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“Then she’ll be heavily guarded. As will you,” August said, pointing to the others.
“Lord Nathan’s attacks are coordinated but sloppy.” Leo cleared his throat, drawing attention to him. “My team of security experts have determined that he’s enlisting poor members of the kingdom on the outskirts of town. He doesn’t have the resources to take on an army.”
August nodded. “Once the wedding ceremony is done, I will take my army and squash his rebellion once and for all.”
“And until then?” Lord Ricardo asked.
August’s expression tightened. “We must play our cards carefully. Give him no reason to believe he has any power.”
Chapter Twenty-One
CHRISTINE
I was trying to focus on my book, but it wasn’t easy when August’s touch was so electric. His fingertips moved languidly over my flesh, sending sparks through my veins with each stroke. I gasped in response and he paused, his hands hovering just above my skin before tracing small circles around my shoulder blades.
A low sigh escaped his lips. “It’s so boring in here,” he grumbled. We’d been confined to his chambers for two days while the court feverishly prepared for our wedding the next morning. “We should have eloped,” he added, too softly for anyone else to hear.
I twisted around to face him, my fingertips exploring the contours of his toned physique as I tried to imagine a world where I wasn’t bound to the palace and its courtly rules. I was ready to marry August, but I wasn’t ready to be queen. I wasn’t ready to live the rest of my life in this castle.
August’s gaze met mine and he brushed his thumb across my lips. This moment wasn’t meant to linger, however, and he leaned in until his forehead met mine. “Let’s just savor this final night before we can truly be together,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Can’t I go outside? I’m not a fan of seeing this,” Leo said through gritted teeth.
Atticus laughed mockingly from his spot by the window. “Oh, feeling jealous? Or are you just frustrated? Christine can help with that, you know.”
Leo’s jaw clenched. “Are you being serious right now?”
“Blue balls are very serious,” Atticus answered with amusement.
“To answer your question,” August breezed, “you need to stay here. I want us all to have eyes on Christine at all times. Word about the wedding tomorrow has spread, and I don’t want Lord Nathan trying anything. So pull the stick out of your ass and get over it.”
Leo sighed and thrust his hands through his long hair. “Fine.”
“Look at the good little soldier, obeying orders,” Atticus goaded. One of these days, that DuPont was going to push Leo over the edge.
And part of me hoped I was there to see it. Experience it.
I spent more time exploring the contours of August’s body, my fingertips tracing paths of fire across his flesh. I could hardly believe it was real, having such intimate access to someone so beautiful. His skin felt like silk beneath my fingertips, and shivers ran through my body as I felt the strong tendons in his neck. His hand moved lower and lower, from my side to my ribs, then finally to my hip, his touch burning me with desire.
A knock sounded at the door, and it swung open, making me flinch. A young maid walked through the threshold, curtsying awkwardly before looking up at us. She swallowed hard at the sight of all three men, her eyes traveling over each of us as she cleared her throat.
“Your Highness, Adonis and Miss Victoria have requested your presence in the dining hall,” she squeaked. “They want to go over a few of your requests for tomorrow.”
He waved his hand. “Tell them to do whatever. I don’t care as long as I get to marry Christine.”
I smiled, but the maid shifted nervously. “They insisted.”
I squeezed August’s hand and smiled. “You should go. It’s not right to see the bride before the wedding anyway.”
August straightened away from me and gave the maid a nod of acknowledgement. “Tell them I’ll be right there,” he said, his voice hard as steel and tinged with frustration.
The maid bowed her head once more before scurrying away. I watched her go before turning my gaze back to August. His jaw was clenched tightly and his eyes were stormy. This interruption had thrown us both off our game, leaving us to deal with an uncomfortable distance between us for the time being.
He let out a sigh as he tugged his jacket back on, adjusting the collar once more before giving me a weak smile. “I guess this is goodbye for now,” he said with a hint of disappointment in his voice.
August leaned over and kissed me deeply, confident despite our audience. Perhaps there was hope for us yet. Or he was just in a good mood because he knew we’d be married tomorrow and he’d have me forever. “I’d rather spend all night with you,” he whispered over my lips.
“August!” I giggled. “We don’t get to stick to all of our traditions, but I’d like this one. I want to surprise you with my dress.”
