgia followed me as I went to look for him, making tiny impatient noises. Finally, I spun on her. “Spit it out.”

“Why do you want me there?” she asked coolly. “I’m not exactly the type to hold your hand.”

“Because I’m going with Belle, and Smith is driving. I’d rather that not get back to my husband.”

She blinked in surprise.

“I don’t have to tell Alexander everything,” I said.

“Not if you want to punish him,” she said softly.

I stared at her, realizing what should have been obvious. “You knew. That’s why you warned me about Anders.”

“Professional courtesy,” she said with a shrug.

“Did everyone know before I did?” I exploded. The revelation solidified my choice to do this without my husband. I stalked off to find Norris.

He was in the kitchen, having a cup of tea, and he looked up, his face remaining blank, as I stormed into the room. A few cooks paused to curtsy, but I waved them back to their work.

“I have a doctor’s appointment. Georgia is taking me,” I announced.

“Alexander will want to—”

“No,” I stopped him, painfully aware that this was how palace gossip got started, but somehow not giving a fuck. “I just want to have a normal, stress-free exam. Alexander’s busy anyway.”

“He is never too busy for you,” Norris said gently.

I snorted. If only that were the case. “I’ll fill him in later.”