AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That’s a fantastic idea,” I say brightly, wide grin trained at Creed. “I’m sure Lieutenant Lawson would be quite agreeable. As would my brother. Fair warning, though. They can both be quite competitive.”
“I’m always game for a little friendly competition.”
“I’ll be sure to bring it up with my brother,” I tell Jameson before turning my gaze back to Creed. “Good day, Lieutenant Lawson.”
He hesitates, glancing between me and Jameson. The romantic in me wants him to refuse. To fight for me. To draw me into his arms and tell me he can’t stand the idea of another man touching a single hair on my body.
Instead, he does what he’s been trained to do. He follows orders.
Stepping back, he bows, expression stoic and unwavering. “Ma’am.” Then he spins, strides purposeful, as if marching in formation.
“He’s…intense,” Jameson remarks after several long moments, cutting through the stiff silence.
On a long sigh, I face him. “He’s spent the past eight years in the military. The last four on special teams. Creed Lawson only knows one level. And that’s intense.”
“Have you known him a long time?”
I shrug dismissively. “Most of my life.”
“So he’s like a brother to you.”
“Yes.” I give him a reassuring smile. “That’s exactly what Creed Lawson is. A brother.”
A brother I just propositioned to take my v-card.
So no. He’s not like a brother at all. But I’m not about to tell Jameson that.
“Right then.” He clears his throat. “Can I interest you in a walk?”
“Shouldn’t we get back to the meeting?”
“Why bother? It’s not like they’ll listen to us, anyway. A walk might do us both some good. Plus, it’ll give us a chance to talk freely, if you know what I mean.”
“Probably more than you can ever imagine,” I mutter under my breath.
As Jameson and I stroll along the path leading from the stables and back toward the gardens, he maintains a respectful distance. Birds chirp overhead, some of them swooping down and cleaning themselves in one of the marble baths strategically placed throughout the well-maintained rows of flowers. The bright sun causes some of the dew-stained petals to sparkle and gleam, everything about the grounds pristine and perfect.
But it’s all a façade. A show to make those who tour the palace think we lead a charmed life.
In reality, this place is nothing more than a prison. The surroundings may be posh, the food prepared by a Michelin-starred chef, but I’m still trapped here. Still serving a life sentence for committing the crime of being born.
“Can I tell you something?” he asks after several minutes.
“Isn’t that why we’re here?”
A smile teases his mouth. “Too right.” He looks forward again. “I had the same reaction you did when my father told me about this plan.”
“You did?” I tilt my head at him, partly surprised. Partly relieved.
“You think because you’re who you are and you come with all of this…” He waves his hand at our surroundings, “that I wouldn’t put up a fight?”
“It felt like the playing field was a bit uneven during that meeting. Like I was in one of those dreams where you’re shouting to be heard, yet everyone’s carrying on as if you’re not even there.”
“Believe me, Esme…” He narrows his gaze on me. “You’re not alone. I’m on your side, too.”
I pause in my tracks, studying his expression. He seems sincere. But is he? Or is it just some ploy to get me to agree?
Or have I been around this world so long that I’ve become cynical whenever someone offers me a moment of honesty?
