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“But what I don’t need is advice from you. Jameson and I are fine.”
“Really? Then where is he?” she smirked. “The men in this family can do what they want. That’s the only reason you’re here. But mark my words: eventually, he’ll settle down and find a proper wife. They always do.”
Not Jameson.
Dani bit her lip.
Their lives were so different and they both would have to make huge compromises. When the novelty wore off, would he still want to? And if he didn’t, where would that leave her? If they parted ways, would the royal family retaliate, like Cash? Or go into spin mode like they were doing with Julian? Her heart would be completely broken, but where would that leave her business?
“My apologies, love. I didn’t mean for that to take so long. I waspractically accosted by Imogen and her family. They’re in the enclosure down the bank,” Jameson said, sliding an arm around her waist and kissing her cheek. “You look stunning.”
Jameson’s dark hair was slightly damp and curled back from his forehead, the way it did after he showered. Next to the candy-colored stripes and polka dots favored by many of his contemporaries, Jameson appeared classic and regal in a royal blue blazer over a white dress shirt, golden yellow tie, and beige slacks. A multi-blue-hued pocket square, polished brown leather belt, and shoes completed his impactful ensemble. He was every inch the insider, someone born to this life.
And for once, his presence failed to bring its usual pleasure.
Lady Imogen Harrington? His ex-girlfriend who’d come out of the woodwork during the tribute events vying to be hisnextgirlfriend?
“You left me alone here for hours while you had a cozy family reunion with Imogen?”
His head jerked back. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She turned away from him, wrapping her arms around herself.
“It’s not nothing. You’re clearly upset. Dani, what happened?”
“I’m fine,” she snapped.
She could feel his confusion and anxiety and wanted to assure him she was all right. But she couldn’t. It wasn’t true. Too much shit had happened today.
He moved closer. “Let’s not do this here.”
“Why? Are you afraid I’ll make a scene in front of your friends?”
“These people aren’t my friends. I don’t care about them,” he said, his voice low. “They’re all watching and the last thing we need is to give them more ammunition to come after us in the press.”
Oh.“Like I did at the hospital?”
“Fuck, Dani!” He shoved a hand through his hair, seeming to give himself a mental shake. When he spoke again, he was calmer. “I don’t know what’s going on and I’m sorry I wasn’t here, but whatever it is, you can’t let it get to you.”
“Easy for you to say,PrinceJameson,Dukeof Wessex. Everything rolls off your back because they have to kiss your ass. They could give a fuck about me.” She huffed bitterly. “While wanting to fuck me.”
“What the hell?” His heated blue gaze scanned the enclosure. “Who?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Dani—”
“There was the fallout from the hospital visit, I lost an opportunity back home, and your grandmother offended me by insulting my taste and sending someone to do my hair!”
He frowned. “And that’s not good? It sounds like she was trying to help.”
“Oh my God, Jay! Seriously? One, I don’t let randos I don’t know do my hair. And b, your grandmother is essentially saying my hair is too wild and she wants to tame it! Do you not remember when we had the Black Hair 101 talk? I told you it’s a sensitive issue!”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “You didn’t have to be here.”
She slowly tilted her head to glare at him. “Excuse me? Where was I supposed to be, Jay?”
“Back home. Not here dealing with all of this.”
