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“But you have seen her. You might be able to fool everyone else. Hell, you might even be able to fool yourself.” He steps closer. “I’m your brother. I know you better than anyone. Don’t forget who you came to whenever you needed advice about girls. Pretty sure I’m the one who bought you your first box of condoms.”
I run a hand over my face, unable to deny the truth in his statement. With five years between us, Adam’s always been there for me, especially regarding things no hormone-crazed teenage boy would ever want to discuss with his father. Like girls and sex. That would require my father to have been around. He wasn’t, always putting his obligation to the royal guard above everything else, even to this day.
“It’s nothing,” I say finally, hoping to placate him. “Just a stupid infatuation that’s probably the result of being surrounded by an overabundance of testosterone in the military.”
His analytical gaze sweeps over me for a beat before he relaxes his posture and pushes out a laugh. “I know how lonely it can be out there.” He gives me an understanding smile before schooling his expression once more.
“But don’t forget who you are. I don’t need to remind you that the caste system is still alive and well, even in the twenty-first century. Esme’s a princess. And she’s dating the equivalent of a goddamn prince. The public loves them, so if I were you, I’d forget any of those adolescent notions you once had. Even if Jameson Gates weren’t in the picture, the royal household would never approve.
“Just because Dad is His Majesty's chief protection officer, and you’re close with the heir apparent, it doesn’t mean we have the same privileges they do. Prince Gabriel and Princess Esme are not your friends. Not anymore. They can’t be. Not when it’s our job to serve them. The sooner you come to terms with that, the easier it will be when you’re inducted into the guard and officially become nothing more than the hired help.”
“You don't need to lecture me, Adam,” I shoot back in a harsh tone, his words stinging more than I thought they would.
Because they serve as a reminder that any foolish dreams I’ve had are just that… Foolish.
“I get it. Okay?”
“I don’t mean to lecture you.” He squeezes my shoulder. “I just don’t want you to get hurt. And that’s precisely what will happen. You’re the one who will get hurt. Who stands to lose everything you’ve worked for.”
“But I won’t. There’s nothing going on between us.”
It’s not a complete lie. Technically, there isn’t anything going on. We shared one night, then walked away.
Like we agreed.
Except since that night, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her. About the way she moved. The way she felt. The way she responded to my touch.
Which is why I should stay here. Call Anderson and tell him something came up so I can’t make it. Spending ten days in the same house as Jameson and Esme will be torture.
“Good.” Seemingly satisfied with my reassurances, Adam gives my shoulder a final squeeze. “Enjoy your time away.”
“You should take some time off, too. Maybe get away with Rory before the baby comes this fall.”
He shrugs. “I may not be going with Her Highness, since Prince Gabriel’s protection team has it covered, but I still have work to do. With Esme dating Jameson Gates, it requires more preparation to advance her public appearances. This will give me a chance to work on that.”
This time, Adam’s the one who doesn’t look directly at me. It could be nothing, but I can’t shake the feeling there’s more to his statement. That he’s hiding something.
But what?
The thought nags at me as I hop into my SUV and begin the three-hour drive along the coast to the royal family’s villa.
I just pray whatever my brother’s hiding doesn’t involve my one forbidden night with the Princess Royal.
Chapter Sixteen
Creed
As if I’m not sufficiently aware of the gross disparity between Esme and me as it is, when I navigate the tree-covered cobblestone driveway and park in front of a sprawling three-story villa set on several acres of prime beach-front property, I’m reminded yet again how vastly different our lives are.
When we were younger, it was never on the forefront of our minds. Probably because Anderson and Esme didn’t want to think about it. Now that we’re all adults, we have no choice but to face the reality of our places in this world.
And mine isn’t here.
Grabbing my duffel bag from the passenger seat, I step out of my SUV and into the bright sunlight. The sea breeze wraps around me, kicking up the aroma of plumeria, bringing back memories of coming here with Anderson, Esme, and the rest of our friends during our teenage years. The same group of friends Anderson invited this week, with one addition.
I try to tell myself it won’t be that bad. That it’ll be just like old times.
But when I enter the house and follow the sound of laughter into the high-ceilinged living room, the far walls slid open to reveal an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, I know it won’t be like old times.
