Risen from the flames: Debramcg1106

MC Mixer - Week 2

PARTY PREP

What will your MC / OC and their date(s) be wearing?

Ava is generally a very down-to-earth girl who spends most days in yoga gear with her hair up in a messy bun as she chases around after her two small children.  However, she does LOVE to get fully glammed up for a special night out and even has a closet devoted entirely to her extensive collection of cocktail dresses and formal designer ball gowns.  For this occasion, Ava has chosen a strapless, feathered gown by Armani paired with Cartier chandelier earrings.

Drake will also be wearing Armani, simply because it’s what Ava laid out for him.  He doesn’t even grumble about it anymore, as he has placed this issue firmly into the “pick your battles” portion of their marriage.  But, much as he hates to admit it, he doesn’t mind dressing up as much as he once did.  With a woman like Ava on his arm, he had to up his fashion game, and there’s no denying he looks pretty damn good in a well-tailored suit.  

On important nights such as this, Drake will wear his father’s black Rolex, a gift from King Constantine for 10 years of loyal service to the crown.

Do they have any rituals or other things they must do or wear? 

If she has time, (and the kids are occupied) Ava likes to take a relaxing bubble bath to unwind and recharge before spending a long evening socializing. Because although she always seems like she’s having the time of her life at these events, she’s secretly counting the minutes until she and Drake can escape back to the peace and sanctity of their own home.  

If possible, (again, if the kids are otherwise occupied) Drake will join her in the bathtub, which is a date night “ritual” they both very much look forward to.  However, it inevitably prolongs the “getting ready” process quite a bit, so if they’re pressed for time, Drake will let Ava enjoy her bath in solitude while he takes his shower and shaves.

 Will they need a babysitter? 

Ava and Drake have two children, Emelia (4) and Jax (2), and are actively working on baby number three.  Their house manager/nanny, Agnes will be watching the children tonight.

How will they get there? Drake would always prefer to take his beloved Jeep, but some occasions call for something a little more elegant, so Drake will drive Ava’s Jaguar this evening.

MC Mixer - Week 3

When will they arrive? 

While they always strive for punctuality, more often than not they end up running a bit behind schedule.  Sometimes Ava’s hair and makeup will take longer than expected and occasionally their pre-party “bath time” will run long, but what usually holds them up is the process of extracting themselves from their children who have developed a nasty habit of clinging to their parents and screaming bloody murder when they try to leave the house without them.  (Surviving the toddler years is not for the faint of heart.) 

What are they drinking? 

Drake will drink whiskey, neat.  The better the bottle, the happier he’ll be.  

Ava loves a good espresso martini.  Coffee and Vodka ... is there anything better?  However, she’s learned that she can only have two before switching to water for a while because they kick her ass. 

What kind of party-goer are they? 

Ava used to love nothing more than a good party.  Very social and bubbly by nature, people have always been drawn to her and Ava thrived in the spotlight.  She could dance and drink and socialize with anyone and everyone until the sun came up and be ready to do it all again the next night. But now that she’s a wife and mother, her priorities have shifted and she finds that after a few hours partying, she’s more than ready to flee the commotion and head back home to spend some quiet time alone with Drake.  

On the other hand, Drake has gotten slightly more social in the last few years since marrying Ava and becoming Duke of Valtoria.   Yes, having his gorgeous wife on his arm soothes the sting of these social events, no question.  But he also found that the more time he spent among the aristocracy, the better he understood them.  

He’d misjudged them.  

The nobility weren’t simply the spoiled, vapid, and idle misanthropes who’d openly tormented him for most of his life, simply on the basis of his common birth.  No, they were so much more than that.  They were also insecure,  emotionally unstable, and deeply, DEEPLY unhappy.  Most lacked any kind of meaningful connection with another human being, so they used their money, social status, and worthless titles to shield themselves against the crushing loneliness that their privileged lives afforded them.

Shivering slightly against the cool night air, Drake stood outside Riley’s bedroom door knocking gently.

“C’mon Matheson.  I know you’re in there.  Please let me in.”

He thought he heard muffled sobs coming from the other side of the door, but she didn’t answer him.

“Riley…” He pleaded, “Please.  I’m not leaving until you talk to me.”

Silence

“Come on. It’ll be morning soon.  I’m just in my underwear out here.”  He rubbed his hands over his arms, trying to warm up.  ”It’s really cold.”  

Dead air

“If one of the maids finds me, she’ll be scarred for life.’

More silence

“Just think of the scandal it’ll cause.  I can see the headlines now.  “King’s best friend found half naked outside suitors bedroom door.”

Still nothing.

Sighing, Drake leaned his forehead and the palm of his hand against the door.

“Okay...have it your way.  When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be right here, waiting...freezing my ass off...but don’t worry about me.”

Drake turned and slid down the door, bringing his knees up and resting his forearms on them.  He leaned his head back, banging it against the door a couple times before dropping it onto his arms.

Fuck!  

He’d been afraid something like this would happen. He and Liam had even talked about it.  They both knew going into tonight that they needed to make it all about Riley, and not about them.  It was imperative that she feel special, included, and needed ...if this arrangement had any chance of working.

And they couldn’t fucking do it.

With a frustrated groan, Drake scrubbed his face in his hands.  He didn’t blame Riley for running out on them.  Anyone in her place would’ve done the same damn thing!

He didn’t know low long he’d been sitting outside Rileys door.  All the knew was that by the time he heard the deadbolt disengage, he was chilled to the bone and his left butt-cheek had gone completely numb.

He pushed himself hurriedly to his feet just in time to see the door open a crack as Riley peered out into the hallway.

When she saw him standing there, she sighed,  

“You’re still here.” she said wearily, turning and leaving the door open.

He followed her inside, closing the door behind them.

She’d changed out of Liam’s shirt and was now dressed in a pair of leggings and an over-sized sweatshirt.  Her hair was pulled into a loose ponytail and her face scrubbed clean of make-up.  She looked so lost and miserable, huddled in the middle of her bed, with her knees pulled protectively to her chest.  

“I’m so sorry.” Drake began, holding his hands out in supplication, “I don’t know what else to say.  I’m just really, really sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry for.”  Riley replied, her eyes filling with tears, “I’m the one who should be sorry.  I don’t know why I ever thought there was room for me in your relationship.”

“Because there is.” Drake insisted urgently,  “You just have to give it a little more time.  It’s a whole new dynamic and it’s going to take us all a little while to get used to it, that’s all.”

“Time isn’t going to change anything, and you know it!” She cried, her voice rising in pitch, “Liam will never love me the way he loves you.”

“You’re wrong.”  The words left his mouth automatically, but even as they did, he could taste the lie on his tongue.

Riley gave a harsh laugh, “It’s okay Drake. We both know it's true  I thought I was okay with it, but after tonight…”  She shook her head, “I just felt so...used.”

She stopped and pressed her hand over her mouth, unable to continue.

“Riley…” Drake reached for her but she moved out of his reach,

“How can I marry someone knowing that I’ll never come first to him?” She shook her head, “How can I marry someone who calls out your name when he’s making love to me?”

The tears started again and she didn’t bother trying to stop them this time.  She buried her face in her hands and gave herself over to them.

Drake sat on the bed next to her and pulled her into a comforting embrace, cradling her head to his chest as she wept.

“Liam does love you.” He murmured into her hair, “I know he does.”

“Maybe.” All the anger drained from her body, leaving her feeling sad, just desperately sad.

“But he’ll always love you more.”  She looked up at him, her beautiful blue eyes clouded with pain, “And you’ll always love him more.”

Drake tightened his arms around her, but didn’t try to deny it this time.

“I want more than that, Drake.” She continued, “I want to marry a man who loves me and puts me first.  I want to be the most important person in his life.  I deserve that.”  

She looked up at him, her beautiful face, pale and tear-streaked, “It’s not selfish of me to want that, right?”

Drake tucked her head under his chin, stroking her hair gently

“No.” He whispered, “Of course it isn't.”

He held her, stroking her back gently until her tears finally stopped.  He brought his hand to her face, gently wiping at the last of her tears with his thumb.

“You can have that Riley.  You can have that with Liam.”  

She started to shake her head, but Drake caught her chin between his fingers, stilling it.

“You can.” He insisted, “You’re good for Liam.  You’re good for Cordonia.  You’re the Queen this country needs.  Don’t throw that all away because of this.”

“But I just told you…”

“Listen to what I’m telling you, Riley.”  Drake said insistently, his eyes burning into hers, “This won’t be an issue ever again.  I promise you that.  You’ll marry Liam, and be the best Queen Cordonia has ever known.  You’ll fill up the palace with little princes and princesses and you’ll be happier than you ever dreamed possible.  If you give Liam the family he’s always wanted, you’ll become his entire world, and he’ll forget he ever knew me.  I promise you that.”

“You can’t make that kind of promise.”

“Yes I can.” He reached out to tuck a piece of hair behind her ear with a soft smile, “I’m going to take myself out of the equation.”

Riley stood quickly, shaking her head, “What does that mean, Drake?  Take yourself out of the equation?”

“I’m going to leave.”

Riley’s eyes grew wide as she stared at him in disbelief. “No.  Drake you can’t do that.”

“It’s okay.” He said, rubbing her arm soothingly, “I’ve been thinking about it for a while now.  But after tonight, it’s become painfully obvious I can’t stay.”

Riley shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks, “Drake, no...Please.  This isn’t the answer.”

“I’ve made up my mind, Matheson.  You and Liam need a fighting chance, and you won’t get that while I’m still here.  I have to go.”

She threw her arms around Drake’s neck, hugging him tightly.  “But I don’t want you to leave!  I’ll miss you so much.”

Drake held her close, burying his face in her hair as she clung to him. “I know, me too.”

Finally he pulled away and kissed her gently on the forehead.

“You’re going to get your fairytale ending, Riley. You deserve nothing less.”

*****************************************************

King Liam’s office was a beehive of activity this morning.  Bastien and Mara stood conversing quietly in the corner as they awaited their audience with the King.  Liam’s personal secretary, Helene stood at his side with an armful of papers requiring his signature.  She dropped the stack in front of him, tapping it impatiently with her pen to get his attention.  But at this moment he was completely focused on Lord Heyward, who was spreading a set of detailed blueprints across his desk.  

Drake stood quietly in the doorway waiting for his opportunity to have a word with Liam, but as more and more people entered and exited the room, he started to grow restless.

“Liam.” He said.

The King looked up briefly and noticed Drake standing across the room.

He nodded a greeting before returning his attention to Lord Heyward, tapping the plans in front of him with his pointer finger, “And what here?”

“A new retaining wall, your Majesty.  It will stretch from here…” he placed his finger on the blueprint and dragged it across the page, “To here. Reinforced with steel rebar.  It will hold for a thousand years, if not longer.”

Liam nodded his approval.

“Your Highness, please...” Helene said with a dramatic sigh, as she pushed the papers toward him, “ If you would just give me a moment of your undivided attention...”

“Liam.” Drake repeated, a little louder this time.

Liam met his eyes and frowned slightly.  It was unlike Drake to disturb him when he was working.  

Helene waved a contract in front of Liam’s face.  With a frustrated sigh, he snatched it from her hand, scrawled his name across the bottom and handed it back to her.

He held up one finger in Drakes direction as Helene handed him another page.

“I’m leaving.” 

“Oh?”  

Without looking up, Liam signed his name and slid the paper across the table to Helene before reaching for the next, “Where are you going?”

“I don’t know.”

At that, Liam raised his head, his brow furrowed.  “When will you be back?”

Drake squared his shoulders. “I won’t.”

Liam narrowed his eyes and the two engaged in a tense staring contest for several minutes until Lord Heyward’s voice shattered the silence.  

“Your majesty, If you’ll just sign off on the orders.  We need to submit the plan by...”

“Leave us.” Liam said tersely.

“But sir…”

“GET OUT.”  He commanded, his eyes never leaving Drake. “ALL OF YOU.”

Helene sucked in her breath.  She knew that tone and didn’t to be anywhere nearby when the King lost his temper.  She gathered her papers and scurried quickly to the door.

Bastien cleared his throat.  “Mara, Lord Heyward. If you would be so kind…”  

He held the door open until they both passed through.  Giving Liam a quick bow, he exited, closing the door behind him,  leaving Liam and Drake alone.

“What do you mean you’re not coming back?”  Liam’s tone was calm but Drake could see the anger boiling just under the surface.

Drake tilted his chin up, readying for battle.  He’d made his decision.  He wasn’t backing down.

“It’s time, Liam, we both know it.  Don’t fight me on this.”

Liam stood slowly and walked to the front of his desk.  He leaned back against it, his arms crossed over his chest as he scowled at Drake.

“Is this about the other night...with Riley?”

“She was devastated, Liam.

“Yes, I realize.  And I’m sorry for it.  It was a moment of weakness.  It won’t happen again.”

“You’re right.  It won’t.  Because I won’t be there next time.”

“So you’re running away again, is that it?”

Drake sighed in agitation, “I’m not running away…”

“After promising me that you wouldn’t!”  He pounded the desk with his fist, “You fucking promised me, Drake!”

“I’m not running!” Drake exploded, “I’m just... leaving.”

“You’re a coward!  You’re a liar and a fucking coward!” Liam turned his back and ran his fingers roughly through his hair as he fought to control his rising panic.

“You know it’s for the best.” Drake said quietly,

Liam gave a harsh laugh. “Do I?”

“Yeah, Li...you do.  Riley doesn’t want this, and who the hell can blame her?  She shouldn’t have to share her husband.”

“We’re not wed yet.”

“But you will be.” Drake said sharply

Liam crossed his arms over his chest, glaring down at the floor in silence.

“You know you’re being  unfair to her. She deserves the fairytale you promised her.  She deserves a happy marriage to a man who adores her and puts her first always.  A husband who loves and cherishes her above everything and everyone else.  She’ll never have that if I stay.”

Finally Liam lifted his head, his eyes full of pain and uncertainty.   “I don’t know if I can be that man.”

“You can.” Drake said firmly, “As long as I’ve known you, you’ve wanted nothing more than to get married and have children.  It’s time.”

“But I…”

“Just stop, Liam!” Drake shouted, raking his fingers through his hair.  “Fuck!  You’re making this so goddamn hard.”

“Good. It should be fucking hard on you!”

Drake whirled on him, his eyes wild, “Do you really think this is easy for me?  You think this is what I want?”

“If you don’t want to leave, then...don’t!” Liam shouted back at him.

They stood face to face, chests heaving as they glared at each other.  

Finally Drake turned away with a growl of frustration. He stalked across the room to the window, staring out across the grounds of the only home he’d ever known.  

Why couldn’t Liam see it was killing him to have to do this?  Why did he have to be so fucking resistant?  

“Please, Drake.”  Liam whispered, his voice cracking with emotion, “Please don’t leave.”

“If I stay...” Drake turned from the window slowly, his eyes nearly black with emotion as they burned into Liam, “ You will lose Riley. Do you understand that?”

Liam hung his head

“Don’t lose Riley over this, Liam.  She’s your future. She’s Cordonia’s future.”

Liam shook his head, refusing to meet Drake’s steely gaze. “I don’t want a future if you’re not in it.”

“Grow the fuck up, Liam!”  Drake exploded, “I was never going to be your future and you know that as well as I do!  We always knew there’d come a day when this had to end.  We’re not kids anymore, Li.  It’s time to stop pretending we can have it all.  We can't.”

“Why not?” Liam whispered.

“Because that’s not how life works.”

“So you want me to let you go... for Riley.”

“No.” Drake snapped, “I want you to let me go because you’re the fucking King of Cordonia and your duty is to your people first.   You’ve been forgetting that for too long.”  

Liam’s eyes narrowed his jaw tightened, as Drakes words hit a raw nerve.  He knew very well what was expected of him.  The day Leo abdicated, Liam’s path was etched in stone and there was no deviating from that path.  He knew it, but he loathed being reminded of it.

Drake noticed the tension in Liam’s expression and softened his tone. “Your subjects need a King and a Queen, princes and princesses, a stable royal family to look to.  Riley loves you and I know you care for her.  Don’t be a fool, Liam. Marry her.  Start a family with her.  Be happy with her.”

“But I love you.”

Drake sighed heavily, trying to ease the tightness in his chest. “And I love you.  You know I do.  But it’s not enough anymore.”

“I don’t want you to leave.” Liam said quietly, unable to meet Drakes gaze for fear that he’d completely lose control of his emotions.  

Finally he swallowed down the lump in his throat and turned his sorrow-filled eyes to Drake.  

“I’m begging you” he whispered, “Don’t leave.”

Drake closed his eyes and fought against a wave of pain so strong it threatened to break his resolve completely.

He forced himself to picture Rileys tear-stained face and drew strength from it.

“I have to.”

Liam tilted his head upwards, staring unseeingly at the ceiling for several long minutes.  Finally, he looked back at Drake, his expression impassive.  

He straightened his posture, drew his shoulders back and clasped his hands behind his back as his kingly veneer dropped firmly into place

“When will you take your leave?” He asked formally.

Drakes brow furrowed at Liam’s sudden change of demeanor.

“Tomorrow.”

Liam nodded and returned to his desk.  He sat and turned his attention back to the papers on his desk.  

“Very well then.”

“Liam…”

“You know your way out.” Liam snapped dismissively, as he went back to studying the blueprints in front of him.

Drake let out a harsh laugh. “It’s gonna be like that, huh?”

Liam didn’t respond.  

“Is this really how you want to leave things?”

“I’m not leaving things at all.” Liam snapped, glaring up at him for just a second before turning back to his work, “You are.”

Frustrated, hurt and pissed as hell, Drake strode across the room and yanked the door open forcefully.

“Drake?”

Liam’s voice stopped him.  Drake turned slowly to face his best friend, the love of his life…

“Yes?”

“Send Helene and Lord Heyward back in, would you?”

Drake heart dropped as his anger surged.  With a clenched jaw, he gave a brief nod and walked out.

As soon as he heard the door close, Liam’s shoulders slumped forward and he buried his face in his hands.

********************

Drake snapped his suitcase shut and nodded to Bastien.  “That’s the last of it.”

Bastien motioned to one of the guards who grabbed the bag and disappeared into the hallway.

Drake stood awkwardly in front of Bastien, staring at the floor for a moment before raising his eyes.

“This is harder than I thought it was going to be.” Drake said with a wry smile, “I kinda feel like I’m saying goodbye to my Dad all over again.”

Bastien shook his head, as he reached out to grasp Drakes arms firmly. “No.  I’m still here.  If you ever need anything...anything at all...I’m just a phone call away, alright?”

“Thanks, Bas. That means a lot.”

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed,”  Bastien paused, giving Drake a wry smile, “I’m not very good with emotional stuff, so bear with me, okay?”

Drake nodded and steeled himself.  He wasn’t great with emotional stuff either and lately there’d been way too much of it for his tastes.  Still, Bastien had been a surrogate father to him, so if he had something he wanted to say, Drake owed him the chance to get it off his chest.

Bastien reached out to place his hand on Drake’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “It’s been my honor to look out for you these past years.  To watch you grow from an angry little boy with a chip on his shoulder the size of the Aegean Sea, into the man you are today has been the greatest honor of my life.  I couldn’t be more proud of you.”  He cleared his throat and nodded his head, “I just wanted you to know that.”

Drake reached out to pull Bastien into a tight hug

“I love you too.”

Bastien nodded again and gave him a solid thump on the back before releasing him. “I’ll miss you, son.”

Drake grinned back at him.  “I’ll miss you too, Dad.”

Bastien gave him a final pat on the arm before motioning to the door, “I believe there are a few more people downstairs waiting to bid you farewell.”

Drake stopped dead in his tracks and let out aloud groan

He’d really been hoping to slip out quietly without any fuss.  He’d thought...hoped that given Liam’s reaction yesterday that he’d be allowed to do just that.  

But it had been wishful thinking.

FUCK!

Drake took a deep breath before stoically marching down the hallway and descending the main staircase into the Grand Hall where much to his dismay, he found half of the Kingdom lined up to see him off.

“Drake!”  A sobbing Maxwell threw his arms around Drake’s waist, holding tightly.  

With a long suffering sigh, Drake gave his back a quick pat.

“Ok Beaumont.” Drake grasped him firmly by the shoulders and pushed him away, “Dial back the waterworks, would you?”  

“I just can’t believe you’re leaving us!  If I had more notice, I could’ve thrown you a going away party that would’ve made every Beaumont Bash in pale in comparison!”

“Which is precisely why I didn’t do that.”  Drake said dryly, “This…” he indicated the crowd of people in the Grand Hall, “Is exactly what I was trying to avoid.”

“But everyone’s going to miss you!  You wouldn’t begrudge us the chance to see you off by skulking out in the middle of the night, would you?”

“Damn.  You’re right...that’s exactly what I should’ve done.”

“I’m gonna miss you like crazy, buddy!

Drake rolled his eyes as Maxwell gave him another bone crushing hug.  

He was surprisingly strong for a skinny little dude.

Finally Maxwell released him and Drake turned to scan the crowd, looking for one person in particular.  When he didn’t see her signature flaming hair, he frowned.

Big surprise. She couldn’t even be bothered to show up to say goodbye.

For the next twenty minutes Drake slowly, painfully made his way through the throng of well-wishers, receiving kisses from the ladies and handshakes and pats on the back from the men.

Finally, he found himself standing in front of Liam and Riley.

Liam stood ramrod straight, with his hands clasped tightly behind his back, looking every inch the stoic King of Cordonia.

But Drake knew better.  

He could see the dark circles under his eyes, the way his  mouth twitched at the corner, just a little bit as he held himself in check.  Drake was sure Liam was grateful today for the years of countenance training his parents had forced upon him.  

Beside him stood Riley, her eyes red rimmed, biting her bottom lip to stop it from quivering.  Drake felt something inside of him crack and closed his eyes for just a moment.  

He refused to shed a single fucking tear today.  Wasn’t happening.

“Riley.” He said roughly.  

Throwing decorum to the wind, Riley launched herself at him and he caught her in a tight embrace, burying his face in her hair and inhaling her scent for what he knew was the last time.

“Be happy, okay?”  

Riley nodded her head against his neck.

“Take care of him for me.”  He whispered.  

Riley’s arms tightened around him and she sobbed into his chest until he gave her a gentle shake, a reminder of who and where she was.  She took a deep shuddering breath and pulled herself together.

“Ok,” She whispered, “I’m ok.”

Drake released her and she took a step back with a small embarrassed laugh.  “I’m going to miss you so much.”  She said with a bright smile that didn’t reach her eyes.  “Good luck, Drake.  Please come back and visit us soon.”

She felt she had to say the words, even though she knew in her heart once he left, she’d never see him again.

Drake gave her a nod and a warm smile before steeling himself to face Liam.

Liam held out his hand stiffly.   

Drake took a deep breath and grasped it.

“You will be sorely missed.” Liam said, his voice carefully controlled. “Cordonia won’t be the same without you.”

“I think Cordonia will survive.” Drake said dryly as he pulled his hand from Liam’s.

“Thanks for everything, Your Majesty.  It’s been an honor and a privilege.”

He turned abruptly and started for the door, when he felt Liam’s hand on his shoulder.

“Let me walk you out.”

“You don’t need to do that.” Drake said icily

“Yes,  Drake...I do.”

They walked side by side to the large double doors.  Two pages opened the doors and they walked outside.

Liam turned to the members of the court and the Kingsguard who’d  followed them.

“That will be all.” He said firmly, “You’re dismissed.  

Everyone quickly filed back inside except for Riley, who remained standing by the door as Liam and Drake walked slowly down the stone steps toward the circular driveway.

Drake groaned when he saw the car his suitcases were being loaded into.

“A fucking Limo?”

Liam smiled, “And a Royal motorcade.”

“This is…” Drake rubbed his hand over his face as he looked at the black cars with t Cordonian flags flying in the breeze, “Excessive and ...ridiculous.”

“I couldn’t let you leave without rolling out the red carpet.”  Liam’s reached out to put his hand on Drake’s shoulder, “It’s the very least I could do.”

Drake squinted up into the sun before finally looking at Liam.  

“None of this is necessary.  You didn’t need to come out here.  You said everything you needed to say yesterday.”

No.”  Liam’s vehement reply startled Drake and he looked up to see that Liam’s composure had snapped.  There were tears glistening in his eyes as he spoke. “Yesterday I was angry.  I was hurt and... blinded by pride.  Your King dismissed you last night…” Liam paused as he felt his emotions threaten to overwhelm him.  

He took a deep breath to compose himself.  

“Today I stand here as your best friend...the man who loves you…who will always love you.  The man who is going to miss you every single minute that you’re gone.”

“Fuck Liam.” Drake said, shaking his head, “Don’t.  Please just don’t fucking do this right now.”

Liam’s fingers tightened on Drake's arm “I’m going to ask you...no, beg you...one more time, Drake.  Please don’t leave..  Please.”

“I have to.  It’s the only way.  You know it’s true. ” Drake’s eyes bore into his, “You know it.”

Liam looked up to the sky, his eyes clouded with sorrow as he raked his fingers through his hair.  “I’m sorry, Drake.  For everything.  I’m sorry it has to be like this.”  

Liam reached out to place his hand on the back of Drake's neck, pulling him close until their foreheads were pressed together as they mourned a life they would never have together.

Riley watched them from the palace doors, tears streaming down her face.  

“I love you.” Liam whispered, pressing his cheek against Drakes, savoring the feeling of his stubble scraping against his skin.  “Forever.”  

“I love you, Li.” Drake repeated, “Forever.”

Liam ruffled Drake’s hair affectionately and released him, taking a step backward.

“Safe Travels, my friend.”

Drake gave him a crooked grin before climbing into the waiting limo.

Once inside, Drake reached out and raised the dark privacy glass that separated him from his driver.  With a deep sigh he leaned his head back against the cool leather seat, closed his eyes and finally allowed the tears to come.

Liam stood in the driveway and watched until the Limo was out of sight.  He sensed Riley beside him, but said nothing.  

She reached out to place her hand on his arm.

“Liam, are you okay?” She asked gently.

He turned his head and looked down at her for a moment, his expression unreadable.  Without a word, he jerked his arm from her touch and turned, striding purposefully back into the palace.

****************************

Drake stood at the ticket counter of the Cordonian Airport, hands jammed into the front pockets of his jeans as he contemplated the flight board in front of him.

“You weren’t really planning on leaving without saying goodbye, were you?”

A small smile curved Drake’s lips, but he didn’t turn around. “I should’ve known I couldn’t escape from you that easily.”

He looked down to find a set of blood red, manicured nails on his arm.

“What are you doing here, Liv?” He asked dryly, “I hope you’re not going to try and talk me out of leaving.”

“God, no. Why in the world would I do that?” She replied.  

Drake turned his head to stare into her emerald eyes.”Really?”

“This is long overdue.” She said matter-of-factly, “I’ll never understand why you stayed as long as you did.”

Without answering, Drake turned back to the flight board. Olivia stood quietly next to him as she perused it as well

“So where are we going?”

Drake cocked an eyebrow at her, “We?”

Olivia gave him a slow smile. “You didn’t think I’d let you run away all by yourself, did you?”

Drake raised his brows.  “Why in the world would you want to go anywhere with me.  In case you’ve forgotten, you hate me.”

Olivia gave him a slow, sexy smirk. “You have your talents.”

Drake laughed at that.  

“I’ve never hated you.”

“You just hated my common blood.”

“Maybe in the beginning.  But I got over that once I saw your cock.”

He turned to her again, a slight smirk curling at the corner of his mouth.  “And you give really good head for a nobel.”

“See?” She said with a laugh as she leaned her head on his shoulder, “Common ground.”

“I guess.” He turned to brush his lips across the top of her head

“We actually have quite a lot in common, you know.”

“C’mon, Livvie,” he said, bumping her with his shoulder, “You and I couldn’t be more different, and you know it.”

She shrugged her dainty shoulders.  “I used to believe that.  But now I see that we’re not so different at all.”

“Yeah...okay.”

“We’re both outcasts.”

Drake gave a slight incline of his head

“We’re both in love with the same man, and neither of us can have him.”

Drake turned to look at her, noting the sadness in her eyes.

“Yeah,” He said softly, “We do have that in common.”

“And...we’re both incredibly attractive, a little unpredictable and we both drink entirely too much.”  She winked at him to ease the heaviness that settled around them.

Drake grinned.  “You’re right.  I was wrong.  We’re practically the same person.”

Olivia leaned against him and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they both stared up at the flights leaving Cordonia .

“So where do a couple of fucked up cast-offs like us go to start over?”

“I don’t know.” Olivia said, looking at him out of the corner of her eye, a saucy smirk on her pouty red lips, “What are you qualified to do when your only job description for the last seven years has been Royal Boy Toy?”

Drake let out a loud bark of laughter.  Only Olivia could get away with saying something like that to him.

“Hmmmm.”  Drake studied the outgoing flights listed on the flight board in front of them.  

His eyes lit up mischievously and he pointed. “Right there.  11:45 flight to Amsterdam.  Maybe I can sell my body in the red light district.”

Olivia made a show of looking him up and down, noting how his tight white T-shirt stretched across his broad shoulders and the way his jeans rode low on his hips.  

She remembered vividly what his body looked like under those clothes.  

“You could do well for yourself there, I think.” She agreed with a smirk, “But I think you can do better.”

She looked up at the flight board.  “1:15 flight to Barcelona.”

She turned to Drake, “You’d look quite dashing in a matador’s traje de luces.”

Drake smirked.  “You just want to see me gored, don’t you?  Spain is one of the most beautiful and romantic countries in the world, and you went straight for carnage.”

“It’s in my DNA, darling.” She winked at him.

“Ok, if romance is what you’re after…” Olivia scanned the flight board once again.  “Paris, France...10:35 flight.”

She turned back to him and smiled, “The City of Lights?”

Drake shrugged. “My French is pretty rusty.”

“How’s your German?  Munich at 12:05?”

“My German is even worse than my French.”

Olivia placed her hand on his arm and gazed up at him, her eyes filled with tenderness, “Drake, look at me.”

He turned and gazed down into her beautiful, concerned eyes and gave her a sad smile.

“What kind of life do you want to find for yourself out there?”

Drake shrugged. “Something simple.  Quiet. Peaceful.  I just want to go someplace and be happy, Liv.  But I don’t know if that place exists for me.”

Olivia, reached out to stroke his hair back from his eyes.  “Trust me?” She asked softly

Drake nodded.

Olivia pressed a kiss to his cheek.  “Go to the lounge and get us some drinks.  Leave this to me.”

Drake smiled and hoisted his leather carry on strap over his shoulder.  “I can’t wait.”

Drake settled himself into a plush leather chair in the VIP lounge and ordered a round of drinks.  He was sipping his whiskey when Olivia appeared and sat across from him, slapping two tickets on the table in front of them.

She brought her glass of red wine to her lips with a satisfied smirk.

Drake looked down, then up at her, his brow furrowed.  “Really?”

Olivia nodded.  “I think it’s time you went home.”

His face broke into a slow smile.  “You’re going to come to Texas with me?”  

He laughed, his eyes shining with amusement, “Sorry.  I just can’t picture you on the back of a horse, out in the sun all day, or... Jesus, mucking out stalls.”  

He started laughing again.

“Oh, Good lord, no!”  Olivia wrinkled her nose in distaste as she took another sip of wine.  

She pushed the second ticket toward him.  “I’m going to Paris.”

He looked up at her in surprise.  Her tone was light, but her eyes told him a very different story.

“I think it's about time we each wrote our own happy ending, don’t you?”

Drake nodded slowly, “Yeah...I guess it is.”

Just then they heard a garbled voice over the intercom

Olivia turned to Drake with a sad smile. “My flight is boarding.”

Drake stood and pulled her into his arms.  They held each other tightly for a minute until Olivia pulled away, wiping at a tear with a small laugh.  

“Ugh.  Look what you’ve made me do.  If my mascara runs, I’ll murder you with my bare hands.”

Drake smiled.  “You look perfect Livvy, just like always.”

“Will you come visit me?” She asked suddenly, her eyes shining with unshed tears, “We can stroll along the Seine, sip coffee in one of those quaint little outdoor cafes, make love all day and all night and just forget about the world for a while...”

“Just try and keep me away.”

She bit her bottom lip and nodded

“Until then.”  She placed her hand on his cheek, smiling tenderly.  “You take care of yourself, Drake Walker.  Despite all instincts to the contrary...I adore you.”

Drake turned his face into her hand and pressed his lips against her palm before pulling away.

Riley glanced at the clock on her bedside table.  It was nearly eight o’clock.  

She took a deep breath and ran her hands down the sides of her little black dress, smoothing the silky fabric over her curves.  She closed her eyes and counted backward from ten, trying to calm her anxiety. She inhaled deeply and blew the air out slowly before opening her eyes.  

With one final look in the mirror, she turned and reached for the doorknob.

Drake and Liam were already in Liam’s suite, whiskey in hand when Bastien showed Riley in.

They stood when she entered the room and Riley took a moment to drink them in them.  

Her men.

Drake was dressed in dark jeans and a white thermal Henley, his hair in desperate need of a cut and his face looking as though it hadn’t seen a razor in days.  He looked, rough, dangerous, sexy.  

Then there was Liam, dressed stylishly in khaki slacks and a blue button-down shirt, his hair as always, perfectly coiffed, his face cleanly shaven.  He looked refined, polished, sensual.  

“Lady Riley,”  Liam said as he crossed the room to greet her.  Smiling, he took her hand and brought it to his lips, then he turned it so her palm was facing up and pressed his lips against the soft skin where her pulse throbbed erratically.

“Liam.” She responded breathlessly.

Drake appeared beside her.  He pressed a tumbler of whiskey into her hand as he slid his lips over the tender spot behind her ear.  

“You look good enough to eat.” He murmured before stepping away.  

Her body was already thrumming with excitement.  Just imagining what this night had in store for her had her skin prickling with excitement, and she could already feel an insistent throb beginning between her legs.

She took a long sip from the drink in her hand, letting the amber liquid soothe her frazzled nerves.

“You look nervous, Riley.” Liam said softly, “Don’t be.  We’re all here as consenting adults.”

Riley let out a small nervous laugh.  “I know.  I guess I just don’t really know what to expect.  I’ve never done anything like this before.”  

She lowered her lashes, blushing furiously  She felt so ridiculous.  She was no blushing virgin. She’d already had sex with both of them individually, so why was she so nervous?

Drake set his whiskey on the bar and came to stand in front of her, gazing directly into her eyes.

“Hey.”

Riley looked up into his warm, dark eyes and immediately felt her tension begin to ease.

“All you should expect tonight is two men showing you how much they care about you.”  He placed his hand on her arm, stroking gently as if he were calming a spooked horse.

“No one’s going to hurt you or make you do anything you don’t want to do.  You call all the shots tonight, okay?”

Riley smiled and nodded. “Okay.”

She felt Liam’s hand on her shoulder and turned to him.

“If you’d rather not do this, just say the word.   I fear we may have rushed you into something you’re not ready for.”  He stroked her cheek gently with his thumb, “ If you prefer, we can all just enjoy a delicious meal and some lovely conversation.  There’s absolutely no pressure.”

Instead of replying, Riley reached for Liam, lacing her fingers through his hair as she drew his lips to hers, kissing him passionately.  After the initial shock, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her tightly against him, deepening the kiss.

Riley turned and reached for Drake.  She grabbed the front of his shirt in her hand and pulled him to her until their lips crashed together.  With a groan, he claimed her mouth with a hot, open-mouthed kiss.  Finally, Riley pulled back, her breathing ragged as she gazed first at Drake, then at Liam.  They both looked back at her, hunger burning in their eyes.  Catching her bottom lip between her teeth, Riley reached out to wind her fingers into the hair at the napes of each of their necks, slowly bringing their heads together.  

They got the idea immediately.  

Liam grabbed the back of Drake's neck as their mouths fused together.  Liam moaned softly as Drake's tongue slid into his mouth.  They kissed hungrily, giving Riley the erotic show she’d asked for.  After a few minutes, they pulled apart and turned to Riley, gauging her reaction.

“That…” She bit her bottom lip, her chest rising and falling rapidly, “Was the hottest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.” 

Suddenly two sets of lips were on hers, two tongues devouring her mouth, two sets of hands roaming over her body.  She lost the capacity to distinguish what body part belonged to whom and she didn’t care anymore.  

She wanted this.  All of this.

Suddenly Liam pulled away.  He took a deep breath and adjusted himself before smirking at Riley.

“I hope you brought your appetite tonight.” He said with a gleam in his eye, “The Royal chefs have outdone themselves this evening.”

Riley stood, dazed and blinking at him as she tried to get control of herself.

“Really?  We’re seriously going to eat right now?”

“You came here for dinner tonight, did you not?”  Liam teased.

“I… um…”  She reached up to run her fingers over her swollen lips.  “Yes, I guess so.”

Liam smiled and made a production of motioning to the elaborately set table.  “Shall we?”

Drake pulled out a chair for her, letting his fingers trail down her bare arm before moving away to settle into the chair beside her.

Liam leaned forward and removed the cloche from the serving dish closest to her.

Riley looked down at the dish and then back up to Liam, a question in her expression.  

“What is that?”

Liam smiled. “Oysters on the half shell.  Have you ever tried it?”

Riley wrinkled her nose and shook her head.  “No.  Looks...slimy.”

Liam and Drake shared a look.  Liam picked a shell up, brought it slowly to his mouth, and sucked it down with a slurping sound.

He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, his eyes burning into Riley's.  “They’re a bit of an acquired taste, it’s true.  And they are, as you say, rather slimy and... salty.  But once you get accustomed to the taste and texture, I think you’ll find that they’re really quite satisfying.”  

He looked up and met Drake's gaze, “Wouldn’t you agree, Drake?”

Hiding a smile behind his whiskey glass, Drake took a sip and nodded. “It's not half bad once you get used to it.”

Liam dragged his gaze from Drake and picked up another oyster.  He walked around the table until he was standing in front of Riley.  “They’re also believed to be a natural aphrodisiac.”

He leaned forward slowly until their faces were only inches apart.  “Are  you feeling adventurous tonight, my love?”

Riley’s mouth went dry as she stared at Liam.  She tried to speak, but she couldn’t seem to force any words from her mouth, so she just nodded.

“Open up.” He purred

Riley opened her mouth. Liam cupped her chin in his hand as he tipped the oyster shell, sliding the slippery substance into her mouth.  

“Just let it slide down the back of your throat.” He said, his voice low and seductive.

Riley moaned and swallowed obediently.  

Liam kissed her long and deep, sliding his tongue between her lips, ravaging her mouth until she was breathing heavily.  

“Good girl,” he whispered before straightening and going back to sit in his chair.

Drake knocked back the rest of his drink and stood.  He came around the table and perched on the edge, pushing the oysters to the side as he pulled another serving dish forward.

Riley's eyes were trained on his face as he flung the top off.

“Voila”

Riley looked down into the dish and then back up at Drake.

“No idea.” She said simply.

Drake laughed.  “What you’re feasting your sexy little eyes on, are butter-poached quail eggs in hollandaise sauce.”

“Oh, that doesn’t sound too terrible.”

Drake raised his brows at her. “Did you really think I’d make you put something unpleasant in your mouth?”    

He clucked his tongue, shaking his head sadly, “I’m hurt.”

Riley gave him a slow sexy smile as she got into the spirit of the flirty game they were all playing.  

“I’m ready.  Give me what you’ve got for me.”  

Riley tilted her head back and opened her mouth wide.

Drake chuckled.  “Be careful what you ask for, baby.”

He dipped his whole hand into the container and brought his fingers, dripping with creamy, white sauce to her lips.  He let the liquid drip down her chin before dropping the tiny egg onto her tongue.  

Never breaking eye contact, Riley closed her mouth around his fingers, sucking on them lightly before letting Drake slide them out.

He leaned forward and slowly licked the sauce from her face with the tip of his tongue.

“Roll it around on your tongue...then bite into it.”  He said huskily, “Let it explode in your mouth.”

Riley moaned as a surge of liquid fire raced through her body.  She shifted in her chair, rubbing her thighs together trying to ease the ache between her legs.  

“Is that good Riley?” Drake whispered against her ear, “Do you want more?”

“Yes.” She said breathily, “I want more.”

Drake stared at her mouth, licking his lips hungrily.  

Riley moaned low in her throat, her breath escaping in short, ragged gasps.  

Drake surged forward, capturing her lips in a hot, open-mouthed kiss.  He pulled her to her feet, pressing his body against hers.  Riley kissed him back, giving herself over to the soul-deep hunger she felt for him.  She slid her hands under his shirt and caressed his warm skin. Drake groaned into her mouth and pulled her even closer.  She could feel how much he wanted her and it sent a wave of desire coursing through her entire body.

She felt Liam behind her, his fingers sliding across her neck, lifting her hair as he pressed hot, wet kisses against her skin.  He reached around to cup her breasts, teasing her already erect nipples with his thumbs.  Riley reached one arm back, encircling Liam’s neck as a sigh escaped her lips.  The feeling of both of their hands caressing her body, their mouths worshiping her skin was beyond anything she’d ever imagined.  

Drake’s lips slid slowly down her neck, over her collarbone until his mouth closed over her nipple through the thin silky material of her dress, leaving a damp spot.  He pulled his head back, blowing on it gently.  Her nipple tightened into a hard pebble as her entire body broke out in goosebumps.  Riley moaned and leaned her head back against Liam’s shoulder.  He reached out to grasp her chin, turning her head and kissing her deeply as Drake’s fingers slid the thin straps of her dress from her shoulders, letting it slither to the floor in a silken puddle.  His eyes raked over her body hungrily as Liam’s hands kneaded her breasts roughly.  He let his gaze slide down to the black lace thong that was only barely concealing her gorgeous pussy from his view.

Drake reached out and pulled the scrap of material to the side, dragging his fingers through her drenched folds.

“Fuck, baby.  You’re dripping wet for us.”

He cupped her mound and curled two fingers into her, pressing against her clit with his thumb as his fingers moved in and out of her.  

After a minute, he withdrew his fingers, slick with her juices, and held them out to Liam.

“Taste her.  She’s fucking delicious."

Liam opened his mouth and Drake slid his fingers inside, his lust-glazed eyes never leaving Drake’s face as he licked his fingers clean.

Riley let out a strangled moan when Liam’s fingers tweaked her nipples and he ground his aching cock into the small of her back.

Drake dropped to his knees and looked up, meeting Riley’s eyes as he slowly eased her thong down her long legs, tossing it aside before leaning in and running his tongue deliberately over her inner thighs, lapping up her juices.

“Sooooo fucking delicious.” He murmured against her skin.

The taste, the smell, the feel of her on his tongue was more intoxicating than any liquor he’d ever tasted.  He could eat her all night long and never tire of it.

Riley sucked in her breath sharply when he buried his face between her legs, his mouth closing over her clit, sucking gently.  

“God Drake, yes.” She hissed, tightening her fingers in Liam’s hair as she arched against Drake's mouth

“He’s incredibly talented with his tongue, isn’t he?” Liam rasped in her ear. “He can do things with it that you’ve only ever dreamed of.”

Riley made an unintelligible sound as Liam gave her nipples a final hard pull before letting his hand slide down her body, tracing lightly over the soft swell of her hip until it came to rest on Drake's head.  He stroked Drake’s hair for a moment before pushing gently.  Drake moved down, sliding his tongue into Riley's depths as Liam's fingers began expertly stroking her swollen nub.  Within seconds, their combined ministrations had Riley’s body aching for release.  She bucked against Drake's tongue and he reached out, grasping her thighs roughly as he drove his tongue deep inside her.  Liam's fingers moved faster, matching her rhythm.

“Come for us Riley.” he urged hoarsely, “Come all over Drake's tongue.”

His sexy command in her ear pushed Riley to the edge and she gave herself over to one of the most intense orgasms of her life. She cried out, hips jerking, fingers clutching at Drake's shoulders as she rode out wave after wave of intense pleasure. Liam’s strong arms supported her, as she finally went limp, exhausted, and drained.  

Drake stood wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand. “I think it's safe to say dinner’s officially over.”

“Perhaps we should continue this in the bedroom.”  Liam said, taking Riley by the hand, “That is… if you think you’ve recovered.”

Riley inhaled deeply and smiled. “Yeah…” She said dreamily, “I’m good.”

She let Liam lead her to his room, turning as Drake closed the door firmly behind them, leaning back against it.  

Riley walked to the bed, her hips swaying provocatively.  She tossed a sultry look over her shoulder as she ran her fingers over the bedspread.

“Is this where you want me?”

Without waiting for a reply, Riley sat, crossing her legs demurely, but the smile on her pouty mouth was anything but chaste.

“Why are you both still dressed?”

Liam looked to Drake, his brow raised and a sexy smirk on his face.  

“Why indeed?”

With a grin, Drake whipped his henley over his head and tossed it to the ground.  Both Riley and Liam took a minute to let their gazes roam appreciatively over him.  Liam began to slowly unbutton his shirt as Drake reached for the button of his jeans.

“Wait.”

They both looked up to find Riley staring intently at Drake, lust burning in her eyes.

“I want Liam to do it.”

Drake raised an eyebrow at her before turning slowly to Liam.  “You heard the woman.”

Liam took a step forward and grabbed the waistband of Drake's jeans, yanking him forward until their hip bones bumped together.  Liam slid his hand slowly between them, his fingers grazing the bulge in Drake’s pants before unbuttoning his jeans and dragging the zipper down. His tongue darted out to wet his lips as he reached out to trace the coarse line of hair that started at Drake’s belly button and disappeared into his underwear.   

Drake shook his head at Liam. “Behave.”

Liam grinned back at him, “Never.”

Drake reached out to unfasten the last few buttons on Liam’s shirt before pulling it from his shoulders.

Then he popped the button on Liam's pants with a flick of his wrist.

As one, they kicked off their shoes and pushed their pants over their hips, stepping out of them.

Finally, they turned to Riley both clad in nothing but their boxer briefs.

She sucked in her breath and bit her bottom lip as she took in the sight of the two of them, erections straining the thin fabric of their underwear as they stood before her.  

They were both so beautiful it almost hurt to look at them.

Riley reached out to cup one of them in each hand, squeezing gently.  Liam moaned and Drake thrust against her hand.

“Underwear off.” she commanded as she shimmied back onto the bed.

They didn’t need to be asked twice.  They both shed the last stitch of their clothing and joined her on the bed, one on either side.

Liam reached out to cup her face in his hands.  “You’re incredible.” He whispered against her lips. “This is incredible.  Thank you.”

Drake pressed against her, grinding his rigid cock against her leg, leaving behind a trail of sticky pre-come

“No more teasing.”  Riley said desperately, “I need one of you to fuck me.  Now.”

Drake lifted his head and smirked at Liam.

“I had my turn this afternoon.  I believe you’re up.”

Riley smiled at Liam and pushed him back onto the bed, straddling him.

Liam looked up at her with a surprised grin on his face,  “I do love a woman who knows what she wants.”

Riley undulated her hips, grinding against his hard cock until Liam let out a deep growl of pleasure.

“I definitely know what I want.” She agreed with a sexy smile 

She leaned forward and their mouths met as she pressed down on his shaft, impaling herself on him.  They moaned into each others mouths as Riley began riding him, slowly at first, but her pace escalated quickly as she felt another orgasm building deep in her belly.

“Oh fuck, Liam.” She moaned as she bucked against him desperately.  Drake knelt a few feet away, enjoying the show as he stroked himself slowly.

Liam opened his eyes to find Drake watching them, his eyes hooded with desire.

He grabbed the luscious globes of Riley’s ass in his hands and lifted, giving Drake a clear view of Riley's pussy stretched around his thick cock as he pumped in and out of her.

Groaning loudly, Drake’s fist tightened around his engorged shaft.

“Drake. Come over here.” Riley said breathlessly, “I want your dick in my mouth.”

Obediently he crawled across the bed until he was kneeling beside her.

She grasped Drake's cock in her hand, drawing him forward until her hot, wet mouth was on him.  She stroked him with one hand, cupping his balls in the other while she devoured him.  Drake watched, mesmerized as she took him balls deep into her throat, again and again.

This girl was just full of surprises tonight.

She sucked him greedily until her orgasm hit, fast and hard.

She released Drake and braced both hands on Liam’s chest as she ground her pussy against him.

“Oh God...Fuck...yes...I’m coming.” She cried as she tightened around Liam’s cock, her body shaking from the intensity of her orgasm.

Liam gave a few more hard, deep thrusts, before pulling out and flipping her onto her stomach.  “Hands and knees.”  He commanded, “Now.”

Riley complied immediately and Liam grabbed her hips, his fingers biting into her soft flesh as he slammed his cock into her pulsating pussy, fucking her from behind.

Drake, still kneeling in front of Riley, rubbed the tip of his dick across her lips until she opened for him again.  

“Hmmmm.” She moaned around Drake's cock as Liam plunged into her over and over.

Liam and Drake faced each other, their eyes locked intently as they both thrust into her.

Liam knew he was close.  He reached out and slid his fingers into Drake’s hair, pulling his forehead against his, losing himself in Drake's heated gaze. Drake's lips parted slightly, a moan escaping him as Riley sucked harder, faster.

Liam crashed his lips into Drake’s, kissing him deeply, breaking the kiss only to cry out "Drake!" as his orgasm took him. He emptied himself inside Riley, his hands never leaving Drake's body.

Her eyes shot open as Liam called out Drake’s name, but before she could think much of it

“Riley! Fuck,” he grunted.

She tightened her grip on him, sucking him deep into her throat.

With a loud groan, Drake spilled himself into her mouth. She swallowed what she could, but Liam grabbed her chin, pulling her mouth to his, their tongues twisting together as they shared Drake’s cum.

Finally, panting and sweaty they collapsed together in a tangle of arms and legs in the middle of Liam’s bed.

Drake curled his body around Riley, resting his chin on her shoulder while Liam turned to face her, stroking her damp hair back from her face.  He leaned forward to press his lips against hers gently before letting his head fall onto the crook of her neck.  Liam and Drake both wrapped their arms around her and each other as they drifted into a sated sleep.

When Riley awoke just before dawn, she thought for a moment that she was alone in Liam’s bed.   She’d fallen asleep, sandwiched between the two men she loved, wrapped in the warmth and security of their embraces, but as she came awake and her eyes adjusted to the low light, she realized that sometime in the night, she and Liam had traded spots.  He was sound asleep, wrapped tightly across Drakes torso, his head resting peacefully in the crook of his shoulder.   Drake laid under him, his chin resting atop Liam’s head, his strong arms encircling him, their breath rising and falling in time with each other.

Riley lay several feet away from them both...alone.

As she watched them sleep wrapped in each other's arms, she felt more alone than she’d ever felt in her life.  

Liam had been inside her, making love to her...and he’d called out Drakes name. 

She realized with startling clarity, that they would never, ever love her the way they loved each other.  She’d been a fool to ever think they could.

Riley looked over at them one last time and finally found the strength to go.  She slid from the bed and found the first article of clothing she could get her hands on.  Fighting back tears, she grabbed Liam’s shirt from the floor and wrapped it tightly around herself as she headed for the door.

Drake came awake when he felt the bed shift.  He looked down to find Liam with one arm flung across his middle and smiled.  His smile faded quickly when he heard the door open.  He squinted into the half-light and saw Riley, standing in the doorway, tears streaming down her face.  Their eyes locked and a look of understanding passed between them before she turned quickly and disappeared through the door.  Drake slid  from under Liam, grabbed a pair of boxers from the floor, and stepped into them, nearly tripping in his haste to get to the door.  He flung it open and dashed through the sitting room and out into the hallway.  

Riley stood in front of her vanity, studying her reflection as she pressed her fingertips lightly over the dark, puffy circles under her eyes.  She hadn’t gotten much sleep last night and it showed. Instead of the blissful, dreamless sleep she’d grown accustomed to since arriving in Cordonia, she’d lain awake in her bed, tossing and turning into the early morning hours, as the events of last night played over and over in her head.

Liam was in love with Drake.  They were in love with each other.  

She felt a fresh wave of pain course through her and closed her eyes, clutching at the sides of the vanity as her legs threatened to buckle beneath her.

Everything in her wanted to run away, to go back to the comfort and security of her boring mundane life in New York.  At this moment, waiting on drunken Frat boys with wandering hands was preferable to being here in Cordonia, desperately in love with two men, both of whom had been lying to her since the day they’d met.

She thought back to that night.  It had been Drake that caught her eye first.  He was tall, hot and brooding, definitely her type. But he’d been so standoffish and borderline rude that she’d immediately turned her attention to Liam, who had been, as always, a perfect gentleman. He was attentive and engaging and extremely easy on the eyes.  They’d spent the evening talking and laughing and she remembered never wanting it to end.  When he’d told her his one regret was not seeing the Statue of Liberty before he went back home, she knew she’d do whatever it took to make sure his wish was granted.  She remembered how her heart swelled as she watched his eyes light up with a child's excitement the moment he saw Lady Liberty for the first time.  She’d fallen in love with him right then and there.  He was kind and affectionate and so incredibly passionate.  She still felt a tingle of excitement when she remembered how they’d made love for the first time in the hedge maze under the stars.

But still, there was Drake.  He was always close by with his sarcastic remarks and his cynical nature.  He was so infuriatingly distant...until he wasn’t.  Somehow, by luck or by chance or maybe just pure stubbornness, she’d broken through his barriers and been rewarded with one of his incandescent smiles that made her feel like she’d won the lottery.  Liam had been so busy with his royal duties...and with the other suitors...that she hadn’t seen very much of him since arriving in Cordonia.  But Drake had been there.  They’d shared their deepest thoughts over aged whiskey more times than she could count.  She didn’t know exactly when it happened, but she’d fallen hard for him.  

Until last night, her heart had been torn between them.  She’d thought that having to choose between these two vastly different but equally incredible men was going to be the hardest decision she’d ever have to make.  

Oh, how wrong she’d been.

The sound of laughter floated through her windows, carried by the late morning breeze.

Riley stood and made her way to the balcony, throwing open the french doors as she stepped outside.  Below she saw people milling about on the lawn, enjoying the beautiful Cordonian weather.  She heard laughter again and turned to see Drake, Maxwell, Liam and Bastien, all dressed casually in athletic shorts and t-shirts kicking a ball around.

Liam had the ball trapped under one foot as he faced Drake.  Drake was grinning, wiggling his fingers tauntingly at Liam as if to say “Come on.”

Suddenly Liam darted forward, pivoting quickly to the right, as he tried to get the ball past Drake.  But Drake was too quick.  Before Liam knew what hit him, he was flat on his back and Drake and the ball were heading in the opposite direction.

She watched Drake walk back to him, laughing as he offered Liam a hand up.  Riley dissolved into giggles when Liam in turn flipped Drake to the ground and stood laughing down at him.

Scowling, Drake got to his feet.  Liam reached out to ruffle his hair and got a sharp shove in the chest for his efforts.  Undaunted, Liam hooked his arm around Drakes neck until he got a begrudging smile out of him.

This sort of interaction was something Riley had seen from them dozens of times, and she’d never thought anything of it. She’d always known that they had a close bond, she just hadn’t guessed the extent of it.  But as she watched them together, she could easily picture what she’d always assumed was brotherly affection turning more intimate.  And rather than anger her, it warmed her.  They loved each other.  She loved them.  

The question was...did they love her?

Riley dabbed some concealer under her eyes, pulled her hair into a messy bun and threw on a pair of leggings and a loose off the shoulder sweater before heading outside.  She needed to find them, talk to them, and figure out what, if anything the future might hold for them.

Liam, Drake, Maxwell and Bastien sprawled under the shade of an enormous Oak Tree as they guzzled bottles of water.  

“So…” Liam began hesitantly, “You spoke to Riley last night?”

“I sure did.”  Maxwell’s eyes grew wide and he shuddered slightly, “Boy was she mad!”

Drake unconsciously rubbed his hand across his mouth, “Yeah, no kidding.”

“But don’t worry.”  He said with a triumphant smile.  “I talked her out of leaving.”

“Leaving?!” Drake and Liam chorused.

“Oh yeah.”  Maxwell plucked a blade of grass and pressed it between his thumbs, blowing softly until it whistled.  “She had her suitcases out and was half packed when I showed up.”

Liam leaned back against the tree trunk with a deep sigh, “I certainly can’t blame her.”

“Hey!” Maxwell said suddenly indignant “Why didn’t you guys ever tell me that you...well, you know...”

“Mostly cause it’s none of your fucking business.” Drake muttered.

Liam raised his brows in surprise, “Really Maxwell, you didn’t know?”

“Nope.”

“Seriously?” Bastien let out a bark of laughter, “You really are just a babe in arms, aren’t you?”

“I am not!” Maxwell crossed his arms over his chest, pouting.

Liam just shook his head and looked to Drake.  He was twisting his empty water bottle between his fingers, deep in thought.

“We need to find her...talk to her.”

“Yeah.” Drake agreed not looking up, “We do.”

“I don’t think you’ll have to look far.” Bastien said wryly as he jerked his head toward the courtyard where Riley sat on the edge of the fountain talking to Hana.

Drake and Liam shared a look of apprehension.

“Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.” Drake sighed as he pushed himself to his feet.  “But if she starts throwing fists again, I’m using you as a human shield.”

Riley watched them approach and her heart started hammering in her chest.  She knew this was inevitable, and thought she was prepared for it, but as her palms started sweating she had to tame the urge to flee.

The first thing Drake noticed as Riley looked up at them was how unhappy she looked.

They’d handled this all wrong last night...all wrong.

Good morning, Lady Hana.” Liam said graciously as he bowed slightly to her.

“Good Morning, King Liam.” She replied, the smile on her face not quite reaching her eyes.

“Lady Riley, “ Liam turned and she could see the anxiety he felt clearly etched into his face.  Somehow seeing how nervous he was calmed her own nerves.  

“Good Morning, King Liam. “ She replied before venturing a look at Drake.  She sucked in her breath when she saw him staring steadily back at her.

“Drake.”

He nodded, but said nothing.

Liam gave her a solicitous smile.  “Would you care to join us for a stroll through the gardens, Lady Riley?”  He looked up at the sky and sighed, “It is a beautiful day.  We won’t get many more as perfect as this.” He looked back at her, his expression serious, “And I do believe we have much to discuss.”

Riley took a deep breath and nodded.  “Yes, I do believe you’re right.’

They strolled through the lush Royal gardens, talking about the weather, the new apple crops, the upcoming costume ball, everything but the one topic that weighed heavily on all of their minds.  

Riley stopped to admire a particularly large peach-colored hibiscus flower.  Liam plucked it and placed it gently behind her ear.

His eyes locked with hers as his fingertip trailed across her cheek, “I can’t tell you how sorry I am...” He looked to Drake, “How sorry we are...that we didn’t tell you about our, eh... situation earlier.  I know it must have come as quite a shock to you and I am so truly sorry for it.”

“We weren’t intentionally keeping you in the dark, Riley.” Drake said, his deep brown eyes staring into hers earnestly, “It was...is...a tricky topic to broach.”

Instead of replying, Riley reached out to gently touch the cut on Drake's lip with her fingertips.

“Did I do this?” She whispered

He sucked in his breath sharply when her fingers grazed his skin.  He found he was having a hard time forming words so he just nodded.

“I’m sorry I hit you.” She whispered, as tears welled in her eyes. “I was just so...hurt, so angry and confused.  I lashed out, I’m sorry.”

“I don’t blame you one bit, Matheson.” Drake said solemnly, “I’d probably have done the same thing if I were you. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy thing for you to hear.”

“No,” Riley turned from Drake to meet Liam’s eyes, “But I’m sure it wasn’t an easy thing to say either.”

“It wasn’t.” Liam agreed,  “But it was a conversation that was long overdue.  If I could do things over again, I would have told you about Drake and I the moment I suspected you returned my feelings.  I’m sorry if you felt like we lied to you or misled you in any way.  That was never our intent. I…”

He looked to Drake…”We care a great deal for you.”

“I do know that, Liam”  She sighed, “Or at least, I thought I did.  But right now, I’m questioning everything.  I can’t help but feel like I’m just a means to an end to you.”

“Riley.”  Liam reached for her hands, clasping them tightly before bringing them to his lips, kissing them tenderly. “That’s absolutely not the case.  I have several suitors all vying to become my queen.  Most, if not all, already know, or at least suspect that Drake and I are involved.  If I just wanted a, a...um...what is the term?”

“A beard.” Drake muttered with a sigh.

“Yes, that’s it.  If I just wanted a beard, I could choose any one of them.  But that’s not what I want.  I want a real marriage, with a loving wife.  A mother to my children whom I love and who loves me back. A Queen who is compassionate and strong and who loves Cordonia as much as I do.  I want you Riley Matheson.”

Tears welled in her eyes and began to slowly spill down her cheeks as she gazed back and forth between these two incredible men. 

 “I said some horrible things to you last night.  I’m so sorry.”

Liam smiled gently, “No need for apologies, My love.”

Riley turned to Drake and held her hand out to him.  He grasped it tightly and she pulled him closer to her and Liam.  They stood huddled together, heads pressed close.

“We never wanted to hurt you, Riley.  You have to know that.” Drake said softly, “We both...well, we love you.”

“We do.”  Liam agreed, ”But…”

He looked up and met Drake's eyes, “We also love one another. So if that’s something that makes you uncomfortable, or unhappy.  It’s best that we know now.”

Drake agreed.  “I know this is a totally fucked up situation, Matheson.  We don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.  If this arrangement isn’t something you think you can live with long term, neither of us would hold it against you if you walked away.  This will only work if all three of us are on the same page.”

Riley looked from Liam then to Drake and smiled.  “I’m so incredibly lucky to have two amazing men that love me...and that I love.”

She laughed as she saw them both visibly relax. Drake blew out the breath he didn’t even know he was holding, as Liam’s face split into a wide grin.

“But where does that leave us?” Riley said, softly, “Where do we go from here?”

Liam’s stroked her arm gently, “That my love, is what you must tell us.”

Riley shook her head, her frustration evident.  “How would this even work?  It’s not like I can marry both of you.”

Liam smiled, “No, of course not.  You and I would marry.  You would become my Queen.  Drake's role would be more of…” He cocked his head to the side as he pondered, “A mistress for a lack of a better term.”

Drake’s head jerked up quickly as he gave Liam a dark look. “I swear to God, if you ever call me that again, I’ll knock you the fuck out.”

Liam let out a deep throaty chuckle.  “It's treason to strike the King, you know.”

“Totally worth it.”

Riley frowned.  “So you would marry me...and see Drake on the side?”

Liam and Drake shared a look.  

“If...that’s how you want it, yes.” Liam agreed slowly.

Riley considered that for a moment.  “And if that’s not how I want it?  What are my other options?”

“We could always...invite Drake into our marriage.”

Riley felt herself begin to tremble, whether it was nerves or excitement, she couldn’t be sure.  “Meaning what, exactly?

“Meaning…” Liam stepped a little closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, “That we’d bring him into out marriage bed.  The three of us would be intimate, you and I, you and Drake, Drake and I, all three of us together, anything...everything.”

She looked up into his eyes.  They’d darkened nearly to black with lust and she felt her body respond, heat pooling in her core and rushing like wildfire through her veins.  She looked to Drake.  He wore a similar look of hunger and she had to fight the nearly overwhelming urge to grab him by the hair and finally taste his luscious mouth.

She was flushed and flustered and incapable of rational thought. She looked from Liam then back to Drake and smiled. She loved and desired both of these beautiful, amazing men so much.  She couldn’t imagine a life without them in it.  

She didn’t want to.

“Yes.  I think that would be...good.”  She said breathlessly

Drake and Liam both grinned at her.

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Liam said with a wide smile.  He pulled Riley into his arms and kissed her tenderly.  As he pulled away he glanced up at Drake.  A look passed between them, that Riley couldn’t quite decipher.

“Sadly. I must take my leave of you.” A small smile curled at the corner of Liam’s mouth, “A monarch’s work is never done, I’m afraid.”  He indicated his athletic attire, “And I’m not exactly dressed for the afternoon of cabinet meetings that I have ahead of me, so if you’ll excuse me…”

“Of course.”

He smiled tenderly at Riley and pressed a chaste kiss to her lips, but the look in his eyes nearly burned her.  “I should have all of my obligations met by early this evening.  Perhaps we can all dine together in my suite tonight.”

Riley's heart began to beat erratically.  The three of them, alone...in Liam’s suite.

She swallowed her anxiety and nodded.  

“Yes...um...that sounds nice.”

“Until tonight then.” Liam brought Riley’s hand to his lips, kissing it tenderly.  He straightened,  winked at Drake and turned on his heel, heading back to the palace.

That left her and Drake alone together.

“Sooooo, ” She said awkwardly, “Do you want to go back or…”

“Matheson.” Drake said softly, turning her to face him, “I don’t want things to be weird or awkward between us, okay?  I’m still me.  We’re still us.”

Riley smiled and nodded.  “I know.  But you have to admit, it is an awkward situation.  I mean, Liam just practically gave us permission to have sex.”  Her laughter died in her throat when Drake moved closer.  “Not practically.” he murmured as he reached out to tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear, knocking the flower to the ground.

Her lips parted in anticipation of a kiss that never came.

“Not here.” He whispered huskily.  “Anyone could see us.”

“But...I thought we had Liam’s permission.”

Drake chuckled and ran his finger across her cheek.  “We may have his permission to touch in private, but that doesn’t extend to the public.  We need to be very clear about that.”

At Riley’s confused expression, he sighed and continued. “What happens in the privacy of our rooms is one thing.  But to the outside world, nothing has changed.  Liam is in love with you, you are in love with Liam and I’m just Liam’s best friend who maintains a friendly if distant relationship with his intended.  That’s how it has to be.  How it will always be.”

Riley’s heart broke for Drake.  How awful it must be to always have to hide your true feelings.  She reached out to cup his cheek in her hand.  Instinctively he closed his eyes and turned into it, placing a feather-light kiss against her palm.

“Isn’t it hard to have to pretend all the time?”

Drake shrugged. “ Not for Liam. It’s second nature for him.  He’s King.  He’s been trained since he was a child to always maintain appearances..” He moved away from her, and bent to pluck the flower from the ground, handing it back to her. “It’s harder for me.  I don’t care what these people think of me.  Even as a kid, I could feel their stares, their disapproval.  They hated that the Prince’s best friend was a commoner. Now that I’m adult, their opinions mean less than nothing to me.  The only people who matter to me are Liam and Savannah…”

He reached out to run his thumb softly across Riley’s bottom lip, “...and you.”

He shrugged again, “So I pretend.”

“I wish it didn’t have to be like that.”

“Yeah.” He said with a soft sigh, “Me too.”

Suddenly he took a step back and grasped her hand.  “C’mon,”

Riley giggled as she let him lead her through the garden.  “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

They emerged from the garden path directly across from the entrance to the hedge maze.  

Drake grinned and tugged her hand, urging her to follow him inside.

Laughing, they broke into a run as Drake led her on a dizzying journey of twists and turns until they reached a dead end deep in the heart of the maze.  

Riley was completely turned around.  

“Are we ever going to find our way back?.” she laughed breathlessly.

“I know this place like the back of my hand.”  He said drawing her close, the heat from his body searing her skin, “It’s the best place in the whole Kingdom to go when you don’t want anyone to find you.”

He pressed her up against vine covered wall as his lips grazed her ear.

“No one can see anything…” he whispered, trailing a path of kisses across her jaw. “They can’t hear anything…” He ran his tongue slowly, tantalizingly down her neck to her collarbone. “It’s just you and me now.”

Riley moaned, grabbing fistfuls of hair as his mouth came down on hers, hard and demanding.  She kissed him back desperately, leaning into his touch as she gave into months of pent up longing.  She clung to him, bringing her leg up to hook over his hip as he ground his rock hard cock against her.

Abruptly, Drake took a step back, his breathing ragged as he tried to get himself under control.  Riley bit her bottom lip and met his burning gaze unwaveringly.

“You’re just too fucking much.” He whispered reverently.

His eyes locked onto Riley’s as he reached down to pull her sweater over her head.

He slid his gaze down to her lacy, black bra.  It was sexy, but it had to go.

With a quick flick of his wrist, it joined her sweater on the ground.

Drake cupped her breasts and teased the nipples with his thumbs, smiling as they hardened instantly.  He bent his head to taste them, rolling the hard buds with his tongue.

Riley moaned as his rough stubble grazed against her sensitive flesh and laced her fingers through his hair, holding him to her tightly.

Desperate to feel him skin to skin, Riley slid her hands down to his chest, and began to tug at his shirt, letting him know in no uncertain terms what she wanted.  Drake got the message loud and clear and yanked it over his head, tossing it into the grass below.  She let out a tiny gasp when she got the full impact of his half naked body.  She ran her hands slowly over his sculpted pecs, across his broad shoulders and down his powerful arms.  She let her hand drift down to his washboard abs, stopping when she got to that sexy V that disappeared into the band of his jeans.  

Drake studied her face as she studied his body.

“Like what you see?” He asked with a sexy smirk.

She sure as Hell did.  There was no end to the hotness that was Drake Walker.

‘Maybe.” She tilted her chin up, “Do you?”

‘Fuck yeah.” He growled as his mouth closed on hers greedily. He pressed her back against the wall, his hands stroking her body until she was breathless.  She felt his fingers glide over her hip and let out a gasp when they came to rest between her legs.

Her heart pounded so loudly, she was sure he could hear it.  

This was really happening.

“Mmmmmm.” Drake murmured against her ear as he stroked her through the thin fabric of her leggings.  Each brush of his fingertips sent waves of pleasure rushing through her.

He slipped his hand down the front of her pants, stroking his fingers back and forth across the hot, liquid center of her.  

“Jesus Riley, you’re so wet for me.” he rasped into her ear.

She moaned and arched against his hand as his words caused the throbbing between her legs to intensify.

Drake tangled one hand in her hair and pulled her head back, sucking gently on her neck as he slid her leggings down over her hips.

He took a step back to catch his breath, and to take a moment to drink her in.  She was breathing heavily, her lips swollen from his kisses, her eyes hooded with desire, and her pussy...he bit his bottom lip as he gazed at it...was slick and glistening, begging to be tasted.

He dropped to his knees in front of her and heard her suck in her breath in anticipation.  

Looking up at her, he leaned forward and slowly, deliberately trailed his tongue over her slit.

Riley watched him intently, her heart racing, as he licked her.  

Still staring into her eyes, he ran the tip of his tongue across her clit.  Riley’s hips jerked in response.

“Stop teasing.” She whimpered

Drake groaned and drove his mouth against her clit, sucking on it, flicking his tongue back and forth, licking her top to bottom before finally burying his tongue deeply inside of her.  She tasted like heaven.  His cock was throbbing insistently, but in that moment nothing mattered but giving Riley pleasure.  Still teasing her clit, he slid two fingers into her tight wetness and curled them upwards, pumping them in and out in a steady rhythm.  It wasn’t long before he felt a gush of liquid against his tongue and dove in deeper, lapping up every drop.  

“Oh God” She moaned, digging her fingernails into his shoulder.

Drake stood suddenly and pulled her to him, his mouth devouring hers in a crushing kiss.  She could taste herself on his lips and tongue and it sent an erotic charge through her.

“I need my cock inside you right now.” He growled.

“Yes.” She moaned, “Hurry.”

He reached for the waistband of his nylon soccer shorts and yanked them and his boxer briefs to his ankles, kicking them away quickly..  Then in one swift movement he grabbed her around the waist and lifted.  Instinctively, Riley wrapped her legs around him as Drake plunged deeply into her warm, waiting body.

She cried out and arched her back.  “Oh God...Drake!”  

Drake held still for a just a moment, letting her get used to the feel of him before he began pounding into her over and over, his breath coming in short gasps as his mind let go and his body took over. God, he’d dreamed about this for so long. She felt every bit as good wrapped around his dick as he knew she would.

He fucked her hard and fast, bringing them both to the edge almost immediately as the sounds of their moans and grunts filled the air.

“Riley.” He groaned. “So. Fucking. Good.” He punctuated each word with a hard thrust of his hips.

Beneath him, Riley shuddered as his cock hit that spot deep inside her over and over until she couldn’t form a single coherent thought.  “Yes...Drake...harder.  Yes…yesssssss.”

She was so close.  She felt a scream bubbling up in her throat and tried to hold it back, but it burst from her lips as her orgasm hit her. It was so fast and intense that she was powerless against it.  Wave after wave of pleasure washed over her as Drake pumped into her, never slowing down.  It went on and on.  She’d barely recovered from her first orgasm before he sent her spiraling toward another one. The pleasure/pain filled her and she nearly begged him to stop when it became almost too much to stand. Her legs trembled and her body quivered as she spun out of control.

Drake knew he couldn’t hold out much longer.  She was so tight, so wet, so unbelievably perfect.  He was lost in her.  Thrusting faster, Drake braced one arm and his forehead against the wall, fighting to stay in control.  He burned with the need for release, but he refused until Riley found her satisfaction one more time.  He bit down hard on his bottom lip and drove into her harder and deeper until he felt her pussy clamp down on him again. Her body shuddered underneath him and she cried out.  

That was all he needed.  

He pulled out quickly and gave his cock two quick, hard pumps before exploding into the ivy behind them.  Sweaty and breathing heavily he turned back to Riley and rested his forehead against hers, his chest heaving with the exertion.

Riley stroked his hair, kissing the side of his face, his forehead and finally his mouth.

“That was incredible.” She whispered.

“You’re incredible.”  He whispered against her lips.

“You didn’t have to do that, you know.  Pull out.”

Drake lifted his head, and kissed her cheeks, her nose, finally her mouth.  “Yes I did.  Can never be too careful.”

“But I’m on birth control.  It’s fine.”

Drake’s expression turned very serious.  “It’s not fine Riley.  You’re going to be Queen.  We can’t take any chances.  I can’t ever come inside you.”

“Not ever?”

He shook his head.  “Not ever,” He repeated with a trace of sadness.

She pulled back from him, studying his face.  “But don’t you want kids someday?”

Drake shrugged.  “I don’t really think about it much I guess.”

“But someday?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“But while we’re together...you, me and Liam, you’ll never be able to have children, will you?”

He shook his head slowly.  “Don’t worry about it now baby.  We’ll worry about it when and if that day comes.  Right now, this...the three of us... is more than I ever hoped for.”

Drake slid his shorts back on and sunk down to the grass, leaning back against the wall with a contented sigh.  Riley pulled her sweater back over her head and searched for her panties.

“I think that's them there.” Drake pointed to a scrap of pink lace dangling from the Ivy.

Rile flushed and snatched them down.  She stepped into them and collapsed next to Drake, laying her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close as his lips slid lazily over hers.

“This is nice.” She murmured

“Mmn hmn” He hummed against her neck.

“Drake…”

“Mnnnn?”

“So this thing with you and Liam...?”

She heard Drake's laughter rumble through his chest. “I’ve been waiting for this.”

“What?”

“The whole, are you gay, are you Bi discussion.”

Riley laughed, “Am I that predictable?”

“No,” he said, tightening his arm around her, “Human nature is that predictable.”

She laid her head on his chest, waiting.  Just when she’d decided he wasn’t going to answer her question she felt his chest heave as he inhaled deeply.

  “Until the summer I turned seventeen I would’ve told you that I was strictly and without question into girls and girls only.  I was actually a little girl-crazy, actually. When we were, I dunno...twelve maybe, Liam and I found a stash of Leo’s girlie magazines and I spent an obscene amount of time jacking off to them for years afterwards.  I’d never had any sort of thought or feeling for another guy until the summer we spent in Lythikos at Olivia's house. She must’ve seen something that we didn’t because she dared us to kiss...and once we did…”

He shook his head.  “I freaked out.  I took off and went to college in the states.  I may never have come back to Cordonia if it wasn’t for the assassination attempt.”

“Right.” She whispered, “They tried to kill Liam.”

Drake nodded.  “Leo came to see me at school.  He told me what happened. Told me Liam was really fucked up over it.  Panic attacks, not sleeping...PTSD level shit.  He told me he needed me...and I didn’t even hesitate.”

He looked down into Riley’s eyes, his face shadowed with pain as he remembered. “I didn’t even need Leo to tell me to come home.  The second I realized I could’ve lost Liam forever I’d already made up my mind to go back.”

Riley reached up and stroked his face, easing the worry lines with her fingertips.  “I can’t even imagine how worried you must’ve been for him.”

Drake nodded.  “Yeah, but I wasn’t just worried for him.  I was worried for me too.  I knew if I went back to Cordonia, I’d never leave.  I also knew I was going to have to face how I felt about Liam, and a part of me...a really big part of me, just wasn’t ready for that.”

“But you went anyway.”

“I did.” He said with a sad smile, “But I didn’t exactly face anything.  Instead I decided the best way to deal with this attraction I felt , was to have as much sex, with as many different girls as I could.  I set out to prove to myself...and to Liam that our kiss meant nothing.  It was an anomaly.  A stupid, drunken mistake.”

“And what did Liam do?”

Drake smiled.  “Liam did what Liam always does.  He let me come figure it out. He waited.  He watched.  He was infinitely patient and understanding.”

“That does sound like him.”

“Then finally one night, I was tired of fighting it.  I gave in and kissed him.  I’d been home almost two years at that point.”

He looked down at her, “He’s the reason I came home.  He’s the reason I stay.  Liam is my home.”

Riley sucked in her breath.  Drake was talking about a kind of love she only dreamed of.  Soulmates.

Riley felt a seed of anxiety begin to burn in her brain and her gut.  They were so close.  They may have invited her into their beds, but was there room for her in their hearts?

Drake sighed and leaned his head back against the wall, a small smile playing across his lips.  He pulled her down so her head was resting against his bare chest as he stroked her hair.  She listened to the steady thumping of his heart and tried to let it sooth the uncertainty.

“This is what we’ve been missing.” Drake slid his finger under Riley’s chin and tilted her face up so she was gazing into his eyes.  “It was you.”

“You…and Drake?”  Riley took a deep breath to stave off the sudden wave of dizziness that washed over her.

Liam nodded calmly and took a sip of his scotch.  Now that he’d told her his secret, he felt as though the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders.  The ball was firmly in Riley's court now.

Riley stood and walked slowly over to the bar.  She grabbed the bottle of scotch and refilled her glass.  With shaking hands, she brought it to her lips and took a long swallow as she replayed their conversation over in her mind, trying to make sense of it all.

“There’s something I must confess before you decide if you truly want to become my wife, my queen…”

“A confession?”  She’d laughed nervously, “Liam, that sounds so serious.”

“I’m afraid it is.  You see, Riley, I’m in love with someone else.”

Riley looked over the rim of her glass, noticing for the first time a third glass sitting on the bar.  The ice cubes had barely melted.

Drake.  His Lover

He’d been in this room with Liam probably only minutes before she’d arrived.  That must’ve been why Liam had looked so flustered when she’d shown up early.

Suddenly the betrayal hit her like a freight train.  

Since the moment they’d met, Liam had been leading her on, romancing her, making her fall in love with him… and lying to her face the entire time.  And Drake…she closed her eyes against the stabbing pain in her chest.  All the heated looks, the accidental touches, the shared moments in between…more lies!

Riley turned to face Liam who had been watching her intently, a look of concern etched on his face.

“You fucking bastard.” She hissed.

“Riley…” He stood quickly and crossed the room until he stood just inches from her.  Her chest was heaving as she fought to control her emotions. Liam reached out for her but she backed away quickly.

“Don’t you DARE touch me!”

“Riley,  please.” Liam’s eyes were filled with sorrow, “Please give me a chance to explain.”

She shook her head.  “What’s there to explain, Liam?  You just told me that you’re in love with Drake!  That you have no intention of ending your relationship with him if we marry.  What more could you possibly have to say to me?”

“None of that changes how I feel about you.  I am truly falling in love with you Riley. Please just take some time and think this over before you make a rash decision.”

“I don’t need time, Liam!” She shouted, slamming her glass down onto the bar, sloshing the contents across the gleaming wood. “There’s no decision to be made. You’re in love with someone else!”

“Riley, be reasonable.  It’s not like I can marry him.”

Her eyes narrowed as she stared at Liam.

“Well, there it is.” She nodded her head, as a harsh laugh escaped her lips, “The real truth at last. I’m just a consolation prize because you can’t have who you really want.”

“No Riley.”  Liam ran his fingers through his hair with a loud sigh, “That’s not it at all.”

“Yes, Liam.  That’s exactly it! I give you the illusion of a modern-day fairy tale to hide behind.  An American girl comes to Cordonia and wins the hand of the handsome King.  He sweeps her off her feet and they live happily ever after. Or do they? Because in this twisted version, the King is more interested in fucking his stable boy than his Queen!”

“Riley.”  Liam’s voice held a warning tone.  But she was way too worked up to care.

“I’m sure you’ll want me to pop out an heir or two to make your bullshit story believable, right?  So I guess a couple times a year I can look forward to you flipping me over and taking me from behind while you pretend I’m Drake!”

“Alright, Riley.  That’s enough.” Liam snapped, his patience at an end, “You’re clearly too overwrought right now to have a rational, adult conversation about this so maybe we should just call it a night.”

“You know what Liam?  Fuck you. You bet your ass I’m overwrought and I have every right to be. But I agree. This conversation is over.  I’m leaving before I say something I can’t take back.” 

Riley turned on her heel and stalked across the room, yanking the door open and sending it crashing closed behind her.

*****

Drake stood with Bastien just outside the ballroom.  They were discussing the coming weeks agenda when he heard a slamming door and the sound of Riley’s heels clicking rapidly across the marble floor.  

He closed his eyes and sighed.  Slamming doors were never a good sign.

Bastien reached out to give Drake a comforting pat on the shoulder and excused himself just as Riley came storming past.

“Matheson,” Drake said, reaching out a hand to stop her.

She whirled on him, her eyes wild. “Get your hand off me you…you…LIAR!”

Drake didn’t let go.  Instead, he reached out with his other hand and turned her to face him.

“I’m sorry…”

“You lied to me, Drake!  You both lied to me! This whole time you’ve been leading me on…using me…playing with my emotions for your own benefit!  Neither of you ever stopped to consider how any of this would affect me!”

“That’s not true Matheson…Riley.  I care about you, Liam cares about you.  The last thing either of us ever wanted to do was hurt you. Our relationship has nothing to do with our feelings for you.”

Riley let out a sharp bark of laughter “You’re absolutely delusional if you really believe that.”

She pulled away from him.  

“Riley, wait…” Drake reached for her again.  

The second she felt his hand on her arm she whirled on him, pulling her arm back and swinging as hard as she could. Her fist caught him square in the mouth.  

“Oww.” She whimpered, cradling her hand, as tears of anger and frustration rolled down her cheeks.

Drake reached out and took her hand in his.  He gently curled her fingers into a fist.

He raised his eyes to hers slowly and she could see her pain mirrored in their depths

“Don’t tuck your thumb next time.” he said softly, “You’ll break it.”

He brought her hand to his mouth and brushed his lips across her bruised knuckles before releasing her and walking away.

Riley pressed her hand over her mouth to stifle the sobs that were bubbling to the surface as she watched him leave.  

She turned and fled down down the hallway to the safety of her bedroom.

*******

Liam was sitting on the couch, his head buried in his hands when Drake walked in.

“So…” Drake said as he collapsed into the chair opposite Liam,  “I take it things didn’t go quite as expected.”

Liam lifted his head and scrubbed his face with his hands.  “Actually, it went just about exactly how I expected it would.”  

He heaved a heavy sigh and looked up at Drake, his frown deepening suddenly.

“What happened to you?”

“Oh, I ran into Riley in the hall.” Drake’s tongue darted out, touching the corner of his mouth.  He tasted the sharp metallic tang of blood and gave Liam a rueful smile. “She has a surprisingly good right hook.”

“Jesus,” Liam swore as he stood and crossed to the bar.  He threw some ice into a linen napkin and brought it over to Drake.  He crouched in front of him, pressing the ice to Drake’s mouth.

He flinched slightly. “Hey.”

“Sorry,” Liam said as their eyes locked  He reached out to brush his finger lightly over the cut on his bottom lip.

“She got you pretty good.” he murmured.  

Drake nodded as he turned his head into Liam’s touch.  His lips parted and he drew Liam’s thumb into his mouth, sucking on it gently.  Liam’s breath hitched in his throat as Drake swirled his tongue around his thumb in lazy circles before dragging his teeth gently across the soft pad.  

Drake smiled when he saw the unmistakable longing in Liam’s eyes.

“You always do this.”  Liam said softly.

“Do what?”

“Try to distract me when I’m upset.”

“Do I?”

“Yes, and it’s not going to work this time.”

Drake gave him a slow, sexy smirk, “Oh, I think it’s already working.”

He reached out to weave his fingers through the soft hair at the nape of Liam’s neck, pulling him slowly forward until he felt Liam’s hot breath against his lips. Drake let his gaze fall to Liam’s mouth for a moment before lifting his eyes to meet his burning stare.  With a groan Liam closed the gap between them, crashing his lips onto Drakes.

He brought one hand up to tug Drake's hair as they kissed hungrily.  Drakes slid his tongue into Liam’s mouth, caressing his tongue with a heady slowness that only served to increase Liam’s excitement.  

This is what Drake did to him.  Two minutes ago he’d been distraught…worried that he was on the cusp of losing the woman he loved forever.  Then Drake arrived…looking at him in that way he has, touching him the way he does….and suddenly nothing mattered but the taste of Drake’s tongue in his mouth, the feel of his hands on his body, the scent of him filling his nostrils. It’s the way it’s always been with them.

Liam leaned forward, pressing Drake against the back of the chair as his free hand slid slowly up Drake's thigh until the palm of his hand was pressed tightly against his hard cock.  Drake sucked in his breath and sunk his teeth into Liam’s bottom lip, gently tugging on it. Liam felt a surge of white-hot desire course through his body and tightened his fingers around Drake's length until he groaned.

Kneeling between his legs, Liam looked up and they locked eyes.  Slowly he unbuttoned Drake's jeans and unzipped them. He lifted his hips obligingly as Liam yanked his pants and boxer briefs to his ankles.

Then his hot mouth was on him.  Drake threw his head back and groaned as he slid his fingers into Liam’s hair and gripped tight.  After a moment, he forced his eyes open to watch as Liam’s mouth worked him.

He loved the way his cock looked sliding over Liam’s full lips, the way his warm, wet tongue swirled around the head of his dick before he sucked it back into his mouth.

Drake’s fingers tightened in Liam’s hair as he gently thrust in and out of his mouth.

Liam moaned around his cock.  He loved the way Drake felt in his mouth, he loved the taste of him, the smell of him.  

He reached up, sinking his fingers into Drake’s ass cheeks, dragging him further into his throat.  

“Fuck, Li,” Drake moaned, “You’re killing me.”

Liam pulled back and looked up at him, smiling playfully.

“Do you want me to stop?”

“Fuck, no,” Drake answered as he pushed at Liam’s lips with the blunt tip of his cock.  “Don’t ever fucking stop.”

Liam felt his own cock swell when he heard the need in Drake’s voice.  Using his hand like a vice, Liam worked the base of Drake's cock with his fist as he lashed the slit with his tongue. He ran the flat of his tongue from the base of Drake’s balls all the way up his length, swirling his tongue around the head, relishing the taste of the salty precome that was beading on his tip.

“You taste so fucking good” He moaned before taking him fully into his mouth until he felt Drake hit the back of his throat

“Shit, you’re gonna make me come,” he groaned.

Liam bobbed up and down on his cock until Drake abruptly pushed him away.

Startled, Liam stumbled backward, catching himself with his hands just before he hit the ground. He looked up at Drake questioningly.

“Bedroom.  Now.” He ordered.

Liam gave him a slow smile as he got to his feet.   Outside these walls he was the King of Cordonia…but in here, when it was just the two of them, he liked relinquishing power.  It turned him like nothing else when Drake took control.

Drake kicked his jeans to the side and was already pulling his T-shirt over his head as he followed Liam into his bedroom chamber.

“Strip.” He commanded.

Liam unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it to the ground.  Then his hand went to his jeans.

Drake caught his bottom lip between his teeth and began stroking himself as he watched Liam slide his jeans from his hips and kick them away.

He’d seen Liam naked more times than he could count, but every time he was taken aback by the pure perfection of his body.

“You’re so fucking beautiful.”

Drake reached out and pulled Liam close, fitting their hips together as they shared hot, wet, open-mouthed kisses.  Liam’s hands roamed over Drakes strong, muscled arms and across his broad shoulders.

“Says the man built like a Greek God”

Drake laughed as he slid his hands down Liam’s back until he was cupping his ass with both hands, pulling him even closer, grinding their pelvises together.

Liam gasped, his breath hot in Drakes ear.  “Please, Drake”

Drake pulled his head back and gazed down at Liam, a sexy smirk on his face.

“Please … what?”

“You know what I want.” Liam moaned.

“Yeah, I do.” Drake agreed, sliding his hand over Liam’s hip, “But I want to hear you say it.”

“Fine.” Liam said breathlessly, “I want you to fuck me.  Happy now?”

“Fucking delirious” He growled as he claimed Liam’s lips in another bruising kiss.

He broke the kiss abruptly and slapped Liam on the ass.

“Get on the bed.”

Liam did as he was told.

“On your knees.”

Liam knelt in the middle of his bed, waiting.  After what felt like forever he felt the hard wall of Drake's chest pressed against his back,  Drake’s arm encircled his chest, pulling him tightly against him. His warm breath caressed Liam’s ear as his throbbing cock pressed against the small of his back.  Liam shivered in anticipation as Drake took his free hand and grasped his dick, running it tantalizingly up and down the crack of Liam’s ass.

Liam moaned and pushed back against him eagerly.  He felt Drake pressing at his entrance and felt a thrill of anticipation.

“Are you ready for me?” Drake whispered, dragging his tongue along the sensitive skin behind Liam's ear.

“God, yes.” He moaned

Drake pushed in slowly, inch by inch giving Liam time to adjust to the intrusion.

“Fuck that feels good.” He groaned as he bucked back against Drake.

It was all the encouragement Drake needed.  He started thrusting deep and hard, setting an unrelenting pace.

He held Liam tightly against him with one arm, dragging his teeth over his neck, nipping at his skin as he pounded into him.  With his other arm, he reached around and grasped Liam’s stiff cock in his hand, stroking it in time with his thrusts

“Yes, oh fuck,  Drake!” Liam cried.  Having Drake's cock buried inside of him while his hand jacked him was pushing him quickly to the edge.  He knew he wasn’t going to last long.

Drake groaned loudly.  He could tell Liam was getting close.  His movements had become erratic as he thrust into Drake’s fist.

“Come for me.” Drake purred into his ear.

That snapped the last vestige of Liam’s control.  Drake’s name spilled from his lips as he erupted into Drake’s hand and onto the bed below them.

Drained, Liam slumped forward as Drakes’ fingers tightened on his hips.  He pumped into Liam furiously until he felt the familiar tightening in his balls.

With his lips on Liam’s throat, he thrust deeply and held, groaning his name as he exploded into him until he was spent.

Drake pulled out and flipped onto his back, throwing an arm over his eyes as he caught his breath.

He felt the bed shift next to him as Liam turned to his side.  Drake could feel his eyes on him.

Drake grinned, “You’re welcome.”

He heard Liam’s low chuckle.  “For what, exactly?”

Drake raised his arm and and turned to Liam with a smirk. “For distracting you.”

“That you did.”  Liam sighed and flopped onto his back, staring at the ceiling.  “It didn’t solve our problem though.”

“It solved one of them.”

“I’m serious Drake.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Riley was on the next flight out of Cordonia.  She was so upset…so hurt.”

“Yeah.” Drake agreed with a deep sigh, “Maybe she just needs some time.  It’s kind of a lot to process.”

Liam nodded.  “Yes, I suppose it it.  I’ll let her cool off tonight and maybe tomorrow we can go talk to her…together.”

*****

After her encounter with Drake in the hallway, Riley headed straight to her room, tears flowing down her cheeks.  She threw open her door and went to her closet, dragging out her battered suitcase. Wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand, she threw it open and started tossing her things inside.

“So how’d it go?” said an excited voice behind her, “Tell me everything!”

Riley whirled around to find a beaming Maxwell standing in her doorway.  His smile faded quickly as he took in her red, swollen eyes and tear-stained face.

“Riley…” He said softly, “What is it?”

“Oh, Maxwell…” Riley buried her face in her hands as the tears started anew.  Maxwell stepped forward, wrapping her in a comforting embrace.

“Shhhh.” He crooned, stroking her hair gently, “Don’t cry little blossom”

Maxwell just held her, patting her back, letting her cry until she didn’t have any tears left.  With a final shuddering sob, she pulled away and gave him a small, watery smile.

“I’m okay,” she said more to herself, than to Maxwell. “I’ll be fine.”

Maxwell took her hand and led her to the bed, sitting her down on the edge.  He cast a worried look at her open suitcase.

“Can you tell me what happened?”

Riley closed her eyes, shaking her head slowly.  She still couldn’t make herself believe it.

Maxwell sat next to her, taking her hands in his, stroking her swollen knuckles with his thumb.

“Hana told me Liam asked you to his room for a private dinner tonight.”

Riley nodded her head.

Maxwell pushed down a sudden surge of anger.  “Did you argue?”

He looked down at her swollen hand and feared the worst.

He had a hard time forcing the next words past his lips, “Liam didn’t… hurt you did he?”

Maxwell held his breath as he waited for the answer.  He couldn’t ever imagine Liam being anything other than a perfect gentleman, but they’d been all alone in his room and clearly something terrible had happened.

Riley shook her head vehemently, “No, Maxwell, of course not.  It was nothing like that. He told me…He said…”

She burst into tears all over again.  Maxwell reached for her but she pulled away quickly and started pulling clothes from her closet.

“I can’t stay here.  I have to go home.”

“No, Riley!  You can’t.” He picked up the dresses that she’d just thrown into her suitcase and brought them back to the closet, hanging them back up.  Riley pulled a drawer from her dresser and overturned it directly into the suitcase. When she turned around to grab another drawer, Maxwell scooped up the clothes.  He was about to put them back into the drawer when she turned and caught him with an armful of her bras and panties.

“Maxwell, what the hell are you doing?”

Maxwell looked down at the lacy underthings in his hands and dropped them onto the bed quickly.  “Riley, you can’t leave!”

“I have to, Maxwell.  I can’t stay here. Not now.  Not after…”

She trailed off, shaking her head.

“Not after what Riley?  What the heck happened tonight?”

Riley took a deep breath.  “He told me…”

As angry as she was, she didn’t want to expose Liam and Drake’s relationship. She wasn’t sure if it was a secret, but she’d never heard any mention of it in the time she’d been in Cordonia.  

“He told me he’s in love with someone else.”

“Oh, little Blossom.” Maxwell said, pulling her back into his arms, “No.  I can’t believe that.  Are you sure you didn’t misunderstand him?”

“No.  Absolutely no misunderstanding.”

“But I really thought…I mean, everyone thought, that you were the one he’d choose.”  He pulled back, an uncharacteristic scowl on his face, “Is it Olivia?  Please don’t tell me it’s Olivia. He simply can not marry a Nevrakis!”

“It’s not Olivia.” Riley said quietly.

Maxwell fell silent as he studied Riley intently, chewing on his bottom lip.

“Oh.”

There was something in his tone that struck Riley as odd.

“Maxwell?” She said, rising from the bed to face him.  

He avoided her gaze.

“Maxwell!” She said sharply

He raised his eyes guiltily.

“Oh my God.” She said her voice a hoarse whisper, “You knew.  You brought me here to marry him and you knew.” A renewed sense of betrayal washed over her.  “Who else knows Maxwell? Am I the only idiot in all of Cordonia that didn’t know the King was fucking his best friend?!”

“No!” Maxwell said, “I didn’t know, not really.  I mean, there have been rumors for years but I never really believed it…” His voice trailed off

“Well, it’s confirmed now.”  She said bitterly, “Straight from the horse’s mouth.”

“Wow.” Maxwell said, his cheeks staining pink, “That explains so much about all those camping trips…”

Riley let out a frustrated groan and started throwing clothes in her suitcase again.

“NO!”  Maxwell jumped in front of the suitcase with his arms spread wide. “Please don’t go.”

“What’s the point in staying Maxwell? There’s nothing left for me here.”

“But why, Riley?  Why does this have to change anything?”

Riley whirled on him, her eyes blazing, “Are you insane, Maxwell? This changes EVERYTHING!”

Maxwell rubbed her arm comfortingly, “I know you’re upset right now, little blossom.  But take some time to really think about this. I know that you care deeply for Liam…” He gave her a knowing look, “And for Drake too.”

Riley crossed her arms over her chest, refusing to confirm what they both knew was true.

“This might actually end up being the best thing that could have happened to you.”

Riley looked at him like he’d lost his mind, “In what possible way could this be a good thing?”

“Think about it Ri.  You were so torn between them.  But now…” Maxwell shrugged his shoulders, “they’re kind of a package deal.  You don’t have to choose anymore.”

“But Maxwell…They’re together.”

Maxwell shook his head.  “They might hook up sometimes, and they definitely care for each other, but I know beyond a doubt that they both…um…enjoy the company of women.”  He waggled his brows at Riley, “Like really enjoy women…a lot…and often.”

Riley frowned at Maxwell.  “I’m not sure if that makes me feel better…or worse.”

“I’m just saying Riley, really think about this.  I know you’re angry right now, and I don’t blame you.  But don’t make a rash decision.” 

“Are we really sure this is the best approach?” Drake asked quietly as he sipped his drink.

Across the room, Liam stared contemplatively out the window at the bustling courtyard below.  “Am I sure?” He echoed before turning to look at Drake, his expression carefully controlled, “No Drake, I am most decidedly not sure.  What do you suppose is the proper protocol for telling the woman one intends to marry that you’re also in love with your best friend?  There doesn’t seem to be a lot of literature on the subject in the royal library, so yeah, I’m struggling a bit.”

“Was that an attempt at sarcasm?” Drake chuckled softly. “Careful Li, You’re starting to sound like me.”

Despite his anxiety, Liam smiled too. “Yes. I suppose I am.”

“Do you want me to stay?”

Liam sighed deeply before shaking his head.  “I don't think so.  It’s going to be a difficult enough conversation.  I don’t want to compound her discomfort by making her face both of us at once.  Perhaps once I gauge her reaction…” 

His voice trailed off and he turned to stare back out the window.  

Drake tossed back the rest of his drink.  “I’ll leave you to it then.”

He put his empty glass on the bar and crossed the room, hesitating for a moment when he reached the door.

“You don’t have to do this, you know.” He said quietly, staring at the grooves in the heavy oak door. “Are you sure this is what you really want?

Liam turned, his brow furrowed. “Drake, look at me.”  

Drake turned his head slightly, still not quite meeting Liam’s penetrating gaze.  

“I said look at me.” Liam commanded in his most authoritative tone.

The corner of Drake’s mouth quirked upwards as he turned fully to face Liam.

He raised a sardonic brow.  “Yes, my liege?”

“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”

Drake nodded and pulled the door open, closing it firmly behind him.

                                       **********

Riley handed Hana the handwritten invitation that Bastien delivered to her earlier that afternoon.

Lady Riley,

Would you do me the honor of joining me in my private quarters for dinner this evening at 7:00.

With great affection,

Liam

“Oh my goodness, Riley.” Hana exclaimed as she read the letter, “That’s so exciting!  I don’t think King Liam has asked any of the other suitors up to his private rooms for a romantic one on one dinner.”

“Um hmm.” Riley chewed on her bottom lip nervously.  

Hana gave her a quizzical look and sat down next to her on the couch, “What’s wrong?” She asked gently, “You don’t look very happy.  I thought you really liked Liam.”

“Oh,  I do.” Riley forced a cheerful smile to her face, “This is very exciting.”

Hana was unconvinced.  She reached out and took Riley’s hand in her own. “What’s going on Ri?  You know you can tell me anything.”

Riley pulled away and stood quickly. Hana watched, concerned, as Riley paced back and forth.

Finally, she stopped and turned to face Hana.

“Liam walked in on me and Drake the other day.”

She heard Hana’s sharp intake of breath and rushed to explain, “No...no, not like that!  We were in the Library, just talking.” She shook her head and sighed, “But I was flirting with him.  He was flirting back.   If Liam hadn’t interrupted us…”  She shrugged her shoulders, her eyes clouded with confusion.  “If he’d tried to kiss me, I would’ve let him.” Riley let out a frustrated groan, “Who am I kidding?  If he hadn’t tried to kiss me, I’d have kissed him.”

“Oh,” Hana said softly. “I see.  So you...like Drake?’

“I do.” Riley admitted quietly, “But I like Liam too.  It’s like they’re two sides of the same coin.  Liam is polished and suave and so incredibly romantic.  He’s like an honest to god fairytale prince.  He’s so open and honest.  He wears his heart on his sleeve.  Then there’s Drake.  He has these nearly impenetrable walls up. I never really know what he’s thinking. He’s rough around the edges and cynical and, I don’t know...raw.” Riley bit her bottom lip and smiled. “There’s something so exciting about being with him.”

“Oh Ri, you have it bad...for both of them.”

Riley nodded her head sadly.  “That’s why this invitation is freaking me out so much.  I'm not sure if this is a romantic dinner, or if he’s going to tell me to pack my bags and go back to New York.”  Tears welled in Riley's eyes and began to spill down her cheeks, “I don’t want to go home, Hana. I love it here.  I love you and Maxwell...and even Bertrand.  I don’t want to leave.”

Hana stood and rushed to Riley, pulling her into a comforting hug, “Oh honey!  Don’t think like that!  Liam would never send you away.”

“You didn’t see him, Hana.” Riley sobbed, “He was so angry.”

“What did he say, exactly?”

Riley pulled back wiping at her tears. “That’s just it...he didn’t really say anything.  He just asked to speak to Drake alone.”

“Did Drake look concerned?”

“When does Drake ever look concerned about anything?” Riley rolled her eyes, “He just told me not to worry...that he’d handle it.”

Hana gave her a happy smile, “Well there you go then.  Drake can always calm Liam right down. I’m sure everything’s fine.”

She gave Riley another quick hug before tugging her down to sit on the couch, ‘I really don’t think you have anything to worry about.  It’s obvious that Liam cares very much for you.”  She gave Riley a conspiratorial wink, “I’ve seen the looks you two give each other.  You definitely have chemistry.”

Riley smiled. “We definitely have that.”

“It’s settled then.” Hana gave her a dazzling smile as she reached out to wipe a stray tear from Riley’s cheek, “The only thing you should be worrying about right now is what you’re going to wear.”

 Riley stood outside the door to Liam’s apartment, trying to gather the courage to knock.  She wiped her damp palms down the sides of her green, off the shoulder dress.  She’d chosen this dress because she knew Liam liked it.  It was the dress she’d worn the night they’d met.  She thought if she reminded him of that night, maybe he’d remember how smitten they were with each other.  Maybe he’d forgive her flirtation with Drake.  But as she stood there, butterflies in her stomach, she wondered if she really wanted to be forgiven.  

Suddenly the door flew open and she stood blinking up into Liam’s face.  

“Riley!”  He took a step backward, startled.  Then he laughed, “You’re a bit early.”  

He leaned forward, placing a kiss on each cheek in the customary European greeting, “Come in.  I was just going to call for Bastien to get someone to bring more ice.”

He took her by the hand and led her into his room, closing the door behind them.  He walked straight to the bar.

“Can I get you a drink?”  He called over his shoulder.

“Um...sure.  Whatever you’re having is fine.”

Liam dropped some ice into two glasses and poured a liberal amount of scotch into each.  He paused to take a long sip before squaring his shoulders and turning to face Riley.

With a tight smile, he held out the glass to her.  She noticed his hand was trembling a bit.  

“Have a seat.” He motioned to a set of wingback chairs.  “Dinner should be here shortly.”

Riley sat down and sipped her drink, eyeing Liam warily.  He sat in the chair opposite her, frowning down into his own drink.

Liam was acting very strange, not angry exactly, but there was definitely something off about his body language.  She could practically feel the tension radiating off him.  It had her on edge.

“You look lovely tonight. ” He said finally, “That color suits you.”

“Thank you.  You look very handsome tonight too.”  

He really did.  He was dressed more casually than usual in a pair of dark jeans and a light blue button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.  Unfortunately, his rigid posture belied his casual dress.

“Thank you.” He murmured and they fell into another uncomfortable silence as Liam went back to studying the contents of his glass.  

Liam was internally chastising himself.  He was being absolutely ridiculous right now.  He was a goddamn King!  He could converse with world leaders and articulate his thoughts concisely and persuasively under even the direst of circumstances.  How the hell had this conversation reduced him to a sweaty-palmed virgin?

Taking a deep breath, Liam lifted his head and met Riley's eyes.  He saw concern there, and something else...fear? Uncertainty?  She looked every bit as nervous as he felt.

He gave her a warm smile.  “Thank you for agreeing to have dinner with me tonight.”

“Of course.” She said softly.

He inhaled deeply.  “But before the food arrives, I have a matter of some urgency that I must discuss with you.  I suppose you can decide afterward if you still wish to dine with me.”

Riley’s heart began to race.

Here it comes. He’s sending me home!

“Liam.” She leaned forward, placing her hand on his knee as she gazed beseechingly into his eyes, “I’m so sorry.  I never meant to hurt you, you have to believe that.”

Liam gave her a quizzical look, “I...I’m sorry.  What are you talking about?”

Now it was Rileys’ turn to look confused.  

“Drake.  He and I...in the library yesterday.  That’s what this is all about, right?”

Liam laughed and shook his head. “No...no, that was...”  Suddenly his smile faltered, “Well, in a way, I suppose it is.”

“I’m sorry Liam…” Riley said with a frustrated sigh, “I’m not following. Are you angry with me, or not?”

“No Riley.”  He reached out to grasp her hand, squeezing gently, “I’m very sorry if I’ve given you the impression that I’m upset with you.”  He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly, his eyes never leaving her face.

Riley felt some of her tension drain away as she gazed back at him.  “That’s a relief.” She said, giving him a little smile, “I thought…”

She let her voice trail off, not sure how to bring up the incident in the Library without causing further tension between them.

“I know what you thought.  You believed me to be jealous because you and Drake were being so...intimate, with one another.”

Riley's cheeks colored and she nodded.  

“You weren’t wrong...exactly.” He admitted

“But you said…”

Liam nodded, holding her hand a little more tightly, “I said I wasn’t upset with you, Riley, and I meant it.  My anger was solely directed at Drake.”

Riley leaned forward, beseeching him with her eyes “Liam, please don’t be upset with Drake.  He didn’t do anything, honestly.”

As worried as Riley was about Liam being mad at her, she realized she was far more upset that Liam might be angry with Drake.  Drake was his best friend.  She couldn’t live with herself if she came between them.

“It was all me” She admitted, “I was flirting with him.  He was just humoring me.”

Liam laughed, “Now you’re covering for him.”  His eyes sparkled with laughter, “You care about him.”

It wasn’t a question, it was a statement

Riley sighed and nodded her head. “I’m so sorry Liam.  I never meant for this to happen.”

“But there’s just something about him, isn’t there?” Liam said softly, “He tries so hard to keep you at an arm's distance, so when he finally lets you in, even a little bit...you feel like you’ve won the lottery.”

“Yes.” She agreed.  

“I could never fault you for that.  Drake has an uncanny way of making people fall in love with him, despite their best efforts to the contrary.”

“You’re not...upset?”

Liam laughed, “Not at all.”

Riley frowned, her confusion evident.

“Riley.” Liam said, placing his hands gently on her arms, pulling her close, “I don’t think it will come as any surprise to you when I tell you I’m falling in love with you.  I cherish the times we’ve had together and I look forward to spending more time getting to know you.” He reached out to stroke his finger down her cheek, as his eyes burned into hers, “When it comes time to choose my Queen, I want more than anything for it to be you.”

“Liam…’ She said breathlessly. “I...I don’t…”

Her mind was in chaos.  She’d just confessed to him that she had feelings for his best friend and in response, he’d practically proposed to her.  She didn’t know how to respond.