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“I don’t know for sure, but I think this is a first,” Creed remarks an hour later as I re-apply my makeup in the back seat of the SUV, driven by my new CPO, Captain Charlie Porter.He was one of Archie’s top guys, and the one he trusted most.
Like Archie was the one Adam trusted most.
I only hope I have better luck with Charlie.Something tells me I will, especially now that Silas and Kane Kingsley are dead.And Henry Gates is sitting in a prison cell, having been apprehended trying to flee the country.
At first, I hated the idea that he was still alive, considering all the lives he took, including his own son’s, a truth that came out when the woman who pointed the finger at Creed came clean and said Henry Gates threatened to deport her and her family if she didn’t cooperate.But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that death would have been too humane a punishment for Henry Gates.He deserves to rot in prison with none of the luxuries he grew accustomed to, all financed by the blood of his victims.
“What’s that?”I rub my lips together to help spread my lipstick around more evenly.
Creed leans into me, his voice a sinful whisper as he says, “A member of the royal family being late for an official function because she was sucking cock.”
I flash him a devious smile.“I didn’t hear you complaining at the time.In fact, from the sound of things, you were quite enjoying it.”
His pupils dilate.“Oh, I was, princess.”He grabs my hand, lifting it to his lips.“I absolutely was.”He presses a soft kiss to my knuckles.
I still find myself looking over my shoulder, worried about who might see us.
Worried Creed could lose everything if anyone learned the truth.
Not anymore, though.Creed’s now free to be with me, having signed his discharge papers the day he was released from the hospital.In fact, it was the first thing he did, heading straight to the palace instead of his house.
Even though there’s nothing preventing us from going public with our relationship, we haven’t had a reason to, since Creed’s spent the last few weeks resting at home.And I’ve been more than happy to play nurse.
I think Creed’s been more than happy for me to play nurse, too.
Still, we haven’t needed to think about the next step in our relationship.
Now that we’re about to attend a public event together — a ceremony honoring Archie, Creed, and his father for their actions in saving my life — it’s something we need to think about.
Hell, it’s probably something we should have thought about before we were only a few minutes away from the palace.
“I just want you to know that we don’t have to do this,” I tell him.
“I told you before.I feel fine.I’m getting stronger every day.I can stand for a few minutes.”
I shake my head.“Not the ceremony.”I lean closer, dropping my voice.“Us.Going public.You’re still recuperating from your injuries.And your doctor recommended limiting stress.As you know by now, nothing about being with me is easy.Nothing about being with me everwillbe easy.”I grab his hand, linking his fingers with mine.“So if you want some time for it to just be us before letting in the rest of the world, I’m okay with that.All of this will be an adjustment.I don’t want you to feel like you have to declare your intentions for the world to see, despite what my actions at Anderson’s party may have led you to believe.I know you love me.That you want to be with me.That’s enough for me.I—”
Before I can finish my thought, the SUV comes to a stop, and the door opens, one of the valets holding out his hand for me.
“We can wait,” I tell Creed, then take the valet’s hand, allowing him to help me out.
The second I emerge from the car, cameras flash, reporters and photographers fighting for my attention.
“Princess Esme!Just a word.”
“Over here, Your Highness!”
“How are you feeling, Your Highness?”
“Hey, Esme!”
At the sound of the last voice, I freeze in my steps, slowly turning around to see Creed standing mere feet behind me.His dark eyes burn into mine with a searing intensity, stealing all the breath from my lungs.
“Yes?”I swallow hard, my pulse steadily increasing.
The determination in his gaze as he stalks toward me is electrifying, nothing about his movement showing even a hint of the pain that still plagues him.
“I’m ready now,” he thunders, his declaration ringing in the air.
