Page 90 of Claim Me

When she left, Belle moved closer, dropping her voice, which seemed wholly unnecessary given the music. “Did you see Philip?”

My eyes flashed through the crowd in alarm. I’d okayed this guest list. Edward had created it. How on earth had we allowed Philip Abernathy, Belle’s cheating ex-fiancé on to it?

“I’m sorry,” I said anxiously, gripping her arm. “I can have someone kick him out. I have no idea how he got on the list.”

She pried my fingers free, giggling a bit too maniacally for a woman on the verge of running into the man she’d almost married. “Are you kidding? I put him on the list. He knows all these people, so I was sure he’d come. He’s never missed an opportunity to kiss ass before.”

“Why?” I couldn’t understand why she’d do anything nice for the man who had screwed Pepper Lockwood for most of their engagement.

“This is better than a school reunion,” she said, like this was perfectly obvious. “I’m hot.” She gestured to her dress for confirmation and I nodded. The brilliant blue made her stand out and her gown clung to her body in all the right places, including her baby bump. “I’m pregnant.” She flashed her right hand. “And happily married.”

“Revenge is sweet.” I couldn’t help but laugh.

“It’s terribly shallow of me, but I don’t care,” she admitted with a smirk.

Philip deserved having his nose rubbed in her happiness. Actually, he deserved a lot more than that, but since as far as I could tell, he had two emotions—bored and boring—he might not even notice.

“What does Smith think?” I asked. I couldn’t imagine what Alexander would do if my ex-lover showed up.

“See for yourself.” Belle raised her club soda in the direction of the bar. Smith was leaning against it, sipping a drink, and watching Philip like a hawk. “I think he wants Philip to come over to me, so he has an excuse to punch him.”

“Doesn’t he know you can handle that yourself?” I asked dryly. I would never forget the night that Belle had caught Philip in the act.

“He does,” she said with a shrug, “but why should I have all the fun? Now if Pepper steps out of line…” She rubbed her fist with her left hand.

“You will walk away because you’re pregnant,” I said firmly. “No drama tonight. I need a break.”

“We do, too. Smith was supposed to close on the house in—” she cut off suddenly.

“What is it? What house?” I demanded.

“It’s nothing.”

But it wasn’t, and I could tell. “Let’s get some air,” I suggested.

The garden was far enough away from the actual event that few people had straggled out that direction. It was a bit of a shame since even the lights illuminating the reflection pool and the ellipse of jets had been tinted violet. The effect was other-worldly but chill, and I instantly relaxed.

“Feeling okay?” Belle asked as I kicked off my heels to enjoy a moment without their constant pinch. She scooped down to pick them up.

“Thanks,” I said, hooking my fingers around them. “Honestly? I always feel out of place at these things.”

“You planned it,” she pointed out.

“I know.” It was hard to explain that even after a few years of time spent with London’s most powerful and elite, I still didn’t feel like one, particularly because I’d been crowned Queen Consort alongside Alexander.

“No, I mean you planned it,” she repeated. “Clara, there was a time when you would fade into the wallpaper at a party. You never would have planned one.”

“I’m hiding now.”

“You’re taking a breather,” she corrected me, turning to face me. “After which, you will return and make small talk and nod graciously and walk hand-in-hand with your husband.”

“I know that, but I still feel like an outsider.”

“Because you are,” Belle scoffed. “You’re the Queen. You basically went from party flunky—I love you but it’s true—to above everyone. You don’t belong because you were always meant to stand out.”

“When did you become so wise?” I asked her, narrowing my eyes.

“Love does funny things to people. I promise not to let it go to my head,” she said.