Chapter 10
GRACE
Iworry about Polly as I finish unpacking my things in the room that's been turned into a prison cell.
Talking to the girls and explaining what opportunity had been put on the table for us was harder than I thought it would be.
While Sophia and Selena had their reservations, they took on board what I said and respected my decision.
Polly begged me to refuse; she was furious at me for even considering it.
I hate the idea of her being mad at me, but what Jack is offering is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for us all to have a better life. Far from here and far from Jonah.
A gentle knock comes from the other side of the door as I place my empty suitcase in the bottom of the wardrobe and slam it shut.
“Go away,” I call back. I’m not in the mood for him or anyone else right now. I need some time alone to accept for myself what I’ve agreed to do.
“Dinner will be ready in half an hour. I could ask for it to be held off?” His voice comes back calm and friendly
“I don’t want dinner. I’m not hungry.” I sit on the edge of the bed and close my eyes. I need to get my head straight, but the problem is, if I think about all this for too long, I become more convinced of how insane it is.
Instead, I should distract myself with other thoughts. Like where me and the girls will go when we have all that money and our freedom.
“We need to talk; I was hoping over dinner we cou–”
“I said I’m not hungry,” I repeat, jumping when the door bursts open and he marches inside. It’s hard to ignore how hot he looks when he’s angry, but I manage to keep a straight posture to ensure I show no weakness.
“You have to eat. Three meals a day…at least. It’s part of the arrangement,” he tells me, towering over me.
“Well, I don’t recall signing a contract or seeing any terms and conditions,” I strike back, turning my head so I don’t have to look at him. I find myself permanently drawn to his lips, despite the fact that he annoys the hell out of me.
“Let's not forget the reason you are here. You're going to need your strength.”
“I’m not pregnant yet,” I remind him.
“No…” He takes my chin between his thumb and finger, slowly turning my head to look up at him. “But I’m going to be relentless in ensuring that you are,” he promises, forcing me to swallow the lump in my throat as my pelvis clenches.
“When was your last period?” he asks, narrowing his eyes even tighter.
“What sort of question is that?” I stand up and huff a laugh at him.
“The kind that's important when we’re trying to conceive. I’ve done a little research while you were unpacking. I’m sure you're aware that there are certain times of your cycle when we should be more focused on the task at hand.”
“You could at least give me a chance to get settled.” I suddenly feel like all this is moving too fast. I’ve barely gotten used to the idea, and I need to do some research of my own. I know very little about pregnancy, but I do know it’s a big deal.
Jack disregards what I’ve said, continuing to stare at me and pressing for an answer.
“My period finished two days ago,” I answer, folding my arms and making sure he knows I’m not impressed by his approach.
“And when did it begin?” He takes out his phone.
“I don’t know, a week ago, I guess. I’ve never really paid much attention. What is that?” I ask when I notice him typing the information into his screen, and looking very focused.
“This is an app that's going to help us,” he tells me, turning the phone to face me so I can see for myself.
“An app is going to help us get pregnant?” I laugh at how ridiculous that sounds.
“It helps track your ovulation days. So we up the ante.”
“Up the ante?” I shake my head in confusion.
“I’d much prefer to discuss all this over dinner. Mary’s prepared duck.”
“I hate duck,” I lie, just to be awkward. The truth is, I’ve never tried it.
“Then I’ll have her prepare you something else.
” He shows his patience and resilience with a tight smile.
“Gracie, you and I are going to be spending a lot of time in each other's company, and we’re going to be intimate for the majority of that time. Don’t you think it’s best if we try to get along?
” He reaches out for my hand, and I let him take it.
What’s more frustrating is that he’s right.
All this will be so much easier if I forget the circumstances and focus on the end result.
“Fine,” I agree.
“Good, I’m glad we’ve got that settled.” He leans down, surprising me when he tenderly kisses my forehead.
“What are you doing?” I quickly pull back.
“Kissing my fiancée. We have a lot of people to convince that we’re in love. The most important one of all lives right here in this house.”
“I thought you didn’t care what Cecelia thinks,” I remind him.
“I don’t. I care about what she tells people. She doesn’t usually join me for dinner, but now we’ve come to an agreement, I’m going to invite her to join us. If we can convince her, we can convince anyone.” Keeping his hand in mine, he softens his eyes and smiles.
“Fine, I’ll come, but I’m not taking any of her shit.”
“I'm counting on it.” He looks pleased with himself as he goes to leave.
“Oh, and just a few more things.” He turns around to add, “I have arranged for one of the sales managers from Harrods to stop by tomorrow; she’ll take your measurements and fix you up with a suitable wardrobe selection.”
“Suitable for what? There's nothing wrong with the clothes I have.” I argue, looking down at the threadbare jeans and faded designer polo top I picked up from the charity shop a few months ago.
“To you and me, no, but you're going to be the new duchess; all eyes will be on you. You’ll be top of the guest list for most of society's engagements, and I want you to be prepared for any occasion.”
“What was the other thing?” I sigh, wondering what could possibly be next. A hair and makeup stylist, perhaps?
“I’m having my apartment in Mayfair prepared.
I’m hoping your friends will accept my offer to stay there through the duration of our arrangement.
That house isn’t livable. I could see you didn’t feel safe there.
They’ll be much more comfortable at the apartment, and it has very substantial security. ”
“Unlike this place.” I smile, knowing that Selena had no trouble hacking the outdated system here.
“That will be something I’ll remedy over the next couple of days. I don’t know what you're running from, Gracie, but it won’t get you here.” Something about his tone and the serious way he looks at me before he turns around to leave gives me faith that he could be right.
“Wait,” I call after him, and when he slowly turns around, I smile. “Thank you. Offering the girls somewhere to stay is thoughtful. I appreciate it.”
“It’s obvious they are important to you, Gracie. I don’t want you worrying about them during your stay here. They’ll be well provided for, so there is no reason for them to risk getting themselves into any trouble.” When he smirks, I nod to let him know I understand.
“I’ll see you at dinner,” I promise, waiting for him to leave before I message the group chat and tell the girls to start packing.