Page 12 of Fake Crown

“A series of one-night stands?” There’s no judgement in his tone.

“Not really?” I take a minute to decide how best to answer. “Casual hookups with like-minded people. Relationships are confining and restrictive. When I’m done with college, I’m going back to Bellerive. No point in getting attached to someone who can’t follow me there. The immigration laws are ridiculous.”

“That’s where you’re from?”

A slow smile spreads across my face. He didn’t search my name on the plane? Monica discovered my mother and sister worked for the royal family within minutes of us talking. Most people do since Bellerive and royalty are intrinsically linked. I’m a short internet hop from the royal family with all my close ties to the Summersets.

“It is.” Before he can tell me something I already know, I continue, “Your mom is from there, right?”

“Yeah, she is.” He sighs. “I’ve never been. My grandparents were there working, and she happened to be born in Bellerive. She has citizenship, but no one else in the family does.”

“Not even you?” When he became a swimming superstar, Bellerive ran an article about how he could swim under our flag or the American one.

“You must already know the answer.” He swings his legs around to land on the floor. “Dinner?”

“You’re inviting me to dinner?” I press my palm to my chest in mock surprise.

“Are you coming?”

“Just give me a sec to change into shorts.” I wiggle myself around to get my legs on the floor. This skirt was a poor choice. “I wouldn’t want to lead you into temptation.” I crouch to grab shorts from my bag, and I head for the bathroom.

“I can keep my dick in my pants,” he grumbles.

I stick my head out the door. “Does Val know that?” An adorable blush creeps up his neck, and a slight twinge of regret surfaces. Maybe I shouldn’t tease him.

“May come as a shock to her.” He gives me a wry grin. “Get changed. I’m starving. I’ve normally had about ten snacks by now.”

Train a lot. Eat a lot. Makes sense. I change in the bathroom, and when I tug the door open, I find Brent is also in cooler clothes.

He has a sheet of paper in his hands. “The all-inclusive part might not have been completely accurate.” He glances at me. “We’ve got a list of places we can eat for dinner that’s included in our package through Trev’s travel agent. I just show this letter or something. Or we can eat somewhere else.”

I hold out my hand, and he passes me the paper. I skim the details. “The Mad Hatter.” With my phone in my other hand, I get directions. “A fifteen-minute walk.”

“Did you bring other shoes?” He stares at my heels.

“Did I bring other shoes?” I scoff and peel open my duffel to reveal my expertly packed closet. “Actually, that reminds me I should get out my dress for the wedding.” I slide my teal outfit out of the bag and hang it in the closet.

“You only brought one option?” He frowns and peers into my bag.

His bafflement is cute. “I’m a decisive person.”

He gives me an appraising look, and there’s a new softness around his eyes. “I’m starting to see that.” Brent rubs his stomach and then pats his abs. “Let’s feed the beast.”

Brent

November isn’t prime tourist weather, and the air is thick with the promise of rain when we leave the hotel. I can’t remember why Trevor said their wedding had to be this weekend—knowing him it’s because the venue was cheaper. Nothing in Bermuda is cheap.

A low concrete wall frames every property we pass, and most of them have a metal gate or some other way to get into their enclosed gardens. The stucco houses are painted blue, yellow, white, or pink. A tropical paradise, and I wonder whether any of it reminds Posey of home.

“Give me your worst memory,” Posey says as we stroll along the sidewalk to the restaurant.

“You’re going for the jugular?” I stuff my hands into my pockets. Deeply personal is not happening tonight. “Is this what Bellerive is like?”

“Since you’re keen to discuss my favorite place in the world, I will let you sidestep my very important question.”

I snort. She doesn’t need my worst memory. I’ve had a pretty good life, and that memory isn’t going to tell her much the world doesn’t already know.

“Bellerive is magical.”