Royal Watch

by Stacey Marie Brown

  I didn’t want to be them, speaking to my daughter in the same resolute tone, set in my misery.

  “I think Theo is about to play.” Landen grabbed my arm. “We should go watch.”

  “Yes. We should.” Mina nodded frantically, herding me away from my family.

  “Blimey, I hate him,” Landen exclaimed, anger pinching his face, reddening his cheeks. “What an utter wanker!”

  “Landen…”

  “No, Spence. That was fucked up! How dare he say those things just because he’s a miserable bastard.”

  “Sadly, though, did he say anything that wasn’t true?”

  “Theo’s not like that.” Mina shook her head.

  “A lot of people don’t start out like that. But it happens. A lot.” The memory of Lord William’s foul breath was still vivid, his touch echoing on my skin.

  My eyes scanned over the polo field, locating the person I didn’t even realize I was looking for.

  Lennox stood watch, his arms crossed in front of him, his rigid form solid against the building, trying to blend into the background.

  Hilarious, because nothing about him blended in or could go unnoticed. He wore sunnies, but I knew his gaze was on me. Watching. Assessing every person, noise, and movement.

  Tucking hair behind my ear, I watched him from under my lashes.

  “This group looks like they need a drink.” Eloise’s voice snapped me back to my circle. She waltzed up, of course looking as perfect as a princess. Her hair was twisted into a chignon, her makeup and dress flawless. A twinkle of trouble sparked in her eyes. “Lord, I’ve had enough of preening and prancing for the cameras. Time to drink and take bets. Any takers?” She pounced up, leaving my two friends speechless and shell-shocked.

  I laughed, watching them blink at her in bewilderment.

  “Right, I haven’t met you two yet.” She winked at Landen. “But any friends of my future sister-in-law are friends of mine.” She took the champagne glass out of Mina’s hand and finished it off. “Friends share, right?”

  “Y-yes, Your Highness.” Mina gaped. At Alton, Theo had become a person, Mina and Landen getting over their awe of him, but Eloise was treated like a celebrity by the press. Her impeccable charm and grace left the reporters gaga over her, and they put her on a pedestal.

  All an act.

  Now I knew the real girl, and I liked this one so much better.

  “Eloise, this is my cousin Landen. And my best friend, Mina.”

  They both stared at her.

  “I think you broke them.”

  She grinned, looping her arms with them. “Either one of you want to make a wager? I’m taking bets. And let me give you some first-time advice: Don’t bet on the prince. Theo’s actually not that good.” She tugged them toward the bar set up under a canopy.

  Getting drinks, she turned to me. “You most certainly need one.”

  “Chloe told me not to drink.”

  “Fuck Chloe.” She rolled her eyes. “She’s an uptight bitch. Wouldn’t know fun if it slapped her.” Eloise moved in close to me, her voice going low. “Plus, you will learn,” she opened her purse, showing a flask tucked inside, “This is the only way we can get through these insufferable events.”

  “Theo, Spencer, look over here!”

  “Spencer! Spencer!”

  “When did you meet?”

  “How long have you been together? Did you date in secret?”

  “Any plans to get engaged soon?”

  “Spencer, how are you handling all the hateful things being said about you on social media?”

  “How was introducing your parents to the king and queen?”

  “When will there be a royal wedding?”

  “Any plans for children right away?”

  “Who do you want to design your wedding dress?”

  People yelled at us, microphones stuffed at us from all angles, TV cameras and photographers vying for our attention. The relentless clicking of cameras drummed along with the jumbled voices running over and through each other to be the one heard, to be the outlet that got a response.

  Easy, simple questions about enjoying the day led to wondering if I moved in with Theo yet, then jumped to babies and wedding dresses.

  It was like I was in a cage, but hundreds of arms were reaching in trying to touch me. My breath clipped in my lungs, and I could feel Theo’s hand rub up and down my spine, trying to calm me.

  “So, tell us, Theo! When will you propose?”

  The paparazzi went quiet, everyone wanting to know the answer to that question.

  “Guys, let’s take it easy and enjoy the polo match and the charity we are out here for.” A few moans of displeasure made Theo’s smile widen playfully. “But I will say when I do…” he teased. No question as to if, but when. The press leaned in closer, waiting for the big reveal, their microphones moving in, not wanting to miss anything he said. “You guys will know about it.”

  Questions, my name, his name, clicks, flashes. I remained at Theo’s side, keeping a happy smile on my face, but inside I was hyperventilating, hating how silently I stood there, overwhelmed and exhausted. I let Theo take the lead, looking very much like the well-groomed woman by the prince’s side, when in truth, I was trying not to have a panic attack. This level of attention on me felt more they were siphoning all my energy from me, leaving me a husk.

  My gaze soared out past the press, trying to feel a little less like a cornered animal. My eyes landed on a familiar figure fixed to the side, but not too far he couldn’t get to me.

  Lennox stood like he always did. Hands crossed in front, legs set, ready to move at a moment’s notice. Sunglasses covered his emotionless face. He was intimidating, but oddly, seeing him there was a strange comfort, letting air slide down into my lungs again.

  So subtly I almost missed it, I caught his head dip. The smallest of actions, but it expressed so much to me.

  If you want to go, just say the word.

  You can do this.

  You are doing fine.

  Breathe.

  Taking a deep inhale, my shoulders inched down from my ears.

  Thank you, I said through my eyes. His jaw rolled, and I knew he understood me. About to face back to the cameras, I saw a figure move up to him, holding my attention on them.

  Hazel strolled up with utter confidence, a drink in one hand, her clutch tucked under her arm. She wore a blue flowery dress that fit her lean figure perfectly, her hair curled and pulled over one shoulder.

  Stunning.

  Shoulder to shoulder with him, I could see her mouth moving. There was no shyness or question in her that he would want her company. And who wouldn’t? She probably had never experienced the sting of a man’s rebuff.

  His eyes still on mine, he tilted his head closer to her mouth. He bobbed his head while a naughty grin curled up on Hazel’s mouth.

  Anger flared up my spine, my lips pursing. I mean, he was on duty; this was not the time to chat up his latest conquest.

  My irritation slipped to her, watching her touch his arm, leaning into him, whispering something in his ear, her lips brushing his lobe. There was no mistake in her actions.

  Hello? He’s working. She made it known that night at the club she found him attractive and wanted him in her bed.

  I shifted on my heels, my eyes tracking how his eyebrow curved up in either surprise or intrigue. The fact Hazel was drawing out emotion from him…

  “Spencer?” My name snapped me back, Theo staring at me like he was waiting. The press watched me, their microphones poised for my answer.

  Bloody hell. What did they ask me?

  “Uh?” Classy, Spence.

  “They wanted you to present the top rider with the trophy.” He winked at me, nuzzling closer. “They think you’re a much prettier presenter than me.”

  A flood of guilt, love, and warmth splashed around in my chest. Theo’s smile made me feel buttery and soft inside, creating a blush to cover my cheeks.

  “Of
course,” I agreed. My arm looped with Theo’s, and we headed off to the ceremony stage, not once looking back.

  As I stepped to the stage, a figure standing with my uncle wheezed air through my lungs, freezing the blood in my veins. Lord William stood facing Uncle Fredrick, but his eyes were on me. He had a cut lip and swollen eye, a deep shade of purple, which he tried to hide under a hat and sunglasses. His head deliberately turned to Lennox, wanting me to know exactly who he was threatening, then back to me. A malicious grin coiled on his mouth like a cat with cream. He dipped his head, tapping the brim of his hat.

  His silence was not by accident. Lennox still had his job for a reason.

  Lord William made his sentiment known. Keep quiet, and Lennox keeps his position.

  Maybe not pistols at dawn, but it was blackmail at noon.

  Chapter 15

  “And you said you didn’t want to come out!” Eloise yelled over the music, her body wiggling next to me as she flicked her hips to the beat.

  In all honesty, I still didn’t. Clubs were not my scene. After the long day, I wanted to find a comfy sofa and watch movies the rest of the night, but Eloise was a force and wouldn’t take no for an answer.

  It helped to have Mina and Landen here, wanting to spend every bit of time I could with them. Ben, Charlie, Hazel, and Theo were by the bar as El, Landen, Mina, and I danced.

  “Better enjoy your last nights of freedom.” Mina bumped Landen’s hip, making his expression crunch down with anger and take a long drink from his bottled beer.

  “What does that mean?” My eyes darted between them.

  He glared at Mina, continuing to dance.

  “Like she’s not going to find out.”

  “Tell me!” I demanded, tucking strands of loose hair behind my ear. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  Landen rolled back his shoulders, taking a huge intake of air, ire riding his brows.

  “Cheers to my arsehole father.” Landen held up his beer in the air. “He won.”

  Trepidation swallowed thickly down my throat.

  Landen shook his head, fighting back emotion. “I’m going into the royal military academy.”

  “What?” My hand went to my mouth.

  “Like you are really shocked?” He took another sip, staring off.

  “No… but…” I had hoped. Wished for once, Fredrick would put his son first. Hoped he’d take a moment and get to know his son. My uncle seemed to like the idea and role of a son but didn’t want to know that person came with his own desires and personality.

  “Landen.” My voice cracked, not knowing how to make it better. We had always been honest with each other, not giving platitudes or false optimism.

  “That’s why I didn’t want to tell you tonight.” He sent Mina a look again. “Complete buzzkill.”

  “I’m gathering that is not something you want.” Eloise tilted her head.

  Landen laughed sardonically.

  “I get it.” She wrapped her fingers around his wrist, forcing him to look at her. “To have to live the life your parents set out for you. Ignore everything that makes you happy… date and marry only ones they deem worthy. Fuck… I get it.”

  Hearing Princess Eloise’s posh voice say fuck made a smile dance over Landen’s face, a true laugh bubbling from him.

  “Yeah, I guess you would.” Landen bobbed his head, recognizing Eloise had it far worse than him. “Your Highness.” He bowed dramatically, furling his hand around.

  “Shut up, tosser,” she teased back, both of them laughing. “We all know what it’s like.” She motioned around to the group. “As a cathartic exercise, each yell out what you had to sacrifice because of who you are.” She held out her drink in the middle of our circle.

  “Being in theater.” Landen put his bottle next to Eloise’s.

  Mina put her drink in with theirs. “Always having to explain my heritage; staying quiet when someone says something racist and demeaning.”

  “Wow, put mine to shame, will you?” Landen nudged Mina, making her knock him back. I hadn’t been gone long, but I could already feel their bond had grown without me. “Spence?”

  I took a breath, feeling the pain of mine still lash at my heart. “Giving up my acceptance to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.”

  “What?” All three swung to me. I never told Landen or Mina I got in.

  “You got accepted to RCVS?” Mina’s mouth dropped open.

  “You didn’t tell us?” Hurt streaked Landen’s face.

  “I couldn’t…”

  “We are your best mates!” Mina exclaimed.

  “If I had told you guys, it would have made it real.” I downed my vodka and soda, the music shifting to another loud song. “Break me even more.”

  “I don’t understand.” Eloise glanced around us. “Did you get this before you and Theo became a permanent thing or after?”

  “Before.”

  “That is one of the most prestigious schools.” Eloise tilted her head. She probably didn’t see why, at my rank, I would turn it down. “How could you not go?”

  My gaze skimmed to Landen, his mouth crumpling with ire.

  “Father.” Fury burned his eyes.

  “Yes, and Dad also said we couldn’t afford it,” I muttered.

  “Bloody hell, Spencer. That is a huge accomplishment.” Eloise gaped at me. “Theo told me you were smart and into animals, but I had no idea how much. That’s incredible.”

  I blinked, trying not to cry, the sting still raw.

  “Doesn’t matter.” I tried to smile. “If I’d gone, Theo and I most likely wouldn’t be together.”

  Everyone stared at me.

  “Your turn now.” I pointed to Eloise, lifting my drink in the air.

  A faraway haze glittered through her green eyes before her mouth turned into a forced smile, her bottle lifting in the air. “Possibilities…”

  “Fuck,” Landen hissed. “Cheers to that.”

  We all raised our drinks, the sound of glass clinking as we slammed them together.

  “Tonight, we say fuck off to our parents, society, and most certainly racist arseholes!” Eloise yelled with enthusiasm. “Fuck them all!”

  “Fuck ‘em all! Cheers!” This time our prost was filled with liberated glee. As we started to dance to the music again, I watched Eloise’s gaze shoot to the corner of the room, her expression solemn, holding for a beat before a jolt snapped her back to us like she realized what she was doing. She turned back to me, smiling and laughing, that somber moment gone.

  Subtly, I let my attention move to where she looked. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting to see, maybe nothing, or possibly Ben… but in the corner, blending in with the shadows, his eyes watching Eloise and not the prince was…

  Dalton.

  “I’ve missed you.” Hands came down on my hips, his cologne cutting through the smell of booze and sweat. I pressed back into him, our bodies moving together. His lips skimmed my throat, exploding desire over my skin.

  I was tipsy enough that my inhibitions were lowered, and the feel of him sparked need through my body, squeezing my thighs. Grinding into him, I twisted my head to the side, peering back at Theo with a sassy smile. His blurry eyes were filled with the same emotion.

  Need.

  Want.

  Sex.

  Now.

  Our friends danced around us, but more and more Theo and I became our own world, our breaths growing faster, our touches becoming longer, our moves more sexual.

  He bent down, his mouth coming down on mine.

  “Theo…” I whispered, knowing what I wanted was expressed in my tone.

  “Want to leave?” He nuzzled against my neck.

  “Yes.” I nodded fervently, wishing we could be home right now.

  “Okay, I’ll let the team know.” His hands moved down my thighs, the fabric of the tight jeans I was wearing tingling my nerves.

  Of course, we couldn’t just sneak out, hop into a taxi, and go back to one of our fl
ats. The Prince of Great Victoria would never be able to do anything as simple as that.

  Theo picked up his head, looking to the corner where he nodded at Dalton. While I saw Dalton speak into his earpiece, I noticed the two figures next to him.

  Lennox and Hazel.

  His back was to the wall, and he was dressed like he was here to enjoy himself in dark jeans, black T-shirt, and boots, with a leather bomber jacket. His scruff was a little thicker, his hazel eyes gliding over the room. No one would think he was anything more than a sexy-arse guy at the club, but I could see the tension in his frame. Alert and on.

  The blonde rubbing up against him completely sold the “guy in the club” look. Hazel was turned into him, her hands running over his arms, touching his waist, leaning into his ear.

  Even drunk, she still had an elegance I couldn’t fathom, but the way she touched him, her hand moving down his stomach to his crotch, was anything but classy.

  She was not hiding; she wanted him.

  Irritation coated my skin. “Is getting laid part of the job?”

  “What?” Theo’s head turned, following my snarl, a mischievous smile lighting up his face. “Good on them.” He chuckled. “He needs to have a bit of fun.”

  “On duty?”

  “I promise I will protect you.” Theo wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a hug. Burrowing my face into his chest, I shielded my annoyance. Don’t be so uptight, Spence. Who cares if they hook up?

  Theo squeezed me tighter against him, his mouth dipping to my ear. “I so want to be alone with you right now. Hell, I’m going to miss you while I’m away.”

  “What?” I yanked back, my brows furrowing.

  He cringed like he had let a secret slip, his head dropping.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I was going to tell you when we got home.” Sheepishly, he gazed at me. “I really was.”

  “No…” I stepped back. “You’re not doing this to me again. Please tell me you aren’t.”

  “It’s not like that this time, I swear. This is only for a week. And I swear I didn’t know until Dad told me this morning at the meeting.”