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Accusatory.
My pulse increases, hands going clammy as I wait for him to speak. There’s obviously something on his mind.
I fear I already know what that is.
“I need to get away,” he finally announces after what feels like an eternity.
“Okay…” I draw out, doing my best to hide my relief.
If Anderson knew about Creed, he would have led with that.
“And you’re coming with me.” He gives my butler an appreciative smile as he places a cup of coffee in front of him.
“Coming where?”
“To the coast. I just…” He tugs at his hair, making it even messier than it already is.
Despite protocol, Anderson’s still in the clothes he passed out in last night, shirt wrinkled, jeans disheveled, happy to ignore the rules. On the other hand, I’m wearing a conservative dress and heels, makeup applied, hair flowing to my mid-back in soft waves, prepared for a day of speeches and public appearances, this time with Jameson at my side.
Truthfully, I made sure my appearance this morning was in line with the rules, considering I pretty much broke every rule in the book last night.
“I need a break.” My brother’s voice is strained. “Need to go somewhere I can have some semblance of normalcy. We can go to the coast like we used when we were teenagers. Go sailing. Sit on the beach. I don’t care what we do, so long as we do it away from prying eyes watching our every move.”
I study my brother as he brings his coffee up to his mouth, taking a long sip. I can’t remember ever seeing him this frazzled. This…frustrated.
“Do you honestly think the royal household is going to allow me to just take off and head to the coast?” I retort, mindful to keep my voice somewhat lowered.
I know better than anyone I’m never truly alone in this place, even if it is my apartment. Another reason last night was a horrible idea.
“Not likely.” I stab my fork into a piece of melon. “Not when Jameson and I just announced our relationship. My schedule for the next month is filled with engagements.”
“What better way to show the world how in love you are than on a beach, enjoying some time out of the spotlight? Gianna would salivate over the idea of the media posting candid shots of the young lovers sharing a romantic kiss on the beach. That’s much better than a bunch of staged photographs at some ribbon cutting or diplomatic dinner.”
“So you want to go away, but you want Jameson to come, too?” I square my shoulders, posture straight as I’ve been taught my entire life. It’s a stark contrast to Anderson, who remains slouched in his chair.
“Why not?” He steals a few berries from my plate. “He’s a decent bloke. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind some time away from all this bullshite, too. Especially since he’s been thrown into the lion’s den, so to speak.”
I part my lips, about to feign ignorance and ask what he means, but I can’t disrespect my brother like that.
When we were thrust into the spotlight after my uncle’s death, we made a promise that we’d always tell each other everything. That we’d never keep secrets.
I can’t pretend I want to be with Jameson, that our relationship is real. Not when Anderson is more than aware royal marriages aren’t based on love, but on who has the most to offer the monarchy.
And Jameson Gates’ family made the winning bid.
“Won’t you feel…awkward? Especially if, as you put it, it’s supposed to be a romantic weekend away for Jameson and me. You’d be a third wheel.”
“We’ll invite more people. I’m sure Harriet and Marius would like to get to know Jameson better, too. I’ll also reach out to Jasper, Maggie, Cody, and Penny. The usual suspects.” He winks.
“So that’s it?” I ask somewhat hesitantly. “No one else?”
“No one else,” he confirms. “Oh, and Creed, of course. But that goes without saying.”
I grit out a smile, pretending as if the mere mention of his name doesn’t cause a fluttering low in my belly. The memory of the way he moved inside me is still fresh in my mind, the heat of his touch still warming my skin.
Everything about last night was unexpected. From Creed barging into my apartment and telling me he changed his mind. To the way our bodies seemed to be perfectly in tune. To the words that came out of his mouth. The things he murmured, praising me for taking his cock as good as I did, only added to the experience. And that’s what sex with Creed Lawson was.
An experience.
