Recklessly Royal

by Nichole Chase

  “I’m fine. Just decided to fish with David for a little while.” I stood up and brushed my shorts off.

  “I didn’t realize I was on D’Lynsal property. Stanley, the steward at Rousseau, said I could fish anywhere around the lake.”

  “I saw him and decided to stop,” I said again, and grimaced. I sounded guilty. “I’m sorry to worry you.” There, maybe that would cover my guilt.

  “Of course, that’s fine.” Jameson flashed me a genuine smile. “You’ve had a long couple of weeks. Fishing sounds like a nice way to relax.”

  Mark’s face stayed visibly still, as if he was fighting his actual reaction.

  “Yes, it’s been a nice break.” I turned to look at David and smiled. “I’ve got to get back.”

  “Call me when you have some free time.” He stood up and came close to me. “I’m working at Victory Hall all week, so have most of my nights and afternoons free.”

  “I don’t suppose—” I stopped, wondering if it would be too weird for him.

  “What?” He grabbed my hand again.

  “I have a charity auction to go to later this week. Would you like to go with me?” I held my breath while I waited for him to answer.

  “Is this the kind of thing where I need to wear a suit?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “Black tie.” I bit my lip.

  “So, a tuxedo.” He narrowed his eyes. “Would I be your date or just going the same place you were?”

  “My date.” I smiled and was rewarded with one of his own.

  “Then for you I will wear a tux.”

  Standing on my tiptoes I pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “I’ll see you then.”

  Letting go of his hand, I walked over to where Mark and Jameson stood waiting. “Thanks for letting me fish with you.”

  “Any time.” David’s grin was fast.

  “Later.” I took a few steps backward.

  “Later.” His eyes stayed on me while I moved, but I had to turn around and walk the right way or I risked tripping on a tree root.

  I started jogging as soon as I turned around. It wasn’t that I thought Jameson or Mark would give me a hard time, it was just that I didn’t want to share my afternoon with anyone else. I wanted to relish in what I’d done with David; to stay in that moment for as long as possible.

  EIGHTEEN

  I LOOKED THROUGH THE jewelry room and frowned. I wanted something that was elegant, but not over the top. Of course, anything I picked would be over the top according to Sam. She was such a tomboy when it came to clothes and accessories. If Chadwick didn’t keep her in line she would probably wear jeans and boots to all of her meetings.

  Thinking of boots made me wonder what David would look like tonight. He hadn’t worn a tuxedo at the wedding, but he was tonight for me. I had a feeling that was a much bigger deal than he had let on while we stood at the lake.

  I settled on a pair of diamond drop earrings and a bracelet that Alex had given me for my eighteenth birthday. I’d skip the necklace so it wouldn’t compete with the neckline of the dress. The dress itself was a soft, petal pink that flowed behind me as I walked. The tiny cap sleeves barely sat on my shoulders and were covered in crystals. I hadn’t worn this dress yet, because of the amount of cleavage it displayed, but tonight was a date, and I was going to wear something date worthy. It wasn’t an outrageous amount of breast, but enough that I questioned it while appearing somewhere as Princess Catherine. But, damn it, if David was going to wear a tux, I could take the risk of wearing something that showed a little more skin.

  I put on the bracelet and checked my hair in the mirror to make sure nothing had fallen or come loose before I left my room. I could hear Selene talking to someone in her room so I knocked instead of just walking in.

  “Come in.” Her voice was steady and it made my heart sing to know she had recovered so much in the few days that she had been home.

  “How are you feeling?” I walked in and sat down on the edge of her bed.

  “I’m fine! Fine. Too bad these women won’t let me out of bed.” She sighed dramatically and I laughed.

  “Oh hush. Stop giving them such a hard time!” I smiled at the two nurses in apology. “She’s usually much better behaved.”

  “She’s fine, Your Highness.” The older nurse smiled. “And she’s not getting past me. I know it still hurts her to walk around more than a trip to the bathroom.”

  “Call me Catherine, please.”

  “Ha! See, I can’t even use the bathroom on my own.”

  “Rotten.” I poked her leg. “You don’t want to fall and hurt yourself any more.”

  “This is just payback for when you had your tonsils removed.” Selene smiled. “Do you remember that?”

  “I demanded ice cream for every meal for a month.” I laughed.

  “Exactly. You went on an eating strike and would cry when I tried to give you soup.” She shook her head. “So, if I’m not an easy patient, it’s because I learned from you.”

  “Ouch, that hurts, Selene.” I laughed before turning to look at the nurses. “Would you mind giving us a few minutes? I promise to not let her do jumping jacks.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” They left and pulled the door shut behind them.

  “You look lovely.” Selene smiled.

  “Thank you.” I preened.

  “I don’t think I’ve seen that dress before.”

  “You told me I should stop being so careful, so I figured I’d show a little boob tonight.” I winked at her.

  “Is it for anyone in particular?” She narrowed her eyes.

  “David is coming as my date tonight.”

  “Ah, I see.” She cocked her head to the side. “And how much of your boobs has he seen already?”

  “Selene!” I stared at her, shocked, while she cackled.

  “Don’t play coy. You’ve practically been whistling while walking around the house. Something has happened.”

  “I’m not sure I like this side of you. It’s so . . . so . . . weird!” I laughed.

  “Get used to it. I don’t think it’s going away when I get off this medicine. Especially if you cut back on my hours.” She mock-glared at me. “Which we still need to talk about.”

  “How is Tabitha doing? She seems to have everything in hand. Even with all of the extra media attention lately.” I fiddled with one of my earrings that felt loose.

  “She’s doing an adequate job.”

  “Wow. Don’t lavish so much praise on one person, Selene. It’ll go to her head.” I frowned.

  “She is very worried about your media presence, which could be because of all the attention you’re receiving with Alex being out of town, but I think she should be paying more attention to the events that are behind the scenes. She hasn’t rescheduled your investment meetings yet, and since I’m not even allowed to think about working, no one will give me a phone so I can do it myself.”

  “To be fair, I asked for a couple of days off.”

  “You needed some time?” Selene looked at me with worried eyes. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, I was just tired. I didn’t sleep much while you were in the hospital.”

  “I’m sorry—”

  “Don’t you dare apologize for being sick!” I poked her leg again. “That couldn’t be helped and I’m just grateful that you’re doing so well now.”

  “I do hate that I caused you to worry so much.” She smiled sadly. “But I do appreciate the fact that you took such good care of me.”

  “Just returning the favor.” I felt tears well up behind my eyes. “You’ve always been there for me.”

  “I will be for as long as I can.” She reached out to me and I grabbed her hand. “I heard that you told the surgeons that I was your family.”

  “You are my family.” I squeezed her fingers gently, still worried I might hurt her. “And there is nothing more important than family.”

  “I want you to know that you’re my family as well.” She smiled. “And I couldn’t have asked f
or a better one.”

  I couldn’t find words to respond, just held on to her hand and fought the tears that wanted to fall.

  “Don’t you dare cry!” Selene let go of my hand and pointed at me. “You’ll mess up your makeup, and you look so lovely and polished.”

  “Stop saying sweet things then!” I sniffled.

  “You just got on to me for being a grump!”

  “I didn’t mean it.” One tear slid down my cheek as I chuckled. “You can be whatever you want as long as you’re here to do it.”

  “Good. Then get out of my room. I’m tired and I don’t want to see you cry.” She made a shooing motion at me. “And tell those nurses that I’m ready for my gruel and water.”

  I laughed. “It’s not that bad.”

  “Not that bad? Have you seen what they are feeding me? It’s colorless, smells awful, and tastes even worse.” She made a disgusted face.

  “But it seems to be helping.”

  “I think they’re drugging me. I always fall asleep after I eat.” She frowned.

  “Could you blame them?” I stood up and laughed. “It’s not like you could just be tired and worn out from eating. No. Not after nearly dying from a heart attack.”

  “You’re a cheeky princess. I’m not letting you get away with that any longer.”

  “I’m going.” I opened the door and turned back to look at her. “I know I said I didn’t, but I do like you like this. All cranky and pushy. It suits you just as well as your clipboard.”

  “I miss my clipboard.” She sighed as I closed the door.

  “We’re taking good care of her, miss.” The younger nurse smiled at me.

  “I know you are. She’s healing quickly!” I touched her shoulder in gratitude. “She’s not normally so prickly.”

  “I think it’s a defense mechanism,” the older nurse offered. “She doesn’t want people to treat her like a frail, broken thing. So she’s pushy and grumpy. Makes her look stronger.”

  “I think you’re right.” I nodded my head. “But I kind of like it.”

  “Your brother said the same thing.” The dreamy look on the younger nurse’s face made me smile. Despite Max’s antisocial tendencies, he had a way of making hearts flutter.

  “He would know.” The doorbell rang and I smiled. “I believe that’s my ride.”

  “Have a good evening.” The older nurse smiled. “I think you’re going to knock your date over in that dress.”

  “Do you think so?” I looked down at the material.

  “Oh yes, ma’am.” Her smile grew. “You’re practically glowing.”

  “Thank you. Have a good night!” I turned to run back to my room to fetch my purse. “And don’t let Selene bully you.”

  David was waiting by the fireplace by the time I made my way downstairs. His back was to me, but I enjoyed the way his tuxedo pants hugged his backside. Tabitha was chatting animatedly with him and I found myself frowning. Instead of wearing a nice dress that would fit in with the rest of the auction and partygoers she was wearing a ball gown that left little to the imagination.

  I didn’t enforce a dress code for the people who worked with me. That seemed cruel and unfair. I would hate being told what I could and couldn’t wear. But if I was being honest, Tabitha looked like a call girl. And she was busy pushing her cleavage in David’s direction.

  Okay, maybe I was being catty, but the dress was well on the side of ridiculous. And her cleavage put the little bit that I was showing to shame.

  “Hello.” I stayed by the sofa, not wanting to compete for space next to the low fire.

  “Wow.” David turned to look at me and his eyes drank me in. “You look amazing.”

  “What a beautiful dress!” Tabitha cut off any response I had. She put a hand to her bosom and I tried not to roll my eyes. It was likely she didn’t know what to wear to the event, and I hadn’t thought to offer any advice or ask what she was thinking.

  I bit my lip. “You look nice too.”

  “Thank you. I was just telling David that my friend is a designer.” She ran her hand over the material. “She made this for me when I told her I couldn’t find anything that I liked.”

  “I’m going to grab my wrap, would you like me to get yours as well?” I motioned toward the closet. I really hoped that she was planning on covering up a little bit. Or a lot. A lot would be good.

  “Oh, no thank you. I’m warm enough.”

  I eyed the cutouts at her waist and bit my lip again. Taking out a silk wrap, I started to drape it over my shoulders, but David’s hands stopped me.

  “Let me help.” He tucked the soft material around me. “You really look amazing.”

  “So do you.” I eyed the way his shirt hugged his chest under the jacket. “The tux looks good on you.”

  “Chadwick made me buy one when I asked where I could rent one.” He touched the tie at his throat. “It was a scary experience with tape measures and a little man with straight pins.”

  I chuckled. “Then pass my regards to Chadwick. He did a good job.”

  “I’m sure he will appreciate them. He said that if I was going on a date with you, I had to look the part.” His eyes clouded for a minute before clearing with a smile. “That you would be wearing the latest in fashion.”

  “I like having you with me no matter what you’re wearing.” And not wearing, I thought. I liked that idea a great deal, but I kept the thought to myself. If Tabitha hadn’t been watching us closely I might have offered it up as a flirty line, but now wasn’t the time.

  “So, tonight you are Princess Catherine, and I’m her date.” He reached up and touched one of my earrings gently. “Maybe Cathy can come out and play later.”

  I laughed. “Tonight you are Dr. David Rhodes, trusted confidant of Princess Samantha, and I’m the lucky girl that gets to hang on your arm.” I leaned close. “But Cathy would like to get out of this uncomfortable dress eventually.”

  “I knew I liked you.” He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to my lips. “And now we’ve gotten the kiss out of the way. Our date can proceed without inhibition.”

  “Hm.” I smiled. “Not a bad idea.”

  He walked me to the door, which he opened. The limousine sitting in the drive was running and ready for us. There were glasses and a bottle of champagne waiting for us inside. Before the door closed, Tabitha slid into the back with us, and I felt myself frown again. While I had known that she would be attending the formal function with us, I hadn’t planned on her crashing the date part of the night.

  “There will be several journalists when we arrive. Is there one that you would prefer to speak to?” She pulled her phone out of a small satchel.

  “I’d prefer to not speak to any of them.” My voice was a little sharper than I intended.

  “It would be good publicity for your upcoming charity. Let them know about what you have in the works.” She eyed me over her phone, the slit in her dress showing most of her leg.

  “If you’re worried about me, don’t. I can stand in the background while you answer some questions.” David smiled at me.

  “Very well.” I frowned at the list she showed me. “Let me talk to Yvette. I’ve spoken with her in the past.”

  “I’ll let her know.” She tapped on her phone. “How should I explain David?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “What do you want me to say about him?” She smiled at him, but her words annoyed me. As if he was an object that needed a backstory.

  “He’s my date.” I shrugged. “That’s all they need to know.”

  “Should I tell them you’re in a committed relationship? Or that you’re friends?” Tabitha persisted.

  “That’s none of their business.” I looked at David, worried. He was watching, his mouth doing that thing when he isn’t sure if he wants to say something.

  “Well, they’re going to ask.”

  “That doesn’t mean we need to answer.” I shook my head. “Tabitha, it’s your job to talk around th
ose questions, so you decide how you want to not answer.”

  “I can do that.” She frowned. “But what about the pictures from the hotel?”

  “What pictures?” My blood froze and my stomach twisted.

  “I got word today that there are two magazines in possession of photos with you and David kissing at your hotel.”

  “What?” I practically shouted the word. My stomach did a nasty flip. After Alex’s ex-girlfriend had released sex pictures, it had been my worst nightmare to think it could happen to me. It was one of the reasons I had been so careful.

  “Are they security tapes?” David squeezed my fingers. I wasn’t sure if he knew about Alex and his ex or not, but he was quick to offer comfort.

  “I’m not sure. Maybe cell phone pictures.” She shrugged. “If you don’t want them knowing about your relationship, you need to be more careful.”

  “What magazines?” I took a deep breath.

  “Stylish and Celeb First.” She shrugged. “They’re releasing them tomorrow.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me about this before now?” I glared at her.

  “I thought you knew.”

  Deep breath. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Another breath. My chest hurt. And another shallower breath. “How would I know if they contacted you?”

  “The e-mail said they were going to offer you the chance to buy the pictures from them.”

  “I can’t do that.” My words sounded raspy. I looked at David. This touched him as well. “I’m sorry. I can’t.”

  “It’s okay. I’m more worried about how this will affect you.” He touched my cheek.

  “If I pay their blackmail money, it will only get worse.”

  “It’s just a kiss, Cathy.” David cupped my cheek. “It’s not like what happened with your brother.”

  So he did know.

  The air left my lungs and I fought to catch my breath. My hands started shaking and tears rushed to my eyes. It was like catching the flu in a second flat and I had no way of getting better. In that moment I felt like I was dying. It was as if my worst nightmare had just jumped out of a closet and was dragging me down to the pits of hell and no one, especially myself, could save me.