Claiming My Duchess

by Jessica Blake

  She was pretty observant, and I noticed she was eyeing one of our plainclothes security members, having picked him out on her own. I really had to talk to our guys about wearing sunglasses indoors. It really didn’t do them any favors when it came to blending in.

  “It’s definitely a task.”

  The silence stretched, wrapping itself around us as we just gazed at each other while time seemed to stand still. If we were back in California, I could have taken her hand, maybe even put my arm around her shoulders.

  Here, I dared not even touch her. Even now, I knew I was giving her too much attention, which would turn the media’s myopic gaze on her too.

  She cleared her throat and bent to pick up the bags she had set on the floor while entertaining Penelope. “It was good to see you. I won’t keep you any longer.”

  Keep me longer. Please.

  It wasn’t so much the thought but the longing that came with it that made me straighten and nod. “I hope you have a pleasant day, Miss Costas.”

  She smiled. “You too.”

  With all the willpower inside me, I turned away and was quickly encircled by my guards, which pissed me off.

  I’d been so close to her, but the guards, the public, the media, and the responsibilities of my country were a gulf I’d never be able to cross.

  ***

  “I like her.”

  Penelope’s words broke through my fog as we rode in the State limo back to Riniasa Castle following the girl’s shopping expedition.

  I stiffened. “Who?”

  “Iliana. It’s a pretty name. She’s pretty too. And nice. She’d make a pretty duchess, don’t you think?”

  Damn, the girl was perceptive. “It’s not like that,” I said, knowing full well that with all the thoughts I’d centered on Iliana lately, it was probably more like that than not. “We barely know each other. In fact, today was only the third time we’ve ever met.”

  “So?” Penelope rolled her eyes, throwing her hands in the air, palms up.

  I needed to speak to Mrs. Kent about how much time the little princess was spending online. She seemed to be picking up a few teenage habits about ten years too soon. Maybe I would just get Nate to filter the Crown Princess’s web browsers more tightly.

  “I think you should like her, Sebastianos,” she said, sliding her hand in mine. “And then you’d never be alone.”

  I laughed but it was more of a bark of sound. “I’m not alone, Pen. I have you.”

  She rolled her eyes again. “Someday, I’m going to be very busy and important and won’t be able to play with you, you know.”

  I laughed, more normally this time. “Is that so?”

  She nodded, an imperious look on her face as she tried to look down her nose at me. “I’m going to be so busy that you’ll drown in sadness that you don’t have someone to love.” She waved her finger in the air, almost like she was waving a pretend magic wand. “So, I’m commanding you to love someone now.”

  I just shook my head, but the little princess’s words were like a punch. “I’m afraid it’s not done like that, Pen.”

  “You’re just being stubborn.”

  Thankfully, we turned into the palace gates and the conversation ended as she carried her pink and purple bow to her room after giving me a quick hug. Moving quickly down the hall, I strode to my office, intent on doing some work to distract me from my little cousin’s conversation.

  “What the hell, Seb?”

  The moment I stepped into my office, Nate was on his feet. But it wasn’t in respect to my station. He was frowning, almost glaring.

  I had no idea what he was worried about. “What?”

  He sat back down at my desk and turned the computer monitor around so I could see for myself. There in full color were dozens of pictures of me and Iliana. Sure, the princess was there too, and so was Jenn, but most of the photos seemed to focus on the way Iliana and I were looking at each other.

  Damn.

  I looked freaking smitten. Hell, so did she.

  “Shit.”

  Nate nodded. “Shit is right. You should limit your contact with her.”

  That startled me enough that I stopped gazing at the screen, realizing I probably looked as sappy now as I’d been looking then. “Why?”

  He scowled at my question. “Seriously? You had one hookup with her, and you don’t think it’s strange that both she and her friend are in the palace within a month? Something doesn’t add up, Seb.”

  I snorted. “You think she canvassed the Green Dragon wearing a llama shirt because she was so certain I would appear there? Does she look like some mastermind spy to you?”

  Nate narrowed his eyes, but I could see he was seriously trying to determine if that was possible. “You have to admit that her appearance is strange. And she just so happened to be out shopping the same time you were today?”

  “She’s female.” Damn. Was she ever. “Females shop. I’m pretty sure it’s a genetic thing.”

  Nate drummed his fingers on the desk. “I don’t like it. Something feels off.”

  “Okay, Mr. Go-Get-The-Brunette. If you remember, she did tell me she was leaving the country for the semester, and when I looked into it, she’d applied and been accepted months ago. It really has nothing to do with me. Jennifer’s tickets had even been purchased before we met. No conspiracy here, I promise. No honeypot pulling a fast one on us, trying to infiltrate the castle.”

  Nate was being ridiculous, but that was also who he was. Overthinker. Overanalyzer. Military intelligence. He left no conspiracy theory untouched.

  “Still,” he said stubbornly. “It’s not a good idea to be seen around town with an intern. An American one at that.”

  I stepped over to the wet bar in my office and poured a scotch. “Well, don’t you sound like a royal elitist.”

  He didn’t try to deny it.

  I took a long drink before pouring a second. “For what it’s worth, Nate, her father is the grandson of a Cassian baron. She’s not exactly a foreign commoner, snob.”

  “Mark my words.” He leaned back in my chair, linking his hands behind his head. “This is going to get really complicated. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  “When did you become such a drama queen?”

  I searched my friend’s face. He did look genuinely concerned, and he was a smart man. I’d be wise to heed his counsel. He exhaled a long breath and pushed to his feet. “Just be careful. And don’t worry, I’ll take the pictures down.” As he walked past me, he clapped me on the shoulder. “Not just for your benefit, but for hers too.”

  “You’re just mad that you didn’t hook up with Jennifer that night,” I shouted after him. He flipped me the bird as he walked through the door.

  Taking his place in my chair, I turned the monitor back to where I could see the screen again.

  And there she was.

  Smiling.

  Blushing.

  Dimpling.

  Squatting to Penelope’s level, stroking her hair.

  Then she was standing again, her head craned back to look up at me. Even through the screen, I felt the connection between us.

  And so would all the other people seeing these pictures, but even as I watched, the more suggestive ones slowly, one by one, began to disappear.

  Clicking my favorite, I downloaded it quickly. And just in time because it disappeared only seconds later. Probably not soon enough. There would be those who’d done the same as me, downloading the picture or taking screenshots that could be used for whatever purposes the person chose. Things could never be completely erased.

  Soon, the bloodhounds would be searching for the strange American. They’d stalk her, stake out her residence. Terrorize her with questions.

  How long would that smile stay on her face after that?

  Clicking out of the browser, I went to my email to catch up on correspondence but found myself staring at the same damn message for many minutes.

  Was she okay?

  Was
she being hounded already?

  Without giving myself time to think about it too much, I picked up my phone and sent off a quick text message. Staying out of trouble?

  Her response came back quickly. Soaking in the tub. Define trouble.

  She made me laugh. She made my cock pulse. She made me want things I had no business wanting.

  Nate was right. I needed to be careful.

  Careful hell.

  Need a lifeguard? I typed and pressed send before I could make myself delete the message.

  My phone buzzed in my hand. Will you ride in on a white steed and save me?

  I smiled. How about a white llama?

  I got a llama emoji in return along with, My hero.

  My phone rang, making me actually jump, which pissed me off. The girl had the ability to capture all of my attention.

  It was Nate. “Dinner?”

  The invitation meant that things between us were cool, and I doubted he’d bring the subject of Iliana up again now that he’d said his say.

  “Hell, yeah. I’m starving.”

  He chortled. “Guess shopping really does take a lot out of a man.”

  “Fuck off.”

  He was still laughing. “See you in five.”

  I hung up, and the screen with the llama emoji reappeared.

  I typed: Goodnight.

  The reply was instant. Goodnight.

  My thumbs hovered over the screen, and I wanted to say more. But I didn’t know what that more could be. Tapping my mouse, intending on shutting down my computer as well, I hesitated and pulled up the pictures again.

  She was so beautiful.

  Not more physically beautiful than women I’d fucked before, but beautiful in a way I had trouble describing.

  My door flew open. “You ready?”

  I looked at my friend and nodded before turning back to the screen. I stared at her face a moment more before clicking the little x, and she disappeared.

  If I was smart, that was exactly where I’d keep her.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Iliana

  Surf. And. Turf.

  I hadn’t had surf and turf in ages, so I was savoring every bite of the lobster, shrimp, and a nice cut of steak while Jenn laughed at all the inappropriate noises I was making.

  I was laying it on a little thickly, but in truth, I was starving and honestly didn’t care as long as I could feed my face. My appetite had been iffy for days now, and I wanted to take advantage of feeling good.

  “Soooooo completely delicious,” I moaned as I chewed a bite of lobster tail dripping in butter. The couple next to us glanced my way, and it was all Jenn could do to keep it together.

  “You’re so naughty.”

  I winked at her and tucked back into my food.

  “You’ve got it pretty bad for him,” she said, and the next bite of shrimp stopped a mere inch from my lips.

  I knew who she was talking about, but I wasn’t about to admit it. “Who?”

  “Stop, Squeaks.” She threw a bread roll at me, and it bounced off my chin and onto my plate, earning us another round of disapproving looks. And did someone take a picture?

  I straightened at the thought, imagined how mortified Auntie Hermione would be if she could see me now. And probably Seb too.

  Refusing to let my thoughts go there, I continued to ignore Jenn while more slowly and elegantly popping the shrimp into my mouth.

  Jenn pointed a fork at me. “You’re not fooling anyone, you know?”

  I continued to chew, slowly and methodically. The same way I’d seen my great aunt consume her food.

  Jenn continued to wave her fork. “It’s happening already. One mention of the duke and you go from the Iliana who makes orgasm noises while she eats to meek and mild Iliana who holds her pinky out just right.”

  I was sipping from my seltzer water and curled my pinky back into its original position.

  “See. If it weren’t so annoying, it’d be hilarious.”

  I set down my glass and sighed. “You’re just being a bitch now.” I reached for the wine I’d also ordered and took a sip. It almost immediately turned my stomach so I pushed it away.

  Jenn’s face turned compassionate. “I don’t mean to be a bitch. I’m just worried about you.”

  I stared at the lobster tail, wondering if another bite would magically appear if I looked at it hard enough. “I’m fine. There’s no need to worry.”

  She reached across the table and took my hand. “Don’t fall for him, Il.”

  I didn’t even try to play dumb this time. “I’m not. I won’t. I’m not that stupid.”

  She gave me a disbelieving look. “D.U.S.T.I.N. Remember him?”

  I scowled and pulled my hand away. “Vaguely. What about him?”

  “Remember when I told you that he was a player and not to fall for him? What did you do?”

  I sighed and shoved my plate away, not hungry anymore. “Fell for him,” I muttered.

  The compassionate expression returned. “Actually, I don’t think you really fell for him, Il. I think you fell for the concept of him.”

  I wiped my fingers on the cloth napkin. “Why do you say that?”

  “Because you were more pissed than hurt when he cheated on you.”

  I met her dark eyes. This conversation was getting heavy. Too heavy. Especially since she was right. “I’d actually hoped he’d be the one.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Exactly. You hoped he’d be the one, but a part of you knew he wasn’t. I think he was just a comfort zone boyfriend for you.”

  “That makes me sound pathetic.”

  “No…” She reached across and took my hand again. Did another camera flash? I looked around then back at her. “It doesn’t make you pathetic. It makes you human. You were finally settled in one city for more than a couple years. It made sense that you’d seek a way to make it even more permanent.”

  I looked to my left and out the window to the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. “Look at me now,” I murmured. “Maybe I wasn’t meant to be in one spot for very long.”

  She followed my gaze. “Who knows, Il. Maybe you just haven’t found that one spot yet.”

  I immediately thought of Sebastianos, then immediately tried to push his image away.

  “Don’t fall for him.”

  Crap. The girl could read my mind.

  I reached for my water, taking a long sip before meeting her eyes. “I won’t. We’re from two different worlds, and besides, there’s no way I could live in the glass fishbowl the royal family does.”

  Jenn downed the last of her wine, and when she eyed my glass, I pushed it toward her. She grabbed it up. “It was crazy how many people swarmed on him at the mall. Cameras everywhere.”

  “It’s because he’s a duke,” I stressed. “Actually, he’s a freaking prince but he prefers the other role. He’s second in line to the throne. I mean, what happens if the king died tomorrow? Would a six-year-old take his place or would Sebastianos suddenly be thrust into being a king, or an interim king until Penelope gets older?”

  Jenn stared at me wide-eyed. “I have no idea.”

  I threw up my hands. “Me either. And guess what? I can’t be concerned about that because I have a job to do. I work in the palace. I can’t make it weird there because I really need that internship. Not just the money, but the resume building and the contacts. If I get it twisted about what’s really going on with him and me, I could really screw up something I’ve worked really hard for.”

  “Yeah, that’s true.” She looked around before leaning closer to me. “But aren’t you curious? Curious if things would be as great between the two of you a second time as it was the first?”

  Just the mention of my time with Seb made something twist low in my belly. “Yes, but that was supposed to have been one night. It was only some strange freak of nature that we ever saw each other again.”

  Jenn’s face softened. “Freak of nature or destiny?”

  I stared at her. “Hey
. What happened to all the ‘don’t fall for him’ stuff you were spouting just a minute ago?”

  She shrugged then dropped her face in her hands. “I don’t know. It’s kind of hard not to want to romanticize the whole thing. I mean, you could be a duchess or a princess or a queen.”

  I snorted so loud the surrounding tables looked over at me. I gave them all a sorry face. “You’re talking nonsense. We had one night together. Don’t go making it into…”

  A waiter walked past, a plate of steaming scallops in his hand. The smell hit me like a slap, and I gagged and pressed my hand to my mouth.

  Jenn’s eyes widened. “What’s wrong?”

  I swallowed hard, gulping over and over trying to chase away the sudden burst of nausea that hit me. Oh dear god. I was suddenly very certain I was about to throw up in this very nice restaurant.

  Jenn thrust my water at me. “Here, drink this.”

  Instead of drinking, I spooned out the lemon and held it under my nose, a trick I learned from my mother.

  Jenn pushed her plate away. “Food poisoning? Have we been poisoned?”

  I waved my hand at her, trying to make her hush as patrons began looking at us again.

  The world narrowed to the tip of a pin as I put every ounce of concentration into not throwing up. I was inhaling the lemony scent deeply through my nose while pressing my hand to my stomach.

  Nope. Not working.

  I stood straight up and gave Jenn a be right back finger.

  Then I ran. I hardly made it into the ladies’ room and into the bathroom stall when I upended everything I’d just eaten into the toilet. It took me a good five minutes to regain my equilibrium, and after washing up and blotting my face, I returned to the table and found the scallop smell was blessedly gone.

  But Jenn was eyeing me with a funny look. “You okay?”

  I nodded and took a sip of water. “Better. Must have been something I ate.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “You’re sure?”

  I waved my hand over the empty plates in front of me. “Pretty sure. I just ate enough for a small city.”

  She gave the plates a thoughtful look. “Probably so. For a second I thought you might be knocked up.”