Chapter Fifteen
Skin Deep
She was feeling regretful, which wasn't a normal emotion for Marguerite Roxton. She was a woman who wasn't led by guilt. Yet, she couldn't help but be remorseful about turning all her husband's clothes pink. Hell, she didn't even like the color. "I should've dyed them blue," she mused as she lathered on the herbal lotion Challenger had created. "But he likes blue."
She set the bottle aside and sighed. For all she knew Roxton may not have drugged her tea, after all. It could've naturally been the herbs. It was highly plausible that Veronica had accidentally sprinkled too much of one thing into the gathering bag. But don't give him the benefit of the doubt, she warned herself. Trust can only lead to two things: ignorance or betrayal.
Marguerite glanced up as Veronica trekked into the bedroom. The jungle beauty dropped a basket of clothes on the bed in a huff. "You're lucky the dye you used wasn't permanent. But it did take Ned and I four hours to scrub them clean. What the hell were you thinking, Marguerite? Are you begging Roxton for a divorce or what?"
"A divorce wouldn't do us any good here," Marguerite griped, eyeing the freshly washed clothes with hidden relief. Thank God. I like his clothes. "We're living in the same tree house…not what I would call the ideal place to escape your spouse."
"Stop it, Marguerite," Veronica ordered, her eyes blazing. "I'm sick of your behavior. If you didn't want to marry him then you shouldn't have." She crossed her arms over her chest. "You don't know how good you have it and by the time you find out it may be too late."
"Oh, Veronica, don't lecture me." Marguerite shook her head in defense. "I know John's a wonderful man. I'm not blind. But he did start this."
"No, Marguerite, you did. You cut his hat for god's sake!"
"Well he purposely left mine behind!"
"That's ridiculous. Just stop and think for a change, Marguerite. Roxton wouldn't be so devious. He loves you more than you love your precious little diamonds." Veronica sighed, dropping her arms to her side. "But I can't say the same about you."
Marguerite watched her friend stalk off, feeling more repentant by the second. She peered down at her hands. "I do love him more than diamonds," she murmured, trying to convince no one in particular.
"And who might this lucky man be," Roxton teased as he strolled into their bedroom, his anger over his clothes dispersed now that the problem had been resolved. "Someone I know?"
Marguerite smiled tightly at the handsome Lord. "You know I love you more than any stone or gem, right?"
"Well, I'm not sure, Marguerite. Who once said that riches were the only things that ranked a life?"
"I never said that," Marguerite contested hotly.
He flashed her a charming, irritating grin. "I know, but you might as well have."
"Shut up. You know I love you. And I'm…I'm…you know…," she bowed her head and muttered, "sorry about your clothes…and hat."
Roxton chuckled and plopped down beside her on the mattress. "Don't worry about it, darling. Veronica said she thinks she can mend it." He reached up and stroked her cheek with the palm of his hand. "I try to stay mad at you, but I can't. I guess that means I love you, too."
Marguerite rolled her eyes. "You've wanted me since day one, Lord Roxton."
He laughed. "It's not like I didn't make my intentions very clear." His eyes randomly swept the area around them. "I better get back to Malone. I was helping him with some digging."
After he'd left, Marguerite went to the kitchen where Veronica was sketching. "It's beautiful, Veronica," Marguerite genuinely complimented.
Veronica smiled. "Thanks." She glanced up from her work and gasped. "Marguerite! What happened to you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Look at yourself."
Marguerite peered down at her arms and screeched. "That bastard! That manipulative bastard! And I thought we had an understanding! What the hell did he put in my lotion!" She tore from the room. "That man will regret this for the rest of his life! I can't believe he turned my skin orange!" She leaned over the balcony and shouted: "This is war, Lord Roxton!"
End Chapter Fifteen
Little Bird: Thanks for the update. If you find out his name will you please inform me?
SierraSunshine: I try to be!
LoveMR: Was the payback up to your acceptance?
TheChosenOne3: Oh no, it's just that your reviews come over night so I thought maybe you were on the other side of the world. And, yes, it is very fun! And I do need a balancing story.
Fab: I considered her cutting his pants, but I didn't want a prank too similar.
Zeus Fluff: I'm glad you find it funny.
Keys3303: Oh, but I must keep you guessing until the end!
MissMeganJane: I like it when you don't know what's going. It means I'm doing this right! I don't want the readers to have it all figured out right away.
A Windsor: Like I told a few others, I want you confused until the end!
Enchanter: Everyone seems more upset about his hat than anything else. Lol. I admit, though, it was difficult having her cut his hat. I love his hat!
DD: It's not the rest, but it's a start.
Madge Smith: I wasn't so sure how people would react to Chapter Ten. I'm not an author known to put smut-like scenes in my stories. I'm glad you thought it appropriate based on Marguerite's character because I can without a doubt see her doing something like it, too.