Royal Engagement

by Chance Carter

  “Why? For Dallas?” he sneered.

  My jaw ticked, and Nelson caught it, his grin widening.

  “Don’t you know she’s Wes’s bitch now? He owns her. He gets to do whatever he wants with her, and there’s nothing you or anyone else can do about it. I would tell you to go home while you still can, but there’s no way I’m letting you leave my sight.”

  I tried not to let his words get to me, tried to keep my calm even though I couldn’t stand the thought of Wes laying a single hand on Dallas. I learned a lot of things in the military, and one of them was discipline. Keeping my cool against Nelson’s brand of smug douchebaggery was a piece of cake compared to keeping my cool in the line of fire.

  I casually thrust my hands into my pockets and shrugged. “What are you gonna do, big guy? I bet you’re not much of a runner, are you?”

  He frowned. No way in hell was I going to run away from Nelson tonight, but the mental image of him trying to catch me, face red and breaths heaving, was enough to make my lips curve into a smile.

  “I think I’ll request that Wes breaks that smart mouth of yours first,” he muttered. He started to rifle around in his back pocket, and I knew our volleying of insults, weak as it was, was at an end. I couldn’t afford to have Nelson call Wes or Preston out here now. Not yet. I had to be ready for them, and right now the only thing I was ready for was a good night’s sleep. And inflicting a little punishment.

  Nelson pulled his phone out of his pocket, but I darted forward and smacked it from his hand before he could dial. His eyes widened in alarm, and he lunged for me clumsily, swiping out with both hands like he was Frankenstein’s monster. I laughed and stepped to the side. He lumbered right past me.

  “I don’t think it would be fair for me to kick your ass, but I’m going to do it anyway,” I said, kicking his back and sending him sprawling onto his face.

  Nelson groaned and pushed himself up onto his elbows.

  “Why am I going to kick your ass?” I said, pretending to interpret his groans as language. “I’m glad you asked. Because, Nelson, you’ve pissed me the fuck off, and I’m not the kind of guy you want to piss off.”

  I waited for him to get back to his feet. He turned and glared at me, cracking his knuckles again like he thought it might do some good. I rolled my eyes.

  “I’m going to make you wish you were never born,” he bit out.

  I laughed. How original.

  “Come on then, big guy,” I taunted. “Do your worst.”

  Nelson came at me, throwing lefts and rights without any coordination or plan. I dodged most of them, delivering jabs and crosses into his side and face when he opened himself up to attack. His breaths came hard and fast, like a rabid bear with asthma. To his credit, the few hits he got in had some power behind them, but Nelson had always been all bark and no bite. He was lazy. He’d probably never taken on a fight in his life that his friends couldn’t win for him. He’d been an enthusiastic participant in my beating under the bleachers several years ago, but only once I’d been knocked down. I hadn’t forgotten. It felt good to give him a taste of his own medicine, even better to do it with such ease.

  Nelson grabbed me by the collar and tried to throw me to the ground, but I held my ground and head-butted him in the nose. He moaned and released me, staggering back as blood streamed down his face. I pulled back and slammed my fist home into his jaw, and his head spun to the right.

  Nelson dropped back onto his hands, and I stood over him, catching my breath and evaluating the damage. His face was a bloody mess, bun askew and a few buttons popped open on his shirt. He made no attempt to get back up but held his face in his hands and groaned in pain. I broke his nose. Excellent.

  “Had enough?” I asked.

  “Fuck you!” It came out nasally and thick.

  I chuckled. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  I squatted down in front of him and caught his eye, wiping all traces of humor from my face.

  “Tell Wes I’m here, and that I’m not the scared little kid I used to be,” I instructed. “Tell him that I’m coming for him, and anybody who gets in my way is going to get the same treatment you did. Got that, or do you want me to write it down for you?”

  Nelson glared daggers but didn’t say anything. He knew when he was beat.

  “Great.” I slapped my thighs and rose. “I’m off. Great to see you, Nelson. I’ll be around.”

  I turned back in the direction I was heading before and walked off, smiling. It felt like I was a step closer to my goal.

  I found my bike and hopped on, heading back toward the highway and away from town for the night. I’d accomplished all I came to do today and more, and I was due for a shower and a good night’s sleep.

  I thought that talking to Dallas might help me figure out what I could do to get her out of here. She hadn’t been much help, though I couldn’t blame her. Who was I to come in out of the blue and say that I was going to save her? Her attitude didn’t deter me. I was still going to get her and her dad out of Sitka Valley and away from the Gromleys for good, I just didn’t know how yet.

  I couldn’t afford to pay their debt, that was for sure.

  It seemed hopeless, but I never turned from a challenge.

  And I would never, ever give up on Dallas Keane.

  Chapter 23

  Dallas

  Bringing my dad dinner at the shop was fast becoming routine. I’d already done it four times this week, which was unheard of. I spent most nights with the Gromleys, and tonight was the second night this week that Wes had allowed me to skip out on plans after my show to see my dad instead. I was highly skeptical of his motives, but I was going along with it for now. It meant I got to worry a little less about my dad and at the same time I got to avoid spending time with Wes and Preston and their whole grimy entourage. It was a win-win, and I didn’t want to peer too hard into the gift horse’s mouth. I also didn’t want to get too used to it, since I suspected it wouldn’t last.

  I let myself in the back door and turned toward his office, stopping when I heard something odd. Laughter. Muffled voices. I frowned.

  My dad wasn’t here alone.

  I cautiously approached his office door, keeping to the wall and remaining just out of sight. Who would visit my dad this late at night? Or maybe the better question was with whom would my dad have such a pleasant conversation.

  When I was finally close enough to spy inside the room, my breath caught in my throat. Shane and my dad were sitting at his desk, each of them with a bottle of beer in hand and smile on their face. I could only see them in profile, but the effect was striking all the same. It was the first time I’d seen my dad happy in three years, and it warmed my heart.

  They continued chatting, unaware of my presence. They were reminiscing about Shane’s early days at Keane’s Bikes, when he was gangly and uncoordinated and couldn’t step into the shop without knocking something over. These were memories we didn’t share, but I could picture it so vividly that I found myself smiling too. Such easy days, those were. My mom was still alive, my dad was still himself, and my big Broadway dreams were so close I could taste them. All that stood in my way was a few years of high school and however long it took me to save the money to get to New York. Then I’d be a star.

  I made it almost to the doorframe without being seen and decided to announce my presence before one of them caught me watching. I cleared my throat, and two sets of eyes zapped to me.

  “Hey,” I said. I raised the bag of Chinese food in my hand and addressed my dad. “I brought you some dinner.”

  Dad’s expression, which had grown tight when I first startled him, brightened. He grinned and rose to grab the bag from me.

  “Wasn’t I just saying what excellent care she takes of me?” Dad said. “I’d be lost without my girl.”

  I knew he meant it as a compliment, but I had to hide my displeasure at the remark. I didn’t want him to rely on me so much. I loved my dad and would always be there for him if I could
, but the whole reason we got into this mess in the first place was because he couldn’t manage on his own. Being the parent in our relationship was exhausting.

  I looked over at Shane, and a zing of electricity ran up my spine. Even though his posture read relaxed and carefree, the look he was giving me was nothing less than smoldering. I swallowed.

  “Can I get a word with you alone?” I asked.

  My dad bustled to his feet. “I’ve got to get back to work anyway,” he said. “I’ll eat in the shop. Thanks again for the food, Dallas.”

  Before I could protest, Dad was slipping past. Shane stayed in his chair, watching me. The corner of his mouth tilted and the realization of how devastatingly handsome he was hit me full force. Shane had always been good looking, and I’d noted how much of a man he’d grown into at our last meeting a couple of days ago, but now that we were in a well-lit space I was getting the full effect.

  His long body stretched languidly in his chair like it was a throne. His emerald eyes sparkled with mischief and something else. Something darker. I was under the hottest spotlight of my life.

  “What did you want to talk about?” he asked casually.

  His booming voice shook me out of my inspection, and I crossed to the other side of my dad’s desk and took a seat. I tried to look tougher than I felt.

  “Why are you here?” I asked.

  Shane shrugged and took a drink of his beer. “I figured it would be rude not to come catch up with your dad while I’m in town. I’m glad to see he’s doing well.”

  Shane was the only other person in the whole world who cared a lick about my dad, besides me. I tried not to let his concern steer me off track, even when I could tell how much he meant it.

  “You know what I mean. Why are you back in town?”

  What I really meant was, Are you here for me?

  Last time we spoke, all he said was that he could help me. He never said if that was his reason for returning. If it was, I didn’t know how to feel about it. I reveled in my blossoming hope and at the same time tried desperately to trample it down.

  As if Shane picked up on my unspoken question, his eyes crinkled.

  “I’ve got some business in town,” he said simply.

  I immediately deflated.

  What was I thinking? Did I actually think he’d come here for me? Just because he said he could help me didn’t mean he would. The Shane I knew was gone, just like the Dallas he’d known was gone.

  “Right. Don’t get my dad and I in trouble while you’re here. That’s all I ask.” I stood to leave, and something flashed across Shane’s face.

  “Wait,” he said, catching my eye. “Stay and have a beer with an old friend?”

  His gaze held me like a tractor beam as I considered my answer. Wes would be furious if he found out. I had already tempted fate by not telling him I saw Shane a few nights previous, though Nelson had staggered into the bar, bloody and bruised, and saved me the trouble. Not that I would have sold him out.

  Fuck it. Fuck Wes. Fuck them all.

  I sat back down and pulled a beer out of the office mini-fridge, tossing my legs up onto the desk and cracking it open.

  “So, old friend, what have you been up to these past three years?” I asked.

  Shane was unfazed by the sudden change in my demeanor. He grinned and leaned back in his chair.

  “I joined up.”

  “Just like you said you wanted to.” I raised my beer in a silent toast. “Good on you. Did you go overseas?”

  He nodded. “I did two tours in Afghanistan. Back to back. I’m home now though, for good.”

  “You don’t mean?” I raised a brow.

  “No, no,” he said, chuckling and shaking his head.

  “I live in New York now. I’ve got a little apartment down on the Lower East Side. It’s not much, but it’s mine. After I’ve finished what I’ve got to do here, I’ll be heading back there for good.”

  My heart dropped a little. “And what business is that anyway?”

  “Top secret.” His mouth formed the barest of amused smiles. “What about you? You’re doing burlesque now.”

  I ran a hand through my hair and took a drink, letting the refreshing liquid calm me a little. Shane watched me steadily, and I could discern no traces of judgment on his features. He was just curious. I would be curious too if all I’d seen was the leap between high school Dallas and ass-shaking, perpetually angry Dallas.

  “My dad told you about what Gromley has on us, right?”

  His slight nod was my answer. Most of the people who knew about our situation were in Preston and Wes’s inner circle. I was sure many suspected that there had to be some reason I was with Wes, particularly when it was clear to everyone around us that I hated him, but nobody ever asked. And I didn’t care if they knew, either. It didn’t matter to me what people thought, or at least it didn’t before Shane came back to town.

  “Preston offered me a deal. I dance in his club a few nights a week, and he uses the money I would make to pay down my dad’s debt.”

  “But why work for him? Why not get a different job in town?”

  I shrugged. “More money this way. Even if I don’t get to see most of it, I’m making way more than I would at a coffee shop or the mall. Besides, I doubt anyone else would hire me. Preston wants me working for him because he can keep an eye on me and prevent me from making enough money to get any stupid ideas about striking out on my own. It’s easier to go along with it than to try to resist.”

  “That doesn’t sound like a deal,” Shane commented.

  “I’m helping my dad and that’s the only thing that’s important to me right now.”

  “That’s admirable, Dallas.” He sat up a little, and when he spoke his voice was honey layered with sex. “But then again, you’ve always been too good for this place.”

  His eyes flicked to my jean-clad legs, sending a flurry of butterflies exploding in my ribcage. Wes couldn’t inspire that reaction in his wildest dreams, but Shane could do it with just a look. I used to think I’d imagined all this when I was younger, that there was no way I could feel as connected to him as I did. The longer I spent with him, the more those feelings crept back, despite my better judgment.

  “How’s your mom?” I asked, needing to steer the conversation away from myself. “Aren’t you worried about how Wes is going to react to your being back?”

  “I took care of it. She’s too far away for anyone to get to her.”

  “Aren’t you worried about yourself?”

  He grinned and set his empty bottle down on the desk. “I never worry about myself. I can’t decide whether it’s a strength or a downfall.”

  “Downfall,” I answered glibly, setting my feet down and grabbing him another beer.

  “Why so certain?”

  I passed him the bottle, and his fingers brushed mine as he took it. I shivered and nearly forgot that he’d asked me a question.

  “It’s what fucked you the last time, isn’t it?” I posed. “Don’t tell me you still go tromping headfirst into danger without the slightest regard for your own safety. Didn’t they teach you better in the army? Can’t save the world if you can’t save yourself.”

  “They taught me patience. That’s more important than anything else.”

  I studied this new Shane, tried to dissect his quiet confidence. The rough edges that used to catch on everything he touched had all been sanded down, and he projected calm while still managing to shake my world at its foundations. He was an enigma but I still felt like I knew him well, like I’d always known him.

  “What are you going to do if Wes or Preston kill you?” I joked. “Wait it out? Get them back in the next lifetime?”

  “Why wait for the next lifetime?” His eyes sparkled. “I’ll raise an army of the undead and make Satan’s Perch true to its name.”

  I snorted. “It already is true to its name.”

  I pictured Preston with horns and a pointy tail. It looked completely natural.


  My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out. Wes had texted me, asking how long it took to deliver food to my dad. Apparently, his recent bout of benevolence was on its way out. I sighed and texted back that I was on my way home.

  “I’ve got to go,” I said.

  Shane’s forehead wrinkled. “Everything okay?”

  I laughed and rolled my eyes, setting my beer on the desk as I rose to my feet. “Calm down, soldier. It’s fine. Wes doesn’t like it when I’m out too late. I’ve got to head home.”

  “You live with him?”

  Again, I looked for judgment in his tone and found none. Nevertheless, shame gnawed on my insides and I found it hard to hold his gaze.

  “Yeah, of course. What’s the point in keeping insurance if you don’t actually keep it? And, well...” I wrinkled my nose. “I’m technically Wes’s girlfriend of three years.”

  Shane didn’t flinch. He must’ve known about this already, which was good since I didn’t want to have to take him through the humiliating details of how a man I despised controlled my entire social life. Still, Shane looked pissed.

  “I have my own room,” I blurted, not sure why I suddenly felt compelled to correct this possible miscommunication.

  Why did it matter to me if Shane thought I was sleeping with Wes or not?

  He smiled, and it was worth it.

  “I’ll walk you out,” he said. “I should be getting back too.”

  We said goodbye to my dad quickly, though he barely noticed our presence. He was thoroughly engrossed in both his chow mein and the bike on the jack. Then, heart hammering in my ears, Shane and I walked out to the parking lot.

  Shane turned to me, a smile etched into his handsome features, and just like that, I was a bubbly teenager again with the world at my feet. “It was good to see you again,” he murmured.

  “Yeah, you too,” I replied. “It’s always nice to see a friendly face.”

  His eyes flicked down to my lips, then back to my eyes. My breath hitched. We were so close. Just a few inches and his mouth could be mine. I pictured myself pressing up on my toes and twining my fingers through his hair, and my cheeks flushed with hot blood. I swallowed. My mouth was suddenly parched.