Ashes (Web of Desire #3) - Aleatha Romig Page 0,29

jaw clenched tighter and the cords in his neck came to life. A vein in his forehead throbbed, and still, he didn’t speak.

I looked from him to Patrick.

“If you didn’t know, I still don’t understand how others did,” Sparrow said.

“I filled out paperwork. I listed my parents. My mother’s name is unique, Alycia Tate. Someone saw it and the connection was made,” I explained. “I believe they recognized my mother as one of Mr. Sparrow’s mistresses. I was told there was a test to confirm. I don’t know much more.”

“Tell me about the wedding ring,” Patrick said. “The one Mr. St. Pierre was resizing.”

“It didn’t fit,” I replied. “Marion, I guess you could say, proposed.”

“An application for a marriage license was filed,” Mason said.

I exhaled, forcing my poker fa?ade to remain intact despite the rush of uncertainty hidden beneath the surface. “Marion knew I’d say no if he actually proposed. Their plan was that I’d go with Marion after Andros abandoned me. He’d be my savior and I’d willingly marry him. It didn’t work out that way, so he tried to do it without me. If there’s a signature, it’s forged.” I turned back to Patrick. “I can’t marry him. I’m married to you. I was worried about what he’d say and do when he learned that.” I recalled our last conversation. “Just before you arrived at the store, he called and told me to leave, to go back to the ranch.”

“Do you think he knew we were coming?” Patrick said to everyone around the table.

“He didn’t say that,” I answered. “He said Andros lied to him.”

“Lied?” Mason asked.

“I don’t know anything else. Your man down there took my phone and disconnected the call. Maybe Marion found out I was already married. I never told Andros. I never told him you were Ruby’s father. Once I learned his power, I was afraid if he knew and if you were still alive, he’d do something to you.”

“Elliott may have also learned that you’re dead,” Mr. Sparrow said.

My circulation fell to my feet as my eyes opened wide. “What?”

Patrick rubbed the top of my thigh. “Reid is looking into it.”

“Into my death?”

“Into the report of your demise,” he corrected. “After you disappeared, I heard a rumor that your body had been found. I went to the coroner’s office with our marriage license and asked to see you, to confirm your identity. I was told there was a backup on Jane Does. All I could do was file a missing person’s report. Up until Elliott’s attempt to have a marriage license issued in the name Madeline Alycia Tate with your birth information, you’ve been MIA.

“We were talking with Reid while you were changing. He presumes that no record of your existence, no financial dealings, medical records, housing records, or anything for seven years after my report resulted in a death certificate.”

I leaned back, shaking my head. “That’s odd to think I’ve been declared deceased.”

“Is it?” Mr. Sparrow asked.

His question caught me off guard. “What do you mean?”

“Is it odd, or did you know that too?”

“I didn’t know.”

“Then why have you been calling yourself Miller?” Mr. Sparrow asked.

“It was how I was introduced to Andros.” This was getting too close to the truth. “I had no identification. Somehow Andros provided it, in the name Madeline Miller. I didn’t ask questions.”

Mr. Sparrow’s eyes narrowed. “Why would you be introduced as Miller?”

“Who introduced you?” Mason asked.

My eyes closed.

Under my lids, I saw the room in the mansion filled with men. The scent of expensive cologne and cigar smoke came back, causing me sudden nausea as I recalled my bound wrists and the senator’s hands on my skin.

“Would you believe she’s a virgin?”

Laughter.

“Ms. Miller,” Mr. Sparrow said.

My eyes snapped open. “That’s not my name. My legal last name is Kelly.” My voice rose. “I never want to hear that other name again. Please stop saying it.” I turned to Patrick. “You can reject me. After the truth is out, I expect you to. But if I could ask one thing—if you ever did love me—please change Ruby’s name. She never deserved it.”

“I’m not rejecting you, Madeline. What do you mean, deserved it?”

“She was never one of Dr. Miller’s girls.”

“Fuck,” came like a growl from across the table.

I looked up, seeing something different in the dark eyes staring my way.

“I’m lost,” Patrick said.

“You’re not,” Mason said. “You aren’t seeing what’s in front of you. In Allister’s papers, there were references to a pseudonym Miller, Dr. Miller. He was