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Mary winced and raised her hand slightly. “Sorry, but you guys have been together for several days and this is the first time it’s come up?”
“They’re two months into a new relationship,” Oliver said, his eyes wide. “If you think they would reunite and spend their time alone together discussing his royal schedule, then we’re just as old and settled as Jas and Hetty!”
“You should be so lucky,” Jasper said.
“We’re not a secret,” Dani continued, as if his friends’ community theatre interlude hadn’t occurred. “Everyone knows we’re dating. And I’m in the country. Why wouldn’t you take your girlfriend on a date?”
“‘Girlfriend on a date’? Wait. Dani, I’m sorry. I thought you understood.” Harriet set her glass down. “You’re out, cleverly done, by the way, and you’re right, everyone knows you’re dating. But you’ve spent the past month in the States where the press fawned over the both of you. This will be your first time together in public in the U.K. since the royal tribute. The press, and the country, will have feelings about that.”
Mary leaned forward. “Hetty is right. Jameson is our prince, and the people here feel entitled to his life and the lives of his entire family.”
“This is not the two of you appearing at an event in Hollywood,” Harriet said, “or captured holding hands here in London. You’re going with Jameson to a royal event where he’s attending as the family’s representative. You need to tread carefully. You can’t be so cavalier about this.”
Resentment burned in his gut. He loved Dani. Having her with him would make all the times he had to put himself out there bearable. But he’d never be a normal man, taking his woman out on a date. He was a member of the royal family. And any outing involving them would turn into a state event that required a briefing.
Jameson took Dani’s hand. “You’ve managed an impressive amount of time in the public eye in the States, so some of the nuances may seem silly to you. But when people find out you’re there with me, it’s going to turn into a circus. The press is going to be there in full force. It can be ruthless.”
“Stop talking to me as if I’m a child. I know what I’m asking. If your answer is no, just say so.”
He sighed deeply and shook his head. “I can’t say no to you.”
Her chin quivered and her lovely eyes softened behind a sheen of moisture.
His chest constricted and he palmed her cheek, ready to catch any falling tears. “Don’t cry, love. Please. It’s not worth it. Of course you can come with me.”
“No, it’s... I’m not—” Her hand covered his and she kissed him, her lips briefly clinging to his before she pulled away. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. I’ll be fine. And I’m prepared. That’s why I hired Louisa as my royalty whisperer.”
Harriet nodded. “Then you’d better call her now. She’ll appreciate the heads-up.”
“See”—Dani smiled, though it was strained—“nothing to worry about.”
Famous last words,Jameson thought, unease prickling the base of his neck at the thought of Dani being presented to the wolves. He was supposed to protect her. Instead, he was walking her down the red carpet and straight into their den.
Chapter Eleven
Female 1:Speaking of exciting news, I just have to talk about it. Duchess is here. In the U.K.
Male 1:We have a lot of those here. I don’t see how that’s news.
Female 1:Cheeky. You know I meant American rap star Duchess. Prince Jameson’s newest girlfriend.
Female 2:Still so romantic, the declaration he made about her on the plane. I believe it has over 10 million views on YouTube.
Male 1:Did she just get here? I haven’t seen her.
Female 1:That’s the point. No one has seen her. Is the palace hiding her?
Female 2:Maybe they’re not as supportive as they said in their statement.
Good Morning, London
Blinding lights from camera flashes?
Check.
The deafening chaos of hundreds of people behind security barricades?
Check.
