“It was horrible. The only saving grace was having my friends there.”
“Does it help to know I have no interest in having sex with any of those women?”
“Not really. I mean, we’re entering an arrangement. Who’s to say you won’t decide to sleep with them later?”
He doesn’t answer. Well, not with words. Instead, he growls and lifts me off the couch, then stomps into the bedroom and drops me right in the middle of the bed.
He crawls over me, dragging his nose up the material of my dress covering my torso as he moves. With his face buried against my neck, he slips a hand between my thighs and pushes under the elastic of my panties to brush his fingertip over my nether lips.
“You,” he whispers. “You’re the only one I’m interested in touching like this. Jesus, after the past month, you’d think it would be clear that I’m completely enamored with you. But if you need reminding, I’m happy to do so.”
He pushes two fingers inside me, and my back arches in wanton invitation.
“You make me crazy,” he growls, watching my face as he drives me insane with just his fingers. I’m lying here, completely clothed, and ready to come any second.
“Same,” I manage to moan.
He fumbles with his pants, unleashes his cock, and replaces his fingers with one long, fluid thrust.
“Bloody hell.” He traps my hands above my head as he rides me hard and fast. “It’s just you, Nina. I’ll remind you as often as you like.”
I can’t speak. All I can do is watch as, after three powerful thrusts, he clenches his jaw and loses control, falling into his orgasm.
He presses on my clit with his thumb, and I follow him over.
***
I’m fucking exhausted.
It’s been the longest day of my life. From my fight with Sebastian this morning, to the horrible party with strangers, and the late dinner with the entire royal family, I’m ready to sleep for about a week.
“We need to meet with Charles and Nick,” Sebastian says as we walk to our apartment. We’re walking slowly, our fingers tangled, my head resting on his hard biceps.
I’ve discovered I have a thing for Sebastian’s arms.
“At this time of night?”
He squeezes my hand.
“We’re running out of time between now and the wedding,” he reminds me. “They have some things to go over with us, and this is the only free moment in both of our schedules.”
“Okay.” I yawn. “I’ll do my best to stay awake.”
Charles and Nick are waiting for us at the door of the apartment when we arrive. They both offer a head nod as we approach.
“Your Royal Highness,” Charles says. “Thank you for meeting with us at this late hour.”
“It’s quite all right, Charles. Please, come in.”
They usher me in first, and then we all sit at the dining table.
“Am I correct to assume that you’ll want to have a home in Montana?” Charles begins.
“I have a home in Montana,” I remind him. “You’ve been there, remember?”
“Of course. Let me begin again. Your current home in Cunningham Falls is lovely, but it’s a security nightmare.”
I narrow my eyes. Partly out of irritation, and partly because I’m about to fall asleep.
“There is no fence, no way to keep it safe from people. Our men who remain there have been reporting back to me, and it would be impossible for His Highness to live there for any length of time.”
“What do you suggest?” Sebastian asks.
“That leads me back to my original question. Am I right to assume that you’ll want a home in Montana?”
“Of course,” I reply immediately. “I have family there, and I love it.”
“I do, too.” Sebastian takes my hand in his and gives it a squeeze.
“I’ve taken the liberty of printing out several homes that are currently for sale in the area that would be better suited to the kind of security you’ll need.”
He pushes several pieces of paper our way and folds his hands on the table as he waits for us to look them over.
“This one’s out,” I say immediately, pushing one of the houses to the side. “I want to be on the lake.”
“That’s an issue,” Nick says, speaking for the first time. “It’s too easy to access the house from the water.”
“I don’t care.” I stare him down. “I love living on the lake. If you’re going to insist I sell my house, the one I paid for by myself and love, then I’m not going to bend on this.”
“Agreed.” Sebastian pages through the papers and pulls out anything not on the lake, setting them aside. “So, when we take those out of the pile, we’re left with three properties.”
He spreads them out, side by side for us to look over.
“These homes are huge and millions of dollars.” I frown up at my fiancé. “My house wasn’t cheap, but there are only two of us, Sebastian. Why would we need this much space?”
“We’ll have staff and security,” he reminds me. “And my family will certainly want to visit.”
Of course, they would. And I’d love having Ellie and Catherine, along with the rest of the family there. I know they’ll adore Montana. But the cost seems crazy, even to me.
And my brother owns more property than any one person should.
Well, until I met Sebastian, of course.
“We don’t necessarily have to buy a house there,” I say, biting my lip. “It seems silly to spend that much money on a place we aren’t at very often.”
Sebastian’s ice-blue eyes turn down to me.
“Montana is your home, and we’ll have a place there. Please look at these and tell me which is your favorite.”
I lean in again. The house in the middle catches my eye.
“Hey, that’s Max’s house.”
“Max Hull?” Sebastian asks with surprise.
“Yes. He and Willa built a new house right after they got married. I knew he’d be putting this one on the market, I just didn’t realize he was doing it so soon. It’s a really nice place, with a movie theater, and even a guesthouse. The boat slip is ridiculous.”
I yawn again. As much as I’m invested in this conversation, I’m just out of gas.
“I think Miss Nina is dead on her feet,” Charles says kindly. “Perhaps she should go to bed.”
“Good idea,” I agree with an apologetic smile. “Sorry, guys. It was a heck of a day.”
“I’ll walk you back,” Sebastian says and then turns to Charles. “I’ll return in a moment.”
He escorts me to the bedroom and helps me into a black tank and yoga shorts, then tucks me into bed.
“I don’t think anyone’s done this for me since I was a toddler.”
He smiles and kisses my forehead. “I won’t be long, darling. Go to sleep.”
“Sebastian, it’s really not necessary to spend that much money on a house for me.”
He frowns down at me and brushes a lock of hair off my cheek. “Nina, the money is insignificant. I’ll also enjoy having a home there.”
“I don’t want to sell my house,” I admit in a whisper. I’m filled with guilt that he’ll spend the money, and because I don’t want to sell my little house. I worked hard for it. “I just love it so much.”
“You don’t have to,” he says, sitting next to my hip on the bed. “Darling, we have many options when it comes to your house. We can use it as a guest house, or you can even use it as an investment and ask Jenna to manage it for you. Selling isn’t the only option here.”
And just like that, I feel so much better. I nod sleepily.
“You’re right.”
“Go to sleep, love.”
He turns off the sidelight and walks out of the bedroom, shutting the door behind him.
Montana.
I miss it.
And part of me feels guilty for that. The royal family has done nothing but make me feel welcome and at home here, despite the circumstanc
es.
But I long for my boat, and my little piece of the lake in Cunningham Falls.
Chapter Ten
Sebastian
“HOW IS MISS NINA adjusting?” Charles asks when I return to the table.
“Don’t look now, Charles, but it almost sounds like you like her.”
He smiles and shifts his shoulders. “She’s grown on me. Despite the immense pressure of what she’s walked into here, she’s learned quickly and maintains not only her sense of humor but a backbone, as well. I’d say that’s admirable.”
“I would, too.” I push my hand through my hair. I know Nina’s exhausted, and I’m right there with her. It’s been a trying few days of meetings and responsibilities. Today’s talk with my father, Frederick, and Callum had me both frustrated and elated.
And I have another meeting with the king tomorrow.
“She’s doing well,” I reply at last. “At least, given what she shows me. She’s knackered, and I’m positive she’s overwhelmed. Who wouldn’t be? But she’s calm, and so far has been more than willing to go with the flow. I’m proud of her.”
“You should be,” Nick says. Nick’s not one to speak up often, so when he does, I pay close attention. “Those women were brutal today. I wanted to take a few of them over my knee several times. If she already held the title, they wouldn’t have dared to say half of the things they did. They wanted to hurt her, but Nina kept her chin up and ignored them beautifully.”
“I’m surprised they were so free with their words with you standing nearby.”
“I’m invisible,” he says with a half-grin. “They’re used to me. I watch but don’t say anything, and then they forget all about me. It’s almost as if they think because I don’t talk, I must be deaf.”
“I’ll want a list of those who behaved the worst,” I say. “I don’t know what I’ll do with it, aside from being aware of them.”
“I can do that,” Nick says with a nod.
“What do you want to do about the Cunningham Falls house?” Charles asks. “Shall I see to her cottage being put on the market?”
“No.” I shake my head and pin Charles with a stare. “Do not do that. I don’t own that house, and she doesn’t want to sell. She’ll probably use it as an investment property, or we can always use it as a guest home.”
“Sir,” Charles says with a nod.
“But I am going to speak to Max tomorrow about buying his house. I’ll buy it as a wedding gift to Nina.”
I ignore the surprised look from Charles. Yes, several million pounds in real estate is an extravagant wedding gift.
But she deserves it.
“We won’t be returning to London immediately after our honeymoon,” I add to both of their dismay. “We’ll holiday and spend a couple of months in Montana.”
“Sir, we haven’t had a chance to scope out this new house, fit it for cameras and security. And I have to talk to my staff to find men to work over there. Most of my employees have families here. This will take some time.”
“I know someone,” Nick says. “Liam Cunningham.”
Charles’ eyes narrow. “Is he available?”
“He just finished a job in Korea,” Nick says. “And he’s retiring from the military.”
“Cunningham, as in Cunningham Falls?”
“Exactly,” Nick says with a nod. “He has family there. Has talked about moving there for as long as I’ve known him. I’d trust him implicitly with your safety.”
“As would I,” Charles says thoughtfully. “He’s been in the business for years. He’s ruthless.”
“He’s American,” I remind them. “How do you know him?”
“Special-ops operators know each other, regardless of the country we work for,” Nick says
“The saying is true,” I mutter. “It’s a damn small world.”
“You have no idea, sir,” Nick says. “I’ll ring Cunningham in the morning.”
“Good. See to it, then.” I stand, ending the meeting. “Goodnight, gentlemen.”
Once they leave, I don’t waste time. I call Max immediately.
“I’m sorry if I woke you.”
“I wasn’t asleep,” he replies. “What’s up? Do you need something?”
“Yes. I just discovered that you have a lake house for sale. I want to buy it.”
He’s quiet for a moment. “Right now?”
“Right bloody now.”
“It’s yours. I’ll make some calls and get it off the market.”
“I’ll have the money wired in the morning.”
“Good doing business with you, Sebastian.”
I feel the smile spread over my face. “Likewise, Max.”
***
“I’ve made a decision,” my father says as he escorts us under the palace to where the vault lies, armed guards surrounding us. Once we reach the heavy door that houses just some of the crown jewels, the man responsible for them opens the lock, and it takes three men to open the door. “I’ll explain more in a moment.”
“I thought the crown jewels were kept at the Tower of London,” Nina says with a frown as her eyes bounce over the sparkling gems gleaming under the soft lights of the vault.
“Most of them are,” I confirm. “But we have some pieces here that aren’t on display. Pieces that are worn more regularly, and even some that are rarely seen.”
“Wow,” she breathes. Her eyes are wide, taking it all in. She hugs her arms around her waist, clearly afraid to touch anything.
“If you’ll step over here,” Father says, gesturing to a table in the center of the room draped in black velvet. “You’ll see we’ve set out a selection for you to see.”
“I don’t understand.” Nina’s gaze finds mine, and then my father’s.
“You’ll need jewelry for the wedding,” Father replies. His voice is kind, his smile reaching his eyes.
It seems most of the palace has fallen under my fiancée’s charms.
“Oh,” she says and swallows hard. “You’re right.”
“I recommend the Cartier Halo Tiara,” my mother says from the doorway. “I’ve seen your dress, and I think it would look just lovely.”
She walks into the room and lifts the tiara made of hundreds of diamonds, showing it to Nina, who is clearly already overwhelmed.
And we haven’t even gotten to the good stuff yet.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous,” Nina says with a nod. “You’re right, it’s perfect.”
“That’s settled then,” Mum says, setting it aside. She and Nina discuss a necklace and matching earrings, and those join the tiara.
“Now, one more piece,” Father says. “I said when I first met you that you wouldn’t be given a piece of jewelry from the vault until I approved it.”
Nina’s eyes fly to mine. “I can’t take any of this.”
“You’re right, you can’t.” Mum pats her shoulder. “But it can be given as a gift. The jewelry you just chose is on loan from the crown for the wedding day. But we’d like for you to choose something to keep from these pieces.”
Mum gestures to several rings, a necklace, and a bracelet. If Nina doesn’t like any of these, we have others to choose from.
“If you’d like, you can replace your engagement ring,” I offer softly, but Nina shakes her head and looks down at her hand.
“I love my ring,” she says.
“A wedding band, perhaps?” Mum lifts a band that’s encircled in diamonds. It would fit well with Nina’s engagement ring. “This one is about a hundred years old and would be lovely on your hand.”
Nina tries it on, considering. “It really is beautiful. But I’d almost prefer something simple that I can wear on my right hand.”
She reaches for a ring with a large aquamarine set in the center. It’s a simple setting, less grand than anything else on the table.
“This is lovely, and I can wear it with almost anything.”
“Are you sure, Nina?” Mum asks.
“It’s decided,” Father
says. “You’ll have the wedding band and Queen Victoria’s aquamarine.”
Nina swallows hard. “It belonged to Queen Victoria?”
“It was given to her by the King of Spain,” Mum explains. “And it looks lovely on you.”
“Thank you,” Nina says. “Thank you so much.”
“Now that we’ve settled this,” Father continues, “I’d like to tell you that I’ve made a decision regarding both of your titles.”
I stiffen, ready to be told that he’s stripped me of all of my titles.
“You, my son, will be His Royal Highness, Prince Sebastian, Duke of Somerset.”
“What?” I stare at him and then my mother as she wipes a tear from the corner of her eye. “But I’m giving up my claim to the throne—”
“You’re my son, and as such, you’ll retain your titles.”
I don’t know what to say.
Father turns to Nina. “And you will be Her Royal Highness, Princess Nina, the Duchess of Somerset.”
Nina’s mouth opens and closes, no sound coming out.
“I’m not British,” she says at last, her voice quivering.
“You are now,” Mum says with a smile. “And we are pleased to welcome you to the family.”
“Thank you.” Nina licks her lips. “May I please hug you both?”
Father blinks rapidly, but Mum pulls Nina in for a tight embrace. When she pulls away, Nina hugs Father just as tightly, making him blush.
I don’t believe I’ve ever seen my father blush before.
It’s bloody fascinating.
“I don’t know what to say, except thank you so much,” Nina says. “You’ve been so kind to me, so welcoming.”
“You’re part of our family,” Mum reminds her. “And family looks after family.”
Nina’s eyes fill with tears. I know that hasn’t always been the case for her, aside from her brother. Nina was never able to depend on her parents. Her own mum has been silent, not willing to participate in the wedding festivities, all because of hurt feelings and pride.
I know that despite her shrugging it off, Nina’s disappointed in her mother.
“I hope you know that, no matter what,” I say as I tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear, “my family will always protect you. Stand by you.”
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