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“Did you know that during the tribute’s opening reception, even as I hated being there, I remember looking at you and thinking I could handle these events if you were by my side.”
Her expression softened. “You did?”
“Yes. And after this suggestion, I know I was right.” He took both of her hands in his. “What should we use? And should we each have different signals?”
“That might be too much to remember. If we have the same one,we should be fine. But instead of a word, what if we come up with a gesture? Finding a safe word you can drop naturally into a conversation but that’s odd enough to be noticed is difficult. And what if I’m across the room and I can’t hear you?”
“A safe word?” He arched a brow. “For a reception or a secret BDSM room?”
One corner of her mouth curved upward. “We could be talking both. You never know.”
He hauled her closer and lowered his voice. “I know you’re lucky we’re here right now, or there are some things I could do to you where a safe word might come in handy.”
“Then I’m not sure I’d call myself ‘lucky.’”
She stared up at him, her pupils dilated, her lips parting slightly. Moisture flooded his mouth and his pulse pounded in his ears. In that moment he ached to pull her into his arms and kiss her until she was out of breath and begging to be fucked.
And then he’d happily oblige her.
Someone cleared their throat. Without moving apart, they turned in unison to see the aide standing at the door, a leather-bound folio clutched to her chest.
“They’re ready for you,” she said, a blush staining her cheeks and her neck.
Dani squeezed his hand. “You’ll be great.”
“Are you sure you want to say a few words?”
Under normal circumstances it would be seen as highly inappropriate, and Jameson wouldn’t have offered because he would prefer to lessen her time in the spotlight. But it had been “suggested” that she prepare brief remarks.
“Are you kidding? They’ll be sorry you ever gave me the microphone.”
“Said none of your fans, ever.”
“And pull on your earlobe,” she whispered as they left the room.
“Pardon?”
“Our signal,” she shared conspiratorially, like they were two spies. “We’ll pull on our earlobe. It’s an innocuous enough gesture and we can do it several times if the other person doesn’t notice, without it looking suspicious.”
“You’re a beautiful genius.”
“And don’t you ever forget it.”
Together, they followed the aide down the hall. Footmen opened the doors and they were shown into one of the many rooms used to host receptions for the public. It was beautifully appointed in tones of cream and gold, with the chairs covered in teal silk and paintings and sculptures placed strategically around the space.
A group of students, teachers, and parents waited for them, turning when Jameson and Dani entered. Their faces brightened in varying levels of excitement, enchantment, and awe. The sudden sound of cameras clicking and the accompanying flashes captured the moment for posterity.
And publicity.
There were a few who appeared unsettled, biting their nails or fidgeting with their clothes. The irony didn’t escape Jameson, and they’d probably be shocked to discover he’d been acting similarly just a few moments ago. He squeezed Dani’s hand then walked to the lectern placed in the corner of the room.
“On behalf of my grandmother, Her Majesty the Queen, and the rest of the royal family, I want to welcome you all to Buckingham Palace. It is a very special pleasure to be here with you this afternoon, and I’m rather flattered to find you agree since none of you ran from the building immediately upon learning that I would be your new host.”
The children cackled and the adults laughed, though there weresome nods and a few knowing glances from those aware that Julian had been scheduled to be present.
He continued. “I don’t take your generosity lightly. And because I wanted to reciprocate, I invited an actual celebrity to join us.”
He smiled at Dani and the attention, en masse, swung her way. She smiled and waved, dipping her head at the smattering of applause.
