“I cheated, you know.”
“I do know.” I saw the carnies knock over a few bottles, and “accidentally” pop some balloons. “It’s the thought that counts.”
“One day, I’ll actually win something for you, for real.”
“I don’t need you to win. It’s enough that you try. I know that sounds all zen and shit, but I mean it. You put yourself out there for me, and that tells me a lot.”
“I need to go inside before I drag you somewhere to have my way with you.”
“Go on,” I tell him, giving him a small kiss.
I wander over to where the horses are waiting for their riders, and immediately spot Striker. He’s all black and was imported from Argentina. I move through the other horses until I’m standing in front of him. I pet him as he looks for treats. “I don’t have anything for you now, sweetie. After you do your work, I’ll give you some sugar.”
“Romancing a horse now, Darce?” Nate asks. Coming up behind me.
“Jealous? I mean, we all know Jade loves Cherub more than you. You worried about losing me to a horse, too.”
“She doesn’t love Cherub more. He’s like our child, she says.”
“Uh-huh. Keep telling yourself that, big guy.”
“I didn’t come over here to talk about horses.”
“If you came to talk about Brayden, you might as well keep your mouth closed.”
“Even if I want to tell you how good it is to see you happy?”
“Really?”
“I wanted to hate him, but the way he looks at you is how I think I look at Jade.”
“It is.”
“What’s going to happen when he becomes king? You going to leave us to become queen?”
“That’s not possible. The Parliament here would never allow him to marry a commoner.”
“Fuck, Darce. Are you going to be okay?”
“No. I’m going to need lots of Ben & Jerry’s, and non-stop RPG time. It won’t be enough, but I might be able to at least function.”
“I’ll be there. We all will.”
“I know.”
I hug him tight, thankful that for once, I have people I can depend on. I realize I would do anything to keep my friends, and that maybe my secrets will cause me to lose them. It’s only a matter of time before the mentors confront me. I’m surprised they haven’t yet. Reina would’ve told them, wouldn’t she?
Chapter 12
Brayden
I’m barely in the locker room door before Noah is on me. “I thought you were done with Darcy.”
“I can’t imagine ever being done with her.”
“So you’re giving up the kingdom?”
“No.”
“Then what the fuck are you doing with her?”
“I don’t know,” I say quietly.
“She doesn’t deserve to be your piece on the side.”
I slam him into the nearest locker. “Don’t ever talk about her like that. She would never be that to me.”
“They’re going to force you to marry. You know that.”
“I’ll hold them off as long as I can,” I tell him, running my hands through my hair.
“Why not cut her loose now, and save you both from heartache.”
“It’s too late to save us from heartache, and as selfish as it is, I’m going to take all of the time I can get with her.”
“This is going to end so badly. I’ll be here for you, though, because I believe you really do love her, and it’s going to destroy you when she’s gone.”
“I’m pretty sure you’re right.”
We don’t say anything else as we change into our uniforms. I actually have a decent chance of winning this game. Not by cheating, though. I’d never cheat at polo. If I can win, I think I’ll get my man card back, or at least have borrowing privileges for it.
When we walk outside, the first thing I see is Darcy in the middle of a hug with Nate Anderson. She said he’s her best friend, and I know he’s got his own girlfriend, but I can’t stop the jealousy that overtakes me. I hate seeing her with any other man.
“Simmer down, Bray. They’re just friends.”
“I know.”
“Yet you still look like you want to commit murder, and while I consider myself a good fighter, I don’t think I could win against him. I’ll still go for it if you want me to, but be prepared to visit me in the hospital.”
I smile at my best friend. “I’m good. You don’t have to fight for me.”
“Thank God.”
We walk over to them, and Darcy’s smile grows wide as she sees me. “I like this uniform thing.”
“More than my basketball shorts and t-shirts?”
“Yeah, no. But it’s better than your stuffy suits.”
“I thought you liked me in a suit,” I tell her, acting hurt.
“I like you in everything, but casual Brayden is my favorite.”
“I know. I’m just messing with you. You’ll have to suffer through me in my tux tonight, but after, I’ll go casual just for you.”
She leans up to whisper in my ear. “You’ll be going naked for me after the ball, but they don’t need to hear that.”
I laugh before kissing her hard. “Deal.”
“Enough of that. We have a match to win.”
“Good luck, Noah.”
“Thanks, Darcy.”
The match is hard fought. The other team isn’t giving us an inch, and in fact, I’m almost knocked off Striker more than once. We end the match with a win, but I’m covered in mud and more than a little bruised. I climb from my saddle, wincing a little, only to be surrounded by players and Parliament congratulating me on the win. I grin through the pain, like the royal I am, but it’s not easy. I actually think I may have broken a rib or two.
Striker’s reins are taken out of my hand, and I don’t realize at first that it’s Darcy who’s caring for my pony. She stroking his mane, and feeding him some sugar cubes while I deal with my duties. She stays there in the background until I’m finally able to turn to her. Then she steps into my arms, holding me close, but not too tight.
“Did you like the match, Cat?”
“It was crazy, and you scared the hell out of me when you almost fell off of Striker.”
“I’ll take that as a yes, then.”
“How badly are you hurt?”
“I think I may have broken a rib. Or two.”
“Damn it. It’s just a game, Bray.”
“I won, though. No cheating.”
“Yes, you did. But you could’ve been smarter about it.”
“If I’d have played it safe, we wouldn’t have won. And I wouldn’t expect you to be the one telling me I should be careful.”
“It’s this love thing. Somehow my adventurous side gets suppressed when I think about you being hurt.”
“I’ll be fine. I just need to wrap my ribs, and take some pain meds.”
“I’ll get Audrey. She’ll have something better than prescription meds for you to take.”
“It’s so weird to think of her as a chemist when she looks the way she does, and can work the press like a pro.”
“She is pretty awesome. Now, let’s get you inside.”
I keep my arm around her, and let her take some of my weight. I’m hoping it just looks like I want to hold her close, and I think we’ve succeeded. Until the head of Parliament, Derrick, intercepts us right before we get to the door. Darcy immediately tenses, and I inwardly cringe. He’s not a fan of mine, and the feeling’s mutual. Unfortunately he was elected right after my father died—in fact, I’d bet money on the fact that he was only elected because my father died and I wasn’t ready to rule yet—and I’ve always felt like he’d kill me if he could. He’d have to kill my Uncle Steven, too, in order to claim the throne, but I could see that happening, too.
“Brayden, are you okay? You seem to be leaning on your lovely fiancé.”
“He’s fine,” Darcy answers for me, practically snarling at him.
&
nbsp; “I was speaking to the prince. Mind your place, young lady.”
Oh hell no. “Her place is next to me. You need to remember that she’s my fiancé, and grant her the respect she deserves.”
“You need to remember that we will never grant you permission to marry her.”
“Goodbye, Derrick,” I tell him, not wanting to continue that conversation with him, or anyone else.
“I’m sorry, Bray. I shouldn’t have spoken up like that. I know better,” Darcy tells me once we’re inside.
“Never apologize for being yourself, or speaking up.”
I’m purposely not bringing up what else he said. We both already knew it was true, and we’ve also agreed to not dwell on it. So, I won’t give voice to it, even if it’s that proverbial elephant in the room.
“Let me help you get your shirt off before Aud gets here,” she says, also choosing to ignore it. Ignorance is bliss, right?
* * *
Darcy
Audrey took care of Brayden, while scolding him about getting hurt before the ball. He reminded her that the polo match was her idea, but she said she didn’t think it was going to be so bloody. Honestly, I didn’t either, and it’s making me a little suspicious. Especially after Derrick intercepted us on the way to the locker room. I’d wager that he had something to do with how rough the other team was being with Brayden and his guys.
I’m waiting in my room for Stella and Jenysis to arrive. It was Jen’s idea for Stella to help me, thinking I wouldn’t be capable of putting myself together on my own. I didn’t argue, because no one can make me look better than Stell, so why fight it?
“We’re here,” Stella says opening the door.
“Thank you for the help,” I tell her, making myself be formal when Stella and I are both anything but.
“Of course. Now, let’s see your dress and get started,” she tells me with a wink.
My dress is amazing, which is no surprise since she picked it. The bottom layer is a nude colored mini dress. Over it is cheer chiffon and organza with shiny horizontal brown and cream stripes covering most of it except for the very top. There are pockets, which I love, and it’s as funky as it’s formal. Stella had special heeled sandals made for me in the same brown as the stripes. They’re sparkly, but don’t try and compete with the dress, because they can’t.
“Wow. That dress is brilliant. I’m impressed.”
Stella keeps quiet, and lets me take the credit. “It is pretty great.”
Once I’m dressed, she places a salon drape over me, and starts on my hair and make-up. She also uses the time to grill Jen. “So what’s going on between you and Wayne?”
“Nothing. Did he say something was? Because if he did, it’s rubbish.”
“You’re protesting a little too hard.”
“He’s a cocky bastard.”
“That’s just his hard outer shell. Inside, he’s a totally sweet guy with a big heart.”
“Bollocks.”
“Truth.”
“He’s not my type. I mean, have you seen him with that big hair and perfectly trimmed scruff? He probably takes longer than me to get ready.”
“No doubt, but there’s nothing wrong with looking good.”
“There is when you know it. And flaunt it. That swagger—ugh.”
“Again with the protests. You should give him a chance.”
“No thanks.”
“Your loss,” Stella says with a shrug. “I think we’re done, Darcy.”
She turns me around, and I look in the mirror. My shoulder length hair is pulled back into a twist, with my bangs swept to one side, while my make-up is subtle and flawless. I had no doubts that I’d look good, but I didn’t expect to look so regal. I could almost pass for a princess. Almost.
“Thanks, Stella. I can’t believe I look this good.”
“My cousin might faint when he sees you.”
“I doubt that, Jen. He’s dated supermodels for years.”
“He didn’t date them. He shagged them. You’re the only one he’s ‘dated’ in years. And trust me, seeing you like this is going to fell him.”
“We’ll see.”
Walking down a hallway next to Stella and Jenysis is not for the weak. I may look great, but I’m no bombshell or regal beauty. Brayden’s face when he sees me is enough to banish those thoughts of insecurity from my mind for the rest of my life. His jaw literally drops as he looks me over from head to toe.
“You look…I mean…Darcy…wow.”
“That tux is working for you, too.” It really is. He looks like the future king.
“Are you ready, Brayden?” his mother asks, giving me a look of approval as she comes into view.
“Yes, mother. I’ll see you inside, Cat.”
I nod, and watch as they walk to the doors where they’ll be announced and walk in. Steven, Jen, and I will walk in a minute later. Protocol is everything tonight. I know that, and I’ll be doing my best to adhere to everything I’ve been taught. The afternoon was for fun, but the night is for show.
The three of us enter and join Brayden and his mother in the receiving line. Although I’m Brayden’s fiancé, I’m also lowest on the proverbial totem pole, so I’m at the end of the line. I don’t expect anyone to care about me, but I’m happily surprised by all of the people who offer their congratulations and wish me well.
The mentors and their families come through separately, because although it seems like everyone knows about the Society, in reality it’s only a very small percentage of the world’s population. It’s known that they’re friends, but not many people know just how deep that friendship runs. Or how powerful they are. I’m always glad to have them on my side, but I’m feeling even more grateful to have them in this room with me now, watching out for me when I need them most.
Once everyone has had their moment with the royal family, we take our seats for dinner. At least, for this, I’m allowed to sit next to Brayden. “How are you holding up?” he asks me.
“That wasn’t so bad,” I tell him a little relieved.
“Good. I’ll be with you for most of the rest of the night.”
“Most?”
“I have to dance with my mother, Jen, and at least a few of the guests.”
“Oh. I must’ve missed that.”
“You know you don’t have to worry, right? I mean none of them could beat me at Call of Duty.”
“Are you kidding? All of them could probably beat you.”
“Ouch.”
“I’ll kiss your bruised ego better later.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
I get to have the first dance with Brayden, but then he really is pulled away to dance with pretty much every other woman in attendance. I dance with quite a few of the men, and do a pretty good job, even though ballroom dancing wasn’t my best subject during Foundation training. I’m taking a break and heading for the bathroom when I hear raised angry voices. I recognize Jen’s right away, which makes me life my skirt and hurry down the hall.
“I don’t want to dance with you,” she says as I enter the small sitting room. I recognize the man with her, and my blood boils.
“If a woman says no, you should really listen.”
“Darcy,” he says with a sneer.
“Angelo. I’d say it’s a pleasure to see you, but we both know that would be a lie.”
“Stay out of my business for once.”
“No.”
“You two know each other?” Jen asks me.
“Unfortunately. Go back to the party. I’ll handle him.”
“You can’t ‘handle’ me. Haven’t you learned that by now?”
“Darcy?” Jen asks, looking unsure about leaving.
“It’s fine. Go.”
Once she’s gone, I face off with the man who I’ve been outsmarting for the past ten years. “What are you doing here?”
“Wondering what the thief is doing here, back at the scene of her biggest crime.”
; “I’m marrying Brayden.”
“That’s never going to happen, so try again.”
“Still trying to figure out my next move, huh? How’s that worked out for you in the past?”
“You bitch,” he says, moving towards me.
“Not yet, Angelo. We still need her.”
I turn to glare at Derrick. “You might as well kill me now. I’ll never give you the jewels.”
“Oh yes, you will,” he says. “I may have to make a trip to Tucson, Arizona otherwise.”
No. Oh God, no. I force myself to remain calm. “Tucson?”
“You’ve hidden your mother well, but it was only a matter of time before she slipped up.”
“I’ll kill you before I let you hurt another one of my family members.”
“It’s so cute how you think you have any power here. I think it’s time to tell your bosses just who they hired all those years ago. You think they’ll protect you, but I’m pretty sure you’re wrong. Why don’t we just find out who is right after all?”
He steps out of the room, and I hurry after him. Angelo stays in the room because no one’s supposed to know that he and Derrick are working together. They’d both have a lot of explaining to do if that happened. I follow Derrick into one of the larger sitting rooms to find all of the mentors, as well as the rest of my friends, already inside, along with the Queen, Steven, Brayden, Noah, and Jen.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, but it took a little time to find Darcy. She was…entertaining a very handsome man.”
“She wasn’t ‘entertaining’ him, she was saving me from him when he wouldn’t take no for an answer,” Jen says.
“Maybe that’s what she told you, but she’s actually been working with Angelo for years.”
“That’s a lie, and you know it.”
“You worked with him to steal the family’s jewels all those years ago. I wonder what you’re planning now.”
He knows damn well that I stole the jewels right out from under Angelo—and him. I can’t say that without giving away everything else, so I’m forced to keep quiet. At least about the dynamics of what went down. “I have never worked with Angelo, and I never would.”
Inheriting a SECRET (Corrigan & Co. Book 7) Page 10