"What exactly happened between the two of you?" my father asks. Over the next few minutes, I go over the highlights of yesterday's conversation and the one I had a few hours ago with Abigail. Daddy listens without interrupting. "How did she find out about Ralph’s reprehensible conduct?" my father asks once I'm done. The surprise in his voice brings me comfort. At least I'm not the only one who’s perplexed by this.
"I haven't got a clue. I've asked her and she always feeds me the same stupid line, People talk, Amelia."
"Who in the world is she talking about?"
"That's the mystery. She's being very vague about it."
"I find it troubling that she'd point the finger at you and that very classy dress, rather than inquiring to find out how you’re doing after such a troublesome experience," Daddy says. "Not to mention that anyone with a heart would never say anything that crude. And a woman to boot."
"My thoughts exactly. I know I'm not the friendliest person towards her, but still, when her sister got injured, I made an effort. Abigail could return the favor."
"This is really bothering me."
"That makes two of us," I say.
"None of my officers would talk.”
"I knew they'd never betray me.”
“The same applies to the witnesses. They know they’re not to talk about this event as it's under investigation.”
“Not to mention, that so many people who were there can't stand Abigail and most are pretty vocal about it," I remind him.
“I know your own officers are fully dedicated to you." He glides right by what I just said, but I know he heard me.
"You already know they still pledge alliance to Mum."
“I do...” There's a long silence before he speaks again. "A lot of people aren’t very accepting of Abigail." My father's political correctness speaks volumes. "She’s so different from your mum..."
More like polar opposites. Of course, I keep that to myself. Instead, I say, "Yes, she is."
"I didn't realize she talked to you that way, ladybug.”
"She does. This is an extreme case, but she's never very courteous and she never shies away from dishing out one of her trademark backhanded compliments.”
“I'm baffled. Furthermore, I find it strange that she’s siding with Ralph," he reflects. "I’m glad you're not going to her charity event next week. Abigail is too quick at pointing the finger at you. She wasn't even there for God sakes. If you're going to accuse someone, get your bloody facts right." My father is pissed off.
“My sentiments exactly.”
"If she’s going to disrespect you like this, then you have every right not to want to be around her. This is unacceptable to me."
"Thank you, Daddy," I sigh a breath of relief.
"I need to figure out who the mole is. The interesting thing is that although we haven't spoken much, Abigail and I did talk. She's never brought this up. Not once." My father pauses. "There’s so much I’m discovering about my wife."
That’s a strange comment.
"What do you mean?"
"I can't tell you everything right now, darling, but I will soon. I promise. In the meantime, let me try to find out who Abigail’s mysterious friend is."
CHAPTER 46
Brandon
With a huge grin stretching across our faces, Holden and I quickly accept Duke’s video call.
“Hey Nikolaj,” we cheer.
“Hey mates, how are you?” Nikolaj asks.
“Good. Very good in fact,” I say, looking up and meeting Holden’s smiling eyes.
"There’s nothing to complain about on our end," Holden adds. “And you?"
“Life is treating me well, even though I’m not on top of the fucking world like you two,” he grins.
"So, you saw the articles?" I ask.
"Royal, all of Britain knows about you. I'm sure it's trickled to other countries in Europe as well."
"It's actually crossed the pond back to America," Holden says.
"I'm not surprised,” Duke grins.
"Are you in London?" Holden asks.
"No, I'm still in Copenhagen, but I should be there in the next few days. We need to make plans to celebrate. This is huge."
"It's been too long. I agree. We should definitely hookup."
"Great. Funny enough, I was planning on getting in touch with you this morning. When I checked the news at eight a.m., I decided to wait. Given that you’re kings for the day, I figured things might be a little crazy for you."
"You have no idea," I huff.
"Brandon is right, Duke. The entire team has been working like dogs all day. We sent everybody home an hour ago. I had to literally kick them out. They didn't want to leave. They’re too dedicated," Holden chuckles.
"That's a good problem to have, Viking." It's Nikolaj's turn to laugh. "From the background, I'd say you're still at the office?"
"Yeah, we’re still hanging out here for another couple of hours. I'm sure we’ll still feel the effect of this media frenzy for the rest of the week," Holden explains.
"I agree with you, Viking. This is the kind of media storm that most publicists dream of—I know mine was salivating all over your coverage. In fact, she's the one who brought it to my attention. Essentially, today lads, you received the equivalent of a couple million pounds sterling worth of publicity. Bravo,” Duke cheers clapping. “The best part is, you didn't even have to lift your little finger," he chuckles.
To say that this day has been a game changer for us would be a grotesque understatement.
"The timing couldn't be better," I conclude. "What a way to kick off things on this side of the Atlantic!"
"I agree. Which is exactly why I think we need to get together when I'm back in town so we can celebrate in style. Before I tackle that sweet little virginal thing that was trapped between you on the photos,” I purposely avoid looking up at Holden. Oh, she’s not that virginal. "I think I have a solution to your problem."
"What problem?" I ask.
"On the first night of your arrival you got yourself into a bit of hot water over a gorgeous stranger." Holden’s eyes shoot right up to mine. This time, I can't help it. I stare right back at him. "What is it?” Duke asks.
"Nothing," I shake my head.
"Need I remind you that we’re all on video? That look you exchanged didn't go unnoticed," Duke points out.
“Nikolaj, what's your solution?" Good on Holden for veering the conversation to safer ground.
"Since it's only been a couple weeks and from our text message it’s clear you guys are spending more time in Dublin than in London, I thought we could all go to a place where you’re guaranteed to find a cute posh bird to bounce from your balls. Of course, I'll only be there as a friend since I'm a very happily married man. I won’t be dipping my toe in the water," he laughs.
"You can't be serious?" Holden asks.
"Absolutely, mate. We’re friends. It’s my duty. If you're interested in girls who hang out at the Warwick, you'll love where I plan to take you."
"What exactly did you have in mind?" I ask. Sue me, I’m curious.
"My very good mate, Christopher O’Pry owns a few exclusive gentlemen’s clubs in London and around the world. Although a lot of his clients are single, there a lot of us who are married. Ciara and I drop by when we’re in town. My wife and I are still members. The same goes for my best friend Martin and his wife Eloise. It so happens there will be a Summer Kick Off party next week, Saturday. You guys should come.”
My jaw drops. "No shit,” I say at the same time as Holden asks, "Did I mishear you, Duke?”
"Is this a joke?" Holden drills further.
Nikolaj shakes his head. "I'm dead serious, mates. You've never met him, but Chris and I go way back. He’s a self-made multimillionaire—we’re talking several hundreds of millions of pounds sterling. While Martin and I were in boarding school, Chris spent his formative years hustling to survive and it’s made him a sharp and astute businessman. Can you believe he left
Ireland at sixteen with less than one hundred quid in his pockets? I still don’t know how he survived with so little money."
"Sounds like he had it much worse than we did," Holden points out.
"Actually, Viking, you’re right. Looking at Chris today, you'd never know. The clubs he owns are indecently lucrative. The worst part is that's not his core business."
"What is?" I ask.
"He owns some of the most exclusive commercial real estate addresses in London."
"It doesn't sound like you grew up in the same neighborhood. How did you guys meet?" Holden jumps in.
"It's an Irish connection. Martin and Chris met in an Irish youth group when we were all expats living in London. It didn't take long for the three of us to be become fast friends."
"Got it," Holden nods.
"Let me go back to the clubs. If there's an opportunity, Chris will pounce on it like a jaguar. Rich and powerful people need a very private outlet to fulfill their dirty fantasies and Chris decided he was going to be the one to help them out. He started with For Your Eyes Only. For the first year, he only had one club in London. Since then, he's expanded to several cities across the world, notably St. Petersburg, Russia, Miami, Berlin, Tel Aviv and more recently Paris. He has his sights on Washington next. He also now owns Nightfall. It’s a new venture. It’s only a year old, but it has an impressive waiting list. At this rate, Chris might have to consider opening a second location soon.”
“Wow.” I shake my head in amazement.
"It just makes sense. We’re all humans. We all have urges. You can either keep denying it or do what Chris did, profit heavily from it," Duke explains.
"I can't believe you still go as a married man and your wife is okay with that?" I’m taken aback.
"I can't believe that you’d allow other men to touch your wife. Are you guys swingers? Or do you just allow others to watch?" Holden fires a series of rapid questions at Duke. If I had a wife like Nikolaj’s there's no way in hell I’d allow anyone else to touch her... unless it was Holden—in which case, she’d be our wife. Where the hell did that come from?
"I’d sooner castrate the asshole before I ever let that happen,” Nikolaj growls. That's more like it. “I won’t even allow any bastard to cast eyes on her unless she’s wearing a trench coat or one of her long flowy sexy dresses that look killer on her. No way anyone else will ever see her naked again. Her body his mine. Exclusively."
"Then I don't get it," Holden says.
"Yeah, neither do I," I chime in.
"When I go with Ciara, we usually hang out in one of the private lounges before heading upstairs to one of the private suites. The suites can be accessed from the main club, but there’s a separate entrance and elevator. There are plenty of playrooms for those who want something edgier and there are also designated areas for exhibitionists to let loose.”
“Wow.” Once again, Holden and I are perfectly in sync. I'm sure I look as bewildered as he does right now.
“As you know Martin has some kinks that can only be satisfied at a club.”
That’s not news to me, but I thought he’d put a lid on it once he tied the knot.
“His wife is okay with that?” I’m the one who asks the question, but Holden is as baffled as I am.
“Martin gets what he needs at Chris' club and it’s done in a way Eloise accepts,” Nikolaj explains.
“Damn, that’s incredible.”
“Trust me, Royal, Martin is a very happy boy. Chris' new design is perfect for people just like him,” Nikolaj adds.
"What does that mean?" Holden asks.
"It's much easier to see it than to explain it. Not to mention that if I reveal everything, I rob you of all the fun," Nikolaj answers.
"You say that like it's a done deal and we’ve accepted your invitation," Holden volleys with a smile.
"Viking, I'm a very persuasive man—just ask my wife. I'm not done yet, with you or your best friend," Nikolaj quips.
We all laugh.
"All right, give it your best shot," Holden challenges.
"If I were you, I'd be very careful what I wish for," Nikolaj flashes Holden a confident smile. “What I'm trying to say is that Chris' clubs are very high end, especially the Nightfall. I've already spoken to him and he'll gladly extend an invitation to both of you. Why don't you come as my guests?" Nikolaj suggests.
"We haven't been to a club like this in a while," I point out. "The last one was the one we all went to after your wedding. If I recall correctly, that place was more about hanging out amongst other men. I don't think sex was part of the experience," I laugh.
"You're right, Royal. It wasn't. Chris' clubs are." Well, well, well. "There will be a plethora of hot little British honeys for you to choose from—so I’ve been told." Newsflash, we already have one of those. "I'm still waiting for my wife to confirm that she can get away from this demanding design project she's been slaving over in Paris, but chances are, she'll be my siren for the evening,” Nikolaj winks. Holden and I look at each other again. "Was that stare a yes or a no?" Nikolaj asks.
"We’re still listening," Holden grins.
"Wanker,” Nikolaj throws at him. "In any case, events that welcome the new solstice are usually very well attended. Chris will be there. I'll introduce you."
"I can't wait to meet him," I say.
"You'll like Chris. He's just like you two. No bullshit," Duke explains.
"I like him already," I grin.
"I've reserved a lounge room for all of us to hang out in before we part ways,” Nikolaj gives a wry smile. Holden and I can't help but chuckle. "I already have my name against a suite for my wife and I. Since those are hot commodities, I went ahead and reserved a couple of private rooms for each of you. We’re all on the third floor with the best view in the house. How does that sound?" Nikolaj's blue eyes bounce from mine to my best friend’s.
My eyes shoot up at Holden's. He arches his eyebrows and I do the same. I might not be a psychic, but I've known this guy long enough to be able to easily read him. We can continue this charade or we can come clean. With a slight tilt of the head, I give Holden the green light.
"About that sweet little virginal thing that was trapped between us in the photos—”
"I must admit Amelia Cavendish looks bloody good between the two of you," Nikolaj grins. You have no idea. "She's a drop-dead gorgeous girl, but that night she was absolutely stunning." Even more so in person. "Did you get a chance to talk to her or was that just an official photo?"
"Yes," Holden and I answer in unison.
"We did," I confirm.
"She’s an incredible woman," Holden adds.
"She comes across as very shy. A bit too prim and proper," Duke observes.
"I wouldn’t quite describe her that way," I interject.
"That's the impression she gives off. In any case, there are plenty of Amelia Cavendishes at Chris' club and the best part is, they’re very dirty. Again, hearsay. I'm steadfastly faithful. Ciara keeps me very, very happy."
"You can't judge a book by its cover," I retort. Amelia is plenty dirty and we're just scratching the surface.
"What do you mean, Royal?" Nikolaj frowns.
"I like the idea of the club, Duke, and I'd love to meet Chris, but I doubt I'll be on the prowl that evening." Holden adopts a different approach.
"Why not? Did you leave your balls in New York City?" Nikolaj chuckles.
Holden drops his head down then lifts it right back up to his screen. "No, they’re still dangling long and heavy between my legs," he smiles. And they were banging against our little princess’ chin as she sucked him off. She thoroughly enjoyed it.
We all laugh.
"Holden Reid Barclay refusing pussy? What has the world come to?" Nikolaj mocks.
"I never said I wasn’t up for a little—or a lot—of fun. You're putting words in my mouth, Duke. What I’m trying to say is that I most likely wouldn’t be chasing after pussy."
Nikolaj sits a little straight
er in his chair. "What’s going on?"
"I assume I can bring someone?" Holden asks.
Nikolaj nods. "Of course.”
"Great." Holden exclaims.
“Is there someone?" Nikolaj asks carefully.
“Yes," Holden responds. One word. Unwavering. Man, I never thought I'd live to hear him say that.
"Really?" Nikolaj presses.
"Really," Holden confirms.
"What about you, Royal? Is your cock spoken for?"
Holden and I haven't spoken about this so this is a strange conversation and a particular way for us to share how we feel about Amelia. After only three days, you'd think we’d hesitate, but just like my best friend, I have very little desire to fuck another pussy. I'm not interested in another woman right now.
"Yup. It is."
"Jesus.” Nikolaj’s eyes widened like saucers. "Lads, you just landed in London. When did you have time to find these women? Clearly, they must be pretty extraordinary, considering the two of you are so committed to playing the field."
"Back to that sweet little virginal thing that was trapped between us on those photos..." Holden lets his words hang.
Nikolaj frowns in confusion. Once again, his eyes shift from mine to Holden’s.
"It so happened that we were able to figure out who that girl from the Warwick Club was," I offer.
"And who exactly is she?" Nikolaj’s eyes are locked onto mine. I hold his stare for a few seconds before moving my gaze away and locking eyes with my best friend. He nods.
"That sweet little virginal thing that was trapped between us on the photos," I borrow Duke’s words.
He shakes his head. "Amelia? Cavendish? The Prime Minister's daughter? She's the girl from the Warwick? The one you were bloody obsessing over?"
"Yes," I answer.
"Well, I’ll be dammed." Nikolaj crashes against his seat. Holden and I sit in silence, allowing him to take in the news. “I can’t believe it," he rakes his fingers through his hair. "Hmph.” He pauses. “I'm almost afraid to ask the question."
"Shoot. We've known each other for long enough," Holden encourages.
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