48| Fear of Leah catching Andrea's attention

Claudia's POV

So it was real.
Andrea had disregarded Grimes' walking out on us, and she had come close enough to place her ears on my belly as though the life growing in me was already starting to make movements.
“It hasn't gotten to the stage to start kicking, it's still like thick blood.”
“I know.” A flavored smile appeared on her face. “It's just to get the feeling from it.”
And then she rubbed my belly the same way I had done to tell Grimes that I was pregnant. But her keen eyes on me.... She wouldn't have known that I was pregnant if I hadn't told her as it was not visible. Linda had told me that my pregnancy was a vital ingredient to gain a good standing with her.
“Grimes acts foolish at times, forgive him.”
What a request from her, asking me to forgive Grimes? Maybe I would have to.
“How old has it been in you?”
“They said it's just some days above two months.”
She was eating the grapes I had given her, and I stood there to watch how she ate it hungrily. Anyone watching as I was, would have come up with a solid conclusion that she had starved for days.
“So sweet.” She breathed loudly, and her eyes were beginning to show some signs of sleep.
“You need to rest yourself,” I said.
She nodded. “But sometimes, sleep is hard to get, but now that I've seen you, it gives me a relaxed mind.”
I felt as though I was lifted up high. Of course not! It wasn't just a feeling, I was indeed lifted up by her words.
“Grimes must change his attitude towards you by all means.”
She got up to go to a room, and I took her to the room I had heard she always slept.
“Linda!” I said out loud. “She deserves everything from me!”
My voice was too loud, and pure ecstasy had caused it. But I couldn't hide it!
I rushed to my room, but I didn't see her with just a glance.
“Linda?”
Where was she?
She came out from under the bed, sending waves of fear to hit me at first. Why would she hide under the bed?
“Someone came in, and I just had to hide myself from him.”
“Grimes?”
“No, Greyson.”
“What would he be doing in my room?”
It wasn't worth my time to ponder, and I simply waved it off.
“Linda!” I held her upper arms like a crazy individual. “You are such an angel!”
She used her fingers to cross her lips. “Someone might hear you.”
“Everything is working out perfectly, just the way you told me it would.”
She sat on the bed. “There is also a price you would have to pay for my service.”
That shouldn't be a problem, I thought. Any price should be okay.
“I even have a higher stake than Grimes.”
“I need to leave, Caspien should be waiting for me.” She was ready to go. “Come around after a few days.”
After she had left, I laid on the bed, replaying everything that had happened. If everything worked out well, if Andrea was able to influence him enough, then I was certain that I was going to be treated as though I was his mate.
Just then, I heard him giggling in his room, and the servants had brought drinks to his room. I seized the chance when I noticed he had gone drunk. We had sex, and he was barely conscious. I slept off in his room so he could realize the moment we've had.
That was it! He was prone to sex, he barely resisted me, and a second round it was.
“Leave my room,” he said with frustration rising in his voice.
I had almost laughed out, but that would have made everything worse.
“Okay!” I left without hesitation.
I got to my room, had a bath, and then went to the kitchen to make some tea for myself. It was okay that I gave a good treatment for myself after doing something worthwhile for the day.
I was in the dining room, closing my eyes in a relaxed state as the warm tea touched my tongue.
“Grimes is all mine,” I said, displaying an intoxicating smile on my face. “Or jointly mine.”
I wasn't that cruel not to consider his mate. Perhaps we could be like two wives, and my right to him would never be lower.
“He can't resist me, and yet he wants to avoid me.”
I laughed loudly.
I felt a touch on my back which almost sent me falling down to the ground.
“Your laugh is full and wild.” Andrea came into my view.
I quickly composed myself.
“Can you laugh some more for me?”
How was I supposed to?
I forced a fake laugh that was too obvious not to be noticed.
“Lovely smile,” she said, walking outside.
Truly, she had mental issues. I had completely forgotten.
“Should I get you tea?”
“Yesssss…. I really love a warm tea like the one you're having.”
I went back into the kitchen to get some warm water, and then made another cup for myself. I would sit down beside her, I planned. But then, I had spent some extra time trying to get the taste to a good level she was going to like.
I went outside with the two cups of tea, but then saw Grimes sitting beside her. I had thought he was already sleeping. That was still okay, we could converse as family.
“Tell me about your mate,” I heard Andrea say to him.
The fear of how things might turn out came alive in me. Was she going to consider Leah?
“Her name is Leah.” He responded.
“Well then, tell me about Leah.”
My steps to them suddenly slowed down. I could hear them, but it wasn't something I wanted to hear.
Please.... They should change the topic.
“If she is your mate, then you should have no problem with her.”
The cups I was holding suddenly fell off my hands.