Royally Yours

by Amy Brent

  “Fuck that. She keeps trying but I have plenty of time. She invited another family over for dinner last night with royal daughters. We made them feel welcome and showed them to the door,” I told them as they shook their heads. All my friends were rich and used to the way that I lived. They kept me balanced when things got to be too much.

  “Fuck, Braden. You’re too much.” Ned told me as I shrugged.

  “I’m not one to turn a woman away when she follows me to my bedroom.” I told him as he leaned back, sipping his drink. “Are you sure you want to get hitched, Ned? The bachelor life is so great.”

  “Hillary is amazing. I wouldn’t trade my life with her for the world.” He smiled confidently and made me realize how empty my life was. Sex was not companionship, making me push the thoughts down. We finished and walked back to our cars as I ducked inside. I didn’t want to face the press, but it seemed like I was safe as I headed down the main road as I thought about home and what was going on, turning down a road at the last minute. It led to a spot on the water that I could get some time to myself for a while. It was private and peaceful, and I parked under the trees and walked over to the small beach.

  Living in Venice was supposed to be romantic. I’d never had a relationship. It was hard when I didn’t know if they wanted me for the power and money, or just for me. That was why I resorted to casual sex early on without the chance of confusion. Mom never had the chance to choose her husband, but I had that choice. As much as she disliked my freedom, it was a modern time.

  I stood and looked over the water as the water lapped at the shore. I thought about the beach house that we had for the summer and how private that was. I thought about a lot of things that were great in my life, weighing them with the cons. Dad was in the forefront of my mind and I wondered how long we had with him. His lungs weren’t good.

  I drove back home once I’d had some time to think. I headed in and glanced around as I walked to Dad’s room. There was the noise of staff working around the rooms and I ignored it as I approached his door. I opened it slowly, stepping inside to see that he was sleeping. Dad was once a big man at six feet two. Callin and I both took after him, height, and muscular build. Now, he was shrunken in the bed with his IV connected to his arm, merely keeping him stable. I sat down and stared at him for a moment, not wanting to wake him. The room was so quiet. Mom was still in their bedroom down the hall sleeping alone but he was stuck in here like it was a private hospital room.

  I wasn’t fucking ready for him to go. I didn’t want to take over.

  He stirred in his sleep and I leaned forward.

  “Hey, Dad. I wanted to come in and say hello.” His eyelids fluttered, and I reached for his hand. “How are you doing?”

  He mumbled something, and I knew that he was too drugged up for a proper conversation. It was bleak to sit here like this with him, but it was all I had. I stayed with him for a while before leaving, feeling the weight of the situation on my shoulders. I assumed that Mom was still gone and wondered if Callin was around. I was just heading upstairs when I noticed him coming down from the third floor.

  “What are you doing?” I asked as I looked suspiciously at him.

  “I offered to bring Freya a snack that Helen made her. She’s working hard up there, you know.” His grin was wicked, and I leaned against the wall.

  “I’d imagine so. It was a mess up there when Brandy was working.” I sized him up slowly.

  “Reliving old memories, Callin?” I asked as he chuckled.

  “Not at all. Just being helpful. She’s a sweet girl, if not a little shy.” He told me as I thought back to our confrontation.

  “I saw her earlier. She looked like a deer in headlights.” I looked towards the stairs. “What’s her story?”

  “She didn’t say too much. I think that she was so shocked that I was there to begin with that it rendered her silent. Does she get embarrassed around you?” He asked as I laughed.

  “I did notice that. I wonder why?” I mused as I closed my eyes. “Is Mom still gone?”

  “Do you think that I’d be up there if she was?” He replied as I headed into the man cave. I needed beer. “Mom would kick my ass though Freya might be worth it. She’s gorgeous.”

  “I agree,” I said as I got us beer and sat on the couch. I knew that my attraction to her was strong and wondered if that was the case for Callin.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Freya

  Running into both brothers on my first day was crazy. I’d seen one of them naked and they both looked at me with that hungry gaze. Callin even brought me a yogurt and apple for a snack from Helen. I had no clue who was tapping on the door until he came in to greet me.

  They were both charismatic and had a way of getting under your skin. Braden was flirtatious and complimentary in the hallway earlier and that crooked smile killed me. It was a short confrontation before I ran down the stairs for a sandwich for lunch.

  Callin was longer. He gave me the food and wandered around, looking at the little work I’d done. He was curious and friendly, but I kept my answers brief. I was worried about the queen catching us and just plain nervous to begin with. I knew that I was warned away from the brothers and I had to assume that they were told the same thing. They had women in their lives and I could not be worth the risk if there was one.

  Still, when I thought of what I’d seen in his room, my entire body flushed. I imagined him doing that to me, making the blood rush to my head as his voice faded. After that, I’d been curt towards him and Callin seemed to take the hint. He left the room, and I got back to work.

  The day ended, and I looked at the dresses that I’d repaired for the queen. They were beautiful, and I glanced down at the material of the new dress that I was making for an upcoming dinner.

  My hands were killing me, but I was doing what I loved. I worked alone and just got the throw my creativity all over the place in here. On top of that, I was getting paid well and I could help my little family. I walked out and closed the door, feeling exhaustion hit me. I also had an incredible thirst and stared at the stairs, wondering if I had the energy for some cold water. It seemed so far, but I trudged down the steps slowly and carefully, anyway. I heard voices in the kitchen and walked in to see everyone cleaning up after dinner. It looked to be a smaller one and Helen shot me a curious gaze.

  “How was your first day?” She asked as a few other girls looked my way.

  “Long. I just came to get some water before I collapsed into bed.” I smiled wanly as she walked over to the fridge. She handed me two bottles, and I thanked her as I rolled my head around. Sitting for that long hurt every part of my body. “Thank you.”

  I walked back upstairs slowly, not even caring that my stomach was growling lightly. I passed the second floor and started up as someone called my name. I turned to see Braden walking towards me, his eyes taking me in closely.

  “You look tired,” he told me as I nodded. He touched my shoulder and turned me as my eyes widened.

  “I am. What are you doing?” I asked as he pressed me against the wall. His fingers worked my neck muscles as I let out a soft moan. It felt amazing, but I knew that it was wrong.

  “I assumed that you were sore. Long day of sitting and looking down.” His warmth heated my skin as I felt the explosive reaction I had to these men.

  “Yeah,” I said softly, closing my eyes, and giving in to the pleasure. “That feels good.”

  “Come inside. I can do it better if you’re sitting or lying down,” he offered as I gasped.

  “Where?” I asked as he chuckled, the vibration running through my body.

  “I have a comfortable bed and there’s also a couch in another room. Take your pick,” Braden replied as heat pumped through my thighs. The idea of sitting as his hands massaged everything that hurt sounded tempting and I tried to fight the idea of telling him yes.

  “Your mom,” I whispered as he pressed a bit deeper.

  “She’s with Dad and won’t come up he
re,” he promised me as I let out a soft moan. I felt him slip his hand down to take mine, leading me somewhere as I ached everywhere. I opened my eyes and looked around a large room with a TV and a large sofa, blinking slowly. He led me to the couch and sat me down, taking the bottles from me and opening one. Braden handed it back to me and I sipped gratefully as he sat behind me. “Turn your back towards me and get comfortable.” I did, and his large hands covered my shoulders as he began to massage me again.

  Every now and then, his hand would slide into my hair and stroke my scalp. I loved it and bit my lip to keep from moaning. I’d always heard the massages could be sensual. I’d only had one or two by friends practicing and they were nothing like this. His hand pressed down on all the right places, rubbing circles into my skin. I jumped when he moved closer to me, breathing against my ear.

  “You’re tight. You need to relax,” Braden murmured as I felt my nipples pebble under my bra.

  “I don’t think I’ll be doing a lot of that,” I replied softly as he brushed his nose against my skin. “Braden…”

  “Everyone has to relax sometimes, Freya. I know you’re working hard here but take care of yourself.” He slipped a hand over my lower back and I leaned forward.

  “Why are you doing this?” I asked as my eyes closed slowly. I could fall asleep right here and now and I told myself not to.

  “You’re sore. You’re helping us out,” he replied, his deep voice soothing and warm. I felt his lips brush against my neck and gasped as he moved over my skin. My nipples hardened, and I dropped my head to the side. “You’re beautiful.”

  “I’m staff.” I reminded him as he sucked my skin softly into his mouth.

  “You’re still gorgeous. I can’t stay away from you.” I blinked and bit my lip. I turned my head to protest, and he claimed my lips in a soft kiss. I was stunned for a moment and stilled before logic took over. I pulled away, spilling the open water on the floor.

  “I can’t do this.” I told him, standing abruptly. I needed this money for my mom. I stumbled towards the door and out into the hallway, crashing into a wall. I stared up at Callin and he held me still.

  “Are you okay?” He asked as I backed away and hurried up the stairs. I went to my room and rushed inside, closing, and locking the door. I stripped the dress off and stepped into the shower, hoping that the hot water would ease my pain. I played back the time upstairs and cursed myself for being so weak.

  I dressed in something to sleep in and curled up in bed. My skin was hot, and I felt so aroused as I closed my eyes and curled up. I wanted to talk to Mama. She helped me through everything, but I couldn’t admit to this. I sighed and gave in to the exhaustion taking me over.

  In the morning, I woke up slowly to the alarm. I felt like I could sleep forever and blinked in the dark room. I was still sore and rose out of bed, stretching. I walked across the room, playing back my dream in which things didn’t stop with Braden. If sex was like that in real life, I’d give it up right now.

  I dressed in a fresh uniform and got ready for the day. I made sure that my appearance was neat before leaving my room and sneaking downstairs for the coffee that I prayed Helen was brewing. I needed it today. I popped into the kitchen to see the staff preparing for breakfast and smiled at Helen.

  “Coffee?” I asked as she nodded in the direction of the industrial pot. I grabbed a mug and poured some, adding a bit of milk. Helen slipped me a muffin before I ended up running upstairs to start work. I glanced at the dresses that needed fixing before walking over to my design on the table. I hadn’t designed anything since we had the boutique. That made me think of my mom and the reason I can’t do what I did last night. Never again. She needed me too much.

  I grabbed the drawing and sketched some more details of the dress, smiling when I’d finished. I wanted to show it to her to see what she thought before continuing. I still had some clothes to sew, and I turned to those as I listened to some music on my phone.

  I thought about the brothers as I worked. They were addicting, and I marveled at the way that they made me feel inside. I touched my lips for a moment, still able to feel Braden’s mouth on mine. I nibbled at my muffin as I worked, making the perfect pattern in the hole that I was sewing in a pair of silk pants.

  Rich people had amazing clothes. I’d enjoyed wearing the clothes that I made at the boutique if we could spare them from the floor but more often than not everything sold. I dressed simply at home and things got threadbare quickly after Dad’s accident. I worried more about what we were going to eat until Mama’s friend took her in, so I could move here. I barely had any clothes of my own. I’d gone to some thrift stores for the interview outfit and back for a couple more. I’d have to make another trip when I could take the time to catch a cab.

  I blinked and realized that a different song was playing. I glanced around the empty room and reached for the phone to send my mom a simple text telling her that I missed her. I’d just set it down when I heard the door open. I turned with a smile, seeing the beautiful queen.

  “Freya. I wanted to check on your progress.” She seemed rushed, and I showed her what dresses were ready to wear. I led her to the table with the sketch and watched as she looked it over.

  “I thought it would be great for the garden party,” I suggested as she looked at me with her light blue eyes. My phone buzzed from across the room and her eyes moved to look at it. She frowned, and I cleared my throat, looking back at the sketch. “I was thinking a pretty purple color, possible floral.”

  “It would make a lovely dress. Go ahead with the design, Freya.” She smiled at me, searching my face. “You’re a talented.”

  “Thanks.” I blushed as I thought about her sons and the strange relationship that was beginning with them. I knew that she wouldn’t approve, and I reached for the water I was drinking. I was relieved when she stood to leave and let out a long sigh. I glanced down at my phone and saw that Mom replied and we had a short conversation. I knew that it was time for lunch and stretched, deciding to walk down to the kitchen and get a sandwich. It was my usual lunch and since I was used to being busy and skipping meals, I was happy with it. After that, we were struggling with money and not eating.

  I left the sewing room and pulled the door closed. I walked down the stairs and glanced around on the second floor, relieved to see that it seemed quiet. I kept going to the first floor and walked into the kitchen to the smells of soup and fresh bread, sneaking through the chaos to open the fridge and pull out my sandwich. Helen made it for me every day, alternating the meats even though I wasn’t picky. I smiled at her as she ladled soup into large bowls and sent girls out to the dining room with trays. I usually stepped outside to eat, needing the fresh air and sunshine. I found a great place to sit under a tree where I could be alone and clear my mind.

  I rounded the path and paused when I saw a man waiting for me. Frowning, I approached him and Callin turned to smile at me.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked quietly, sitting a couple of feet away from him.

  “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied, and I took a long sip of my water. What could he possibly have to say?

  CHAPTER SIX

  Callin

  I was angry when Freya walked out of our man cave looking distraught. I caught her, so she wouldn’t fall, but she ran to the stairs and out of sight. I watched her and strode through the door to see my brother sitting still on the couch, staring at the wall.

  “What the fuck did you do to her?” I demanded, walking to the couch, and standing before him. Braden jumped and gazed up at me with tormented eyes, dropping back to the cushions. “Did you hurt her?”

  “No. Of course not. I don’t know how it happened so fast, but I kissed her. It was so hot, but she pulled away and ran out.” He blinked as I watched him. “I want her, Callin. I want her more than I’ve wanted anyone in my life.”

  “When did that happen? We just met her.” I dropped beside him and Braden frowned thoughtfully.


  “I don’t even know. She’s hot. You know that. But when I touched her today, massaged her to try to seduce her… it was electric. Maybe it will be over in a fuck or two like the others. I just know that I need to do that no matter what we were told.” He stared at me and consequences raced through my mind. Mom would be pissed. She would fire Freya and I wasn’t sure that that situation even was yet. There was also the fact that I wanted Freya as well. I stared at Braden and he dropped his shoulders at the expression on my face. “You want her, don’t you?”

  “She’s different from the others. I want to know she’s made of.” I admitted honestly as Braden nodded. We’d been fighting over girls since school started but I didn’t know what this fight involved.

  “Fair enough,” he replied, and we both sat in silence for a few minutes. “It’s not like she’s running back in here begging for either of us. I might have overwhelmed her.”

  “We’ll see what happens. I’m throwing my hat into the ring, just so you know.” We shared a look. This had ended in both of us with the same girl a time or two, either together or in separate incidents.

  “I never thought you would,” Braden assured me, and I grabbed a beer before heading to my room to plan. I had everything in there that we shared in the man cave and I needed privacy. I need to plan. My brother wanted Freya, and he’d already planted the seed. She ran, meaning that she didn’t return the feeling, or that she was scared. I wished that I’d asked him his approach, so I could try something different. I knew him well though, and he had a softer approach than I did, at least in the beginning. I set the alarm, so I’d get up for my jog and workout in the morning, feeling ready to stake my claim on the seamstress.

  I went with my usual routine in the morning, running alongside Braden. Whatever beef we had was over now and we just calmly jogged through the woods quietly. We weren’t chatty in the morning to begin with and I suspected that neither of us slept well. Freya had a way of getting under your skin.