Page 52 of His Royal Request

“Dancing.” I smiled down at her as her eyebrows creased.

“How is this creating a scene?”

I leaned down and kissed her forehead. “We aren’t yet.”

She followed my steps as we slowly made our way around the floor. I didn’t want to do anything too soon. It had to seem real. It was but staged. I wanted it to look like we got so caught up in the romantic moment that we just couldn’t control ourselves. It wasn’t something Cian would approve of. My parents probably wouldn’t be thrilled about the public display, but I wanted to prove to everyone that this was real.

“I’m going to kiss you.”

Charlie blinked up at me like I’d lost my mind. “In front of everyone?”

I nodded and before she could protest, my hands captured her face, guiding her to me. The moment our lips pressed together there was an audible gasp. I tried not to smile as I deepened the kiss. Her scent. Her taste. The softness of her skin. It was overwhelming. I tilted my head, kissing her thoroughly. She responded, matching my passion. This was what it was supposed to feel like. This was it.

I’d suspected it from the day in Galway, but now I knew.

I pulled away, brushing a strand of hair away. “Charlie…”

She blinked, looking a bit dazed.

“Charlie,” I said, searching her eyes, “I think I’m falling for you.”

Her eyebrows shot up, her mouth opening slightly. Her eyes searched my face before she relaxed against me. “I am too.” Her voice could barely be heard over the music.

I pulled back and gazed into her eyes. “This is real.”

She paused before nodding.

The song changed and it seemed to break the spell. I looked around and realized the majority of the guests were watching us, while the rest were pretending not to.

If that didn’t convince them we were real, nothing would.

“Do you want to get away for a bit?” I asked.

She nodded, still speechless.

We left the dance floor and started back toward the palace when Isla intercepted us.

“That was so romantic.” She fanned herself. “I think I swooned.”

Charlie blushed, but Isla wasn’t done.

“Everyone saw and every woman wanted to be you, Charlie. And every man wanted to be you, Aiden.” She wagged her eyebrows. “You guys are officially the newest hottest couple.” She placed a hand on our shoulders. “But be warned. You guys just went public, that means you’re fair game.”

She spun on her heel, leaving me and a very shocked looking Charlie. “Are you all right?”

She shook her head in a daze. “What have we done?”

15

Charlie

I woke up to pounding on the door. Before I could even move, it burst open and Isla walked right up to my bed. “Oh good, you’re awake.”

“Um good morning?” I rubbed my face, trying to wake up. “What’s going on?”

Worry lurked in her eyes. “You haven’t seen anything.” It wasn’t a question, so I didn’t know how to respond. “Don’t freak out, okay? We’ll get this to blow over by tomorrow.”

Now I had a reason to freak out. “What are you talking about?”