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Before I agreed to have a secret affair with her.
Before I made the decision to put my career and integrity on the line.
Before I decided to do something for myself for the first time in my life.
“Here to see Prince Gabriel?” Steven asks as he steps out of the guard shack and approaches my car, not checking his tablet to make sure I’m on the visitor log.
His question isn’t meant to pry. He’s simply making small talk, considering in just a few weeks I’ll be joining his ranks, more or less. Although I won’t be tasked with guard duty like this. I’ll be assigned to one of the teams responsible for protecting members of the royal family.
I could very well be assigned to Esme’s team.
“Actually, Princess Esme.”
“Why?” Steven straightens, my answer taking him by surprise.
“You know Adam and Rory are having a baby, right?”
“I heard. Are you looking forward to being an uncle?”
I push out a small laugh. “I haven’t even thought about that. But since Rory doesn’t have any family, I’ve taken it upon myself to throw them a party to celebrate.” I make sure not to give too much information, not wanting him to become suspicious.
“That’s thoughtful of you.”
“Of course, I have no bloody clue how to plan a party that doesn’t include shotgunning beers and watching football. So…”
“You asked for the princess’ help?” He arches a brow.
“Aside from Rory, she’s the only woman I know well enough to ask. I just spent eight years in the military. I’m not sure any of the guys in my unit know much about party favors and centerpieces.”
He chuckles, shaking his head. “You’re right about that.” Stepping back, he presses a button, raising the barrier. “Good luck with the planning.”
“I’ll need it,” I say with a smile. “Oh, and if you could do me a favor?”
“What’s that?”
“This is a surprise, so if you see Adam…”
“You were never here.” He winks.
“Thanks, mate. I appreciate it.”
Applying pressure to the gas pedal, I blow out a breath and continue up the driveway, pulling in front of the entrance to Esme’s apartment.
Once I bring my SUV to a stop, a valet emerges from the lobby, opening my door for me. In a few weeks, I doubt I’ll receive the same treatment, not when I’ll officially be part of the staff. The hired help, as my brother puts it. But for now, I’m a visitor. A guest of a member of the royal family.
As I step out of the SUV, I give the valet an appreciative smile, then continue into the foyer, pushing down any resurfacing feelings of guilt when I glance at the door to Anderson’s apartment and instead make my way to Esme’s place.
I don’t even have to knock, her door swinging open and her private secretary standing there to welcome me inside.
“Lieutenant Lawson,” Lieutenant Hawkins says, his posture stiff, spine straight. “She’s expecting you. Right this way.”
Once I cross the threshold, he closes the door, leading me through the living room and toward the part of her apartment that’s home to what she calls the administrative wing, since it’s where not only her office is located, but also the offices of all of her support staff.
I shouldn’t be surprised Hawkins is bringing me here. If she’d asked to meet me in her bedroom, it would only raise eyebrows. Increase suspicion. That’s the last thing we need.
Hawkins comes to a stop outside a pair of closed wooden doors at the end of the hallway and knocks lightly before opening them.
“Lieutenant Lawson is here for your meeting, ma’am.”
