by Ember Casey
She’s quiet again. Finally, I see her head bob a couple of times in the darkness.
“Then it’s settled,” she says. “I accept your offer of courtship.”
“Sophia,” Nicholas growls. “Can I speak with you in private?”
“No,” she says. “He made me the offer, not you. It’s my choice.” She spins back around to face him. “You heard him. He’s serious about courting me. You’re right—we skipped over that part the first time around, and we can’t change the past. But we can make up for it now.”
“You really think this…this scoundrel is going to introduce you to his family? He leaves on tour in a week—”
“We leave on tour,” Sophia corrects him, and I can hear the smile in her voice. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think she enjoyed tormenting her brother. “And he said he’s serious—”
“I am,” I cut in. “If you like, I can call my mom in the morning. See if we can head out there in a couple of days.”
“See?” Sophia says gleefully.
Nicholas heaves a loud, exasperated sigh. “This is like trying to rationalize with children…”
“Oh, give it a rest, Nick,” she says. “You’re not that much older than me. When did you start acting so old? I can’t wait until you get a proper girlfriend and I get watch you lose your mind.”
“That won’t happen because I know how to control myself—”
“If you like,” I say, “I can set you up with one of Twisted Throne’s groupies. I bet they’d be all over a genuine prince.”
“This is ridiculous,” Nicholas says. “And it’s clear I won’t be talking any sense into either of you tonight. Now if everyone could just go back to bed—and stay there—I suggest we continue this conversation in the morning. Then we’ll see how much this bastard is actually willing to do for you, Sophia.”
I roll my eyes, but neither of them can see it.
“Good night, Sophia,” I say. “And good night, Prince Stick-Up-Your-Ass.”
Sophia laughs, but Nicholas only gets grumpier.
“Just go to bed,” he grumbles at his sister.
“Good night, Nick,” she says cheerfully, not put off at all by his mood. “Good night, Pax.”
Nicholas stands there, watching me until I’m back in my room and the door is closed again. I’m sure he’ll take up the same position again, guarding the stretch of floor between the two bedrooms.
I’ll show him, I think. Tomorrow, first thing, I’ll call up my mom. If that doesn’t show him I’m serious, I’m not sure what will. And I’ll brainstorm some women I know that he might hit it off with. The more I think about it, the more I believe that’s exactly our way out—finding Nicholas his own little scandalous distraction.
And with that cheerful thought, I return to bed.
Sophia
Morning can’t come soon enough. My brother is being ridiculous, as usual. I’m sure Pax thinks the whole courting thing is archaic—I mean, we have a sex tape out there already.
I close my eyes at the thought. When we’re closed up in the apartment, away from the public and the clicking cameras, it’s easy to forget the entire reason Pax and I are being forced together.
He did seem genuine, I think. I’ve never met the mother of any man I’ve dated. And I certainly haven’t introduced any of them to my family. I can’t even imagine what my father would think of Pax—he’d probably deny us an audience with him, anyway. My mother would be open-minded—she usually is—but I’m certain she’d be skeptical, especially because of the damned tape.
I shouldn’t even think about it. I should enjoy this time with Pax—even if it is somewhat forced. And I’d be in his bed now if my brother wasn’t blocking my door.
I must fall asleep at some point—light streams through the window across the room when I finally open my eyes again.
After I dress, I go out to the kitchen to find my brother and Pax glaring at each other across the table.
Nicholas arches a brow, but doesn’t look at me. “Explain to your boyfriend the importance of eating a proper breakfast, Sophia.”
My brow furrows as I look between the two men.
“Explain to your brother that I haven’t had a chance to go to the grocery store because I’ve been entertaining guests since yesterday.”
“One day?” My brother lets out a huff. “Oh, pity the thought of having to entertain guests for one day. One would think one would have a certain amount of food on hand to survive for longer than a single day—”
“I don’t think about eating much past today, okay?” Pax shakes his head. “What the hell don’t you understand about that?”
“What sort of person doesn’t plan their meals? What sort of person—”
“Okay.” I force a grin, placing my hands on the table between the two men. “I’m sure there’s a way we can solve this crisis without war.”
Nicholas growls. “He doesn’t have any food in his kitchen, Sophia. Apparently, the disgusting excuse for food he served us yesterday was the last he had.”
“And I should have had something delivered. But I didn’t. Sorry about it.” Pax’s voice is anything but sorry. “I have a feeling we can all survive—”
“And how do we do that? It isn’t as though we can just leave here without a plan in place.” Nick shakes his head. “Or have you forgotten why we’re here?”
“I haven’t forgotten anything.” Pax grumbles, almost under his breath. “Not that you’d let me if I wanted to.”
“I really don’t need you here, Nick. I think I can handle this on my own. If Pax is serious about courting—”
“Sophia…” He lets out a sigh, flattening his hands on the table in front of him. “You’re being immature. You’re—”
“You can go. I certainly don’t need a nanny.”
My brother glares at me for a long moment before his eyes flick behind me, and he narrows his gaze at Pax.
Part of me knows my brother is right—that I should be ashamed, that I should feel a great sense of remorse for my behavior. But another part of me is almost exhilarated at knowing I’ve shed my “perfect princess” persona, no matter the consequences. I may not have the responsibilities of my brothers, but having my every motion analyzed by the press is pressure enough. I should be embarrassed, knowing my intimate night with Pax is out there for everyone in the world to witness. But maybe the reality of it hasn’t hit me yet—I only see it as an opportunity to shed this very heavy facade I’ve had to wear for the public since I can remember. Why can’t my brother see that?
Nicholas doesn’t respond, he just picks at a scratch on the table, staring down at it.
Maybe I shouldn’t be so hard on him, but I can’t help it. “You’re acting as though I’ve inconvenienced you, Nick—”
He meets my gaze in an instant. “You have inconvenienced me. You think I want to be your nanny any more than you want me to?” He shakes his head as he sets his jaw. “There is more to think about here than just how that tape affects you.” His gaze flicks back to Pax. “Or you, for that matter.”
“Don’t drag me into your family bullshit.” Pax grumbles the words. “I’ve had plenty of negative publicity over the years. A sex tape is hardly negative—”
“We’re talking about my sister! My family!” Nicholas hardly ever raises his voice, but when he does, it sends a shiver through me. “Are you really such an imbecile? Are you—”
“I thought this was about breakfast.” Pax sighs. “And no, I’m not an imbecile. But thank you for asking.” He rolls his eyes. “Look. I know this is a huge deal to your family. And I realize you’re the one who’s inconvenienced here, but—”
“I am.” Nicks jaw begins to quiver, and I can tell he’s barely holding in his rage. “And you… You’re making it a joke.”
“Hardly.” Pax shakes his head slowly, staring down at his hands. “I should kick you both out of here. If I was in my right mind, I’d tell you both that none of this is worth it.” His gaze rests on
me for a moment before moving back to Nick. “But for some reason, it is.”
“It is what?” My brother’s brow furrows. “What the hell are you saying?”
“I’m saying…” Pax lets out a long breath. “I’m saying… Fuck, I don’t know what I’m saying. I like your sister, okay? I agreed to the whole courting thing last night, didn’t I? I don’t even know what the hell that means. I’ve never—”
“It means…” Nick lets out a low growl. “It means you’re serious about her. About making things right for her. It isn’t as though Montovia is some antiquated country with archaic rules. Courting someone—properly courting someone—means you care enough to have an official relationship in the eyes of our family. In the eyes of our country. It isn’t some joke.” He shakes his head. “Like taking her to a petrol station for a sandwich would be.”
The color slowly drains from Pax’s face as his eyes widen to saucers. “I…”
“You don’t…” I frown. “It isn’t as though we’d be engaged or anything, Pax. It’s more—”
“She’s right. It’s sort of a pre-engagement.” Nick must also sense that he’s struck a nerve. I’ve only rarely seen him grin so widely. “Of course, if my family approves, then you’d make the engagement official.” I could swear my brother is about to giggle with glee.
“That isn’t quite accurate…” My words are falling on deaf ears, though. Neither of the men is listening to me.
Pax’s shoulders sag, and he shrinks back into his chair before he finally rises. “I think…” He stares at the floor for a moment and takes a few backward steps. “I think I need to go.”
Pax
Whoa, whoa, whoa…what the hell did I get myself into?!?!
The panic is already overtaking me, tightening in my throat. It’s a good thing there’s no breakfast, because I’m pretty damn sure I’d be choking on it right now.
Thankfully, Sophia comes to my aid.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she tells her brother. “It’s way too early to be talking about engagement. We haven’t even known each other a week.”
Nicholas shakes his head. “Perhaps you should have thought of that before jumping into bed with him.”
She crosses her arms. “Exactly what century do you think this is?”
“I’m simply saying—”
“Pax and I can court without having to plan a wedding or decide on how many children we’re going to have,” she says. “Right, Pax?”
I’m pretty sure all the blood drains from my face at the word wedding. And that I black out for a moment when she says children.
“Look at him,” Nicholas says. “He’s about to pass out.”
“I’m not,” I say quickly, but my voice sounds strained. “I just…” I swallow, and my voice sounds almost normal again when I speak. “There’s a lot of space between a one-night stand and an engagement. Can’t we just…” I gesture, looking for the words, “…stay in that space for a while? Somewhere between a casual hookup and an official royal announcement?”
“I agree,” Sophia says.
Thank God. I like Sophia a lot more than I should, but I’m not exactly ready to be dragged down the aisle.
Nicholas leans back in his chair, watching me through narrowed eyes. “This is a mistake, Sophia.”
“It’s my life, not yours.” She raises her chin in a way that dares him to argue with her. It’s hard not to admire her stubbornness.
He rubs his hands on his knees. “Fine. Make the arrangements to meet his mother. We’ll see where this goes from there.”
Sophia looks at me expectantly, which I guess means we’re doing this. She’s meeting my mom.
I try to smile as I slip my phone out of my pocket, but frankly, I’m terrified. Last week, I was just a single guy enjoying the rock star life. Now, I’m being cornered by royals and forced to think about engagements and kids. I didn’t know I was signing up for this.
But then my eyes fall on Sophia again—on that stubborn chin, those bright eyes, that full, determined mouth—and I remember why I’m doing all of this.
This isn’t over yet. Not by a long shot.
“I’ll just give my mom a call,” I say, holding up my phone. I slip out of the kitchen, and I can feel their eyes on me as I retreat into my bedroom to make the call.
My mom picks up on the first ring. That’s unusual for her—usually she’s left her phone somewhere in another room and I have to call her three or four times before she hears it.
“Patrick?” she says, and I hear a deep note of concern in her voice. “Are you all right? I wanted to call you, but I didn’t want to… I was hoping you’d call me. How are you? Are you okay?”
Ma normally doesn’t sound this panicked. Something must be seriously wrong.
And then I suddenly remember—and I feel like a complete asswipe.
She knows about the video.
I don’t know how it slipped my mind when I agreed to set up this meeting, but I suddenly realize I am totally and completely unprepared for this call. I’ve done some embarrassing crap since getting famous, but this is some next-level shit.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I tell her. “I…” How the hell do you explain a sex tape to your mom? I suddenly feel like a little kid again, and I do not like the feeling. “It wasn’t planned, Mom. I want you to know that. Someone hacked into my laptop and hijacked the webcam.”
My mom gasps. “Did they catch him? Oh my word, if I ever come face-to-face with whoever did this I’ll… I’ll…” My mom isn’t very good at making threats—her Catholic upbringing saw to that—but she goes full ‘mama bear’ on anyone who threatens one of her kids. “I’ll make him ashamed of what’s he’s done.”
“The police are looking into it,” I tell her. “But they haven’t caught anyone yet.”
This is the part where I expect her to lecture me about having sex outside of marriage, or maybe just comment on how my terrible lifestyle led me to this moment, but she doesn’t. My mom has the Catholic guilt pretty bad, but she’s also the most forgiving person I’ve ever met, especially when it comes to her kids.
Of course, that was before she saw my bare ass in a sex video. I’m actually praying she had the good sense not to actually watch the damn thing, but fuck if I’m going to ask her outright if she did.
“Maybe you should come home for a while,” she says. “Get out of L.A.”
“You know I can’t do that. We’re leaving on tour next week. But actually…I was wondering if you might want me to come by for dinner sometime in the next few days. I, uh…well, I want you to meet Sophia.”
“Sophia?” My mom can’t hide her shock. “The girl in the video? The princess? You want me to meet her?” Any other emotion in her voice has suddenly been replaced by sheer excitement and joy.
“Yeah. I thought it might be a good idea. Maybe Saturday?”
“No, you can bring her by tonight,” my mom says. “I’ll make a roast. Oh, I can’t wait to meet her! This is wonderful, honey.”
Her enthusiasm is actually a little terrifying.
“I guess tonight works,” I say. At least it’ll get Nicholas off my back faster—I’m not sure I can sit through another night like last night.
“Let’s say seven,” my mom says cheerfully. “Catherine will be here too. Oh, this will be so fun!”
“Great,” I say, overwhelmed again. “Great, we’ll see you then.”
I hang up and take a deep breath. I guess we’re doing this then.
If you’d told me last week that I’d be taking a princess to meet my mom, I’d have laughed in your face. But I guess life likes to fuck with you sometimes.
You’ll get through this, buddy, I tell myself. Just as long as no one mentions marriage or babies again.
And with that, I return to the kitchen to announce our evening plans.
Sophia
Nicholas makes me sit in the backseat on the trip to meet Pax’s mother. Something about “proper courting etiquette” or some such n
onsense. It isn’t even worth trying to break the tension between Nicholas and Pax—any time I try to make a joke, Nicholas gives me a look that could slice me in half.
The trip is much longer than I thought it would be, and I must drift off to sleep. Nick’s grumbling something about being in the middle of hell wakes me up.
He’s not too far off. This area is much different than Los Angeles. Gone are the palm trees, replaced by small, brushy shrubs. There’s very little greenery at all—everything appears to be one shade of brown or another.
But the house in front of us is lovely. And it’s little more than a second after we pull up that a woman races from the white stucco building and up to Pax’s door.
Pax grins as he exits the car, throwing his arms around the woman who must be his mother. She’s young—younger than my mother, at any rate.
The two hug for a long moment before the woman pulls out of Pax’s embrace, peering into the window of the car. “Is she here? You did bring her, right?”
Nick and I exit on the passenger side, walking around the front of the car to join them.
Pax smiles at me, giving me an encouraging nod before his gaze flicks over to my brother. “I did more than that. I brought her brother, too.”
The woman arches a brow before grinning widely. “You brought a princess and a prince?” She shakes her head and stares at me. “I can hardly believe this is real.” She grab’s her son’s hand. “You did okay, Patrick.”
“Mom…” Pax sighs. “It’s Pax.”
Her gaze never leaves mine. “I’m never calling him that. Never have and never will.” After a long moment, she pulls her hand from her son’s, taking a step toward me. “Where are my manners? I’m Maggie, Patrick’s mother.”
I take her hand as she extends it. “I’m Sophia.” I motion with my head over at my brother. “This is my brother, Nicholas.”