The Royals: Alexander and Clara: Volume One (The Royals Saga)
Page 79
But it was also permanent, accepting the crown, being coronated was a commitment. My thoughts drifted across the hall to Elizabeth. There were a lot of reasons I didn’t want to be King. But the two important ones outweighed everything else.
It wasn’t just that I’d be able to offer them security and comfort but also because I would actually have the power to make the world a better place for my daughter to grow up in. I owed her that much.
I would give my life for either of them, but that meant giving it even without the threat of danger.
Clara stepped out of the closet in her coronation gown, her hand fumbling to pull on a satin glove.
I crossed to her and placed my hand over hers, calming her until she tugged it up.
“You’ve been doing this for eight months,” I repeated her earlier words.
“It’s easier to say that than to believe it,” she admitted.
I stepped away, holding her hand up to inspect her. “You look so fucking beautiful, Poppet.” Her ivory gown had been hand embroidered with hundreds of golden flowers.
“After today you’re going to have to call me Queen,” she joked, biting her lip nervously.
“Tonight I’ll show you that I’m completely at your service, Your Majesty.” My mouth slanted over hers, bringing her body into hard contact with mine. A moment later, she pushed me away, slightly winded.
“You’ll never get through all these layers,” she advised me.
“I do like a challenge.”A rap at the door put an end to the discussion. “Tonight.” My lips whispered the promise over hers.

Leaving Clarence House was the easiest part of today’s journey. After consideration, the coronation planning had suggested a different route than the one we had taken the previous April. Clara had refused, insisting that our lives couldn’t be ruled by fear.
The hand clutching mine as we turned toward Westminster Abbey suggested this was more difficult for her than she let on.
Our nightmares of that ill-fated morning had subsided with time, but this was the first time we had been forced back to the cathedral. It wouldn’t be the last as Elizabeth’s christening would take place there upon our return from America. We’d jokingly referred to today as a practice run.
The security around the perimeter was tighter this morning. I’d personally appointed Norris to help oversee the operation, and he greeted us in full Blues and Royals uniform at the red carpet.
“Everything is in order,” he said as we saluted one another. “And if you’ll permit me saying it, you look beautiful, Your Majesty.”
Clara glared affectionately at him. “That’s worse than Miss Bishop.” He accompanied us inside the entrance, bowing slightly as he took his leave.
“I couldn’t do this without you by my side,” I told her, drawing her eyes to mine as trumpets heralded our arrival.
Holding out my arm, she placed her hand over mine. We stayed like that for a moment, merely looking at one another before we moved hand in hand toward our shared destiny.
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Belle’s dark love story begins when she meets Smith Price, a man with secret ties to Alexander.
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Alexander and Clara’s story continues in Cross Me, book eight of The Royals Saga, which picks up after the events of Complete Me!
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“And of course, you look the part.”
“I look the part?” I repeated. Surely, he didn’t mean what it sounded like he meant.
“You are a beautiful woman. There’s no need to pretend otherwise.”
I tried to keep my cool and failed miserably. “That’s dangerously close to harassment.”
Smith Price was an enigma. Or maybe he wasn’t. All he wanted was a pretty girl who wasn’t dumb to attend to his every whim. When I actually thought about it, it was what all men really wanted. Only he was willing to pay for it—without the expectation of sex in return. The realizations should have neither shocked nor disappointed me, and somehow it still did on both counts.
“Companies employ attractive individuals every day. It’s hardly illegal when it’s requisite to the position.” Smith shrugged and leaned forward to rest his palms on his desk. His hands didn’t move. His fingers didn’t tap impatiently. He was completely in control of himself and this situation. That’s what scared me.
It was also what excited me.
“As long as there is clear differentiation between my job and being your girlfriend.” The implication was clear. Perhaps the way he’d been studying me since I walked into the room was simply him measuring me up, but it felt a lot more like he was fucking me with his eyes. I was used to that—used to men mentally screwing me. I just wasn’t interested in actually getting screwed. I didn’t need to be tempted to change my mind, and judging from the way my body responded to his penetrating gaze, I needed to make that crystal clear.
“I assure you I have no interest in romance. Another man might utilize his position of authority over you, bribe you with presents, or make unsavory proposals. Our relationship will be strictly professional.” His voice trailed away as if he was leaving something out—a clause or an afterthought—but he didn’t finish the thought. “Do you have more questions for me?”
I should, but I didn’t. It was getting harder to think in his presence. All I could do was shake my head.
“Then I think we’re finished here.” It was an abrupt end to the interview, but one I had seen coming.
It was for the best. Of that much I was certain. But despite all the red flags and warning signs, I couldn’t get past the lost opportunity. This job had paid. Well. I was doing okay financially, given the life-changing events of the last few months, but that largely had to do with my Aunt Jane refusing to take rent money and best friends who constantly picked up the tab.
I mustered up the shred of dignity I had left and forced a smile. “I’ll look forward to hearing from you.”
“You won’t have to,” he said dismissively, and my heart sank into the pit of my stomach. “I’ll expect you here tomorrow at one to discuss my current agenda and needs.”
I tried to look past the suggestiveness of those words and focus on the fact that I’d actually landed the job. “I’ll be here.”
“Be prompt, Miss Stuart. I’m not a man who likes to wait.”
A sharp sting sang through my lower lip, and I realized I was biting it. Smith’s eyes lingered on my mouth. He’d noticed before I had, and despite what he’d said about our relationship, the hunger burning in his gaze was anything but professional.
I needed to get out of here and clear my head. It was the only way I could decide if I would be in this office tomorrow at noon or sending a cowardly email. I popped out of my chair, relieved to be the one lording over the room in my four- inch heels. I paused, hovering in front of his desk. “Let’s be clear on one thing. I’ll attend these functions. I’ll work from your home. But I’m not sleeping with you.”
“Noted,” he said, but his answer was anything but reassuring. I couldn’t be certain if he viewed me as a challenge or a done deal. Either way, I knew one thing: keeping my legs shut in the presence of Smith Price was going to prove difficult. Maybe impossible.
Read the whole first chapter: Read CRAVE ME now!
About the Author
GENEVA LEE is the New York Times, USA Today, and i
nternationally bestselling author of over a dozen novels, including the Royals Saga which has sold two million copies worldwide. She lives in Poulsbo Washington with her husband and three children, and she co-owns Away With Words Bookshop with her sister.
Geneva is married to her high school sweetheart. He's always the first person to read her books. Sometimes, he reads as she writes them. Last year, they were surprised by finding out Geneva was pregnant with their third child. They welcomed a beautiful baby girl in 2020.
When she isn't working or writing, Geneva likes to read, bake ridiculous cakes, and watch television. She loves to travel and is always anxious to go on a new adventure.
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