Page 55 of Fit for a King

“I can tell by the I just sucked a lemon look on your face that that is a no.”

“That is most definitely a no.”

“I see. Then how about that handsome new footman of yours?”

Heat again crept up my neck. Noah’s beautiful face flashed before my eyes.

“You’re blushing.”

“What? Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Your face is scarlet, big brother. What, pray tell, did that lovely Mr. Bennett do to you?”

“Not a thing. Drop it.”

“Oh, come on, since when do we keep secrets from each other?”

He had a point, but it wasn’t only my secret to keep.

“Well, I know it’s not Baxter that has you all riled up,” he said.

“You’re enjoying this far too much.”

“I was forced to be you for an evening and court your future husband while you were apparently having secret tunnel adventures. I think I’ve earned a little enjoyment.”

“You offered.”

“And you accepted. Which means we’re both breaking the rules, but only one of us smells like someone else’s cologne.”

“Gabriel.”

“What?” He spread his hands wide. “Tell me I’m wrong. Tell me⁠—”

The main door to my bedroom opened wide, and we both snapped our head in the direction of—oh, fuck—Noah Bennett.

He carried a full bottle of scotch in newly white-gloved hands, and somehow was looking more put together than I was, considering what we’d been doing only minutes ago.

His eyes landed first on me, then on Gabriel in the chair, and his face paled a little.

“Your Majesty.” He bowed his head. “Your Royal Highness. My apologies, I was told you both had gone to dinner.”

“We were on our way,” I said.

Gabriel leaned back to face our new arrival. “Were we?”

I gave him a sharp look, but he only lifted a brow, far too pleased about the turn of events.

Noah held up the bottle in his hands. “Mr. Baxter asked that I refill the scotch while you were away. I’ll come back.”

“Oh, Noah, you don’t have to leave on our account,” Gabriel said, giving him one of those wide, charming smiles most people couldn’t resist. He gestured toward the almost-empty bottle. “Please. Carry on.”

Noah’s eyes moved back to me. He was clearly wondering if that was a good idea.

It wasn’t, but if I made a scene now, it would only make things worse.

When I inclined my head for him to continue, he nodded.

“Of course, sir,” he said, quickly and efficiently doing what he’d set out to do before walking in on us.