The Green Twin

“We need to have a discussion about your intentions with my daughter.”

While Len darted back off into the crowd, Jackson could feel Liam’s full attention bear down on him. With his eyes darkened in a quiet fury, gone was the jovial man Jackson had known his whole life. The Liam that taught him how to play chess or would sneak him extra dessert when his parents weren’t watching, was nowhere to be found.

Standing in front of him was the King. 

Without another word, Liam turned towards the keep, motioning for Jackson to follow. The only sound between them was the thick snow crunching underneath their boots, making Jackson feel like every step was marching him closer to his death. Never before had he seen Liam so tense, his jaw looking as if it was about to snap in two.

After entering the estate, Jackson continued to follow, wondering where Liam was leading him. They walked briskly past the parlor, past the office that Liam frequently used when he visited. Jackson assumed they were going to one of the other guest rooms to speak, but all hope of that was dashed when Liam turned left instead of the usual right, heading straight into Olivia’s armory. Jackson gulped loudly as Liam entered, taking a moment to calm his breathing before following. 

When he entered the room, he found Liam staring at one of the walls lined with dozens of swords and other weapons. He stepped up to the wall, pulling one large, curved blade down from its resting place. Every pore on Jackson’s body started to sweat as he looked around the room, swearing that his aunt had added to her collection since his last visit.

When Liam turned around with the sword still in hand, Jackson’s throat constricted. 

Yup, this is how I die.

“Some of these items have belonged to my family for hundreds of years,” Liam sighed, turning the blade over in his hands. “I’d be fascinated to know how many men this blade alone has cut down.”

“Ummm….yeah….” Jackson stammered, glancing over his shoulder at the door. A few steps, that’s all it would take. “Was there something you wanted to talk about, Uncle Li?”

Liam’s mouth contorted into a tight smile, “Yes, Jackson. There is. I’ve been very curious about your intentions regarding the season.”

“What do you mean?”

“Why did you decide to join?” Liam continued. “You have never held any interest in our politics before.”

“I still don’t, not really,” Jackson answered.

“Then why are you here?”

“For Len,” Jackson answered, holding his head up a little higher. “You’re right; all of the royalty stuff, that’s not something I ever wanted to get involved in. But if that’s what it takes to be a part of Len’s life, then yeah…I’m gonna do whatever it takes.”

Liam paused, studying his expression carefully. Jackson had seen this look many times before, usually when a visiting noble came to the palace for the first time. Liam was the master of reading people’s intentions. Without a single word, he could sense someone’s truths. For the first time since they walked into the armory, Jackson relaxed, knowing he meant every single word. 

With a slow exhale, Liam shifted, placing the sword back on the wall. “While I commend you for your honesty, Jackson, I still have apprehensions. For one, why now?”

“What do you mean?”

Liam crossed his arms around his chest, “You have known my daughter for her entire life, and yet you chose this moment to express how you feel. Why?”

Jackson stopped, taking a moment to try to put his feelings into clear words. It was something he’d thought about since the season began: how close he had come to losing Len, all because he’d been too blind to realize how much she meant to him. Even if everything fell apart now, at least it wouldn’t be because he never tried. 

“Look, I know my timing’s absolute sh—,” Jackson paused, smiling sheepishly at Liam’s unimpressed frown. “My timing wasn’t the best. And I wish I could stand here and tell you that the social season didn’t open my eyes. I knew coming home from New York that there was something between Len and me. And honestly, it scared me. I thought….maybe we’d take things slow, and figure things out as we went. But then when she told me about the social season….I thought about walking away. I didn’t think I’d have a shot of competing; I didn’t even know if I wanted to. But then my mom told me about your season, and I knew I had to try. If I didn’t at least try to see what Len and I could have…..I’d regret it the rest of my life.”

“Jackson…”

“I care about Len,” he said firmly, refusing to back down, no matter how hard his heart was pounding. “It’s taken me a long time to realize how much, but I think it’s always been there. She’s everything to me, Liam. The rest of this…” Jackson motioned to the air around him. “None of it matters to me. Nothing but her.”

Liam stared at him for a long moment, his hardened expression never faltering. Finally, he cleared his breath, “I am glad to hear that, Jackson. But that doesn’t excuse your behavior today. Any wrong move on your part could reflect poorly on my daughter. That, I will not allow.”

“I’m sorry, Liam,” Jackson said. “Len already let me have it for that. It’s just Prince Lucas. He’s such a….”

“Entitled jerk?”

“Yes!” Jackson snapped, looking back at Liam in confusion. “Wait, you know?”

Liam sighed, “Not exactly. You sounded a lot like your father for a moment. He uses that term fairly often to describe some of the other nobles.” He pinched the bridge of his nose, “I understand that they have their flaws; no one is immune from weakness. Many of the others have been raised to search for those in their competition. Give up yours so easily, and they will not hesitate to act upon it. You must learn to rise above their comments. If Len were to choose you at the end of the season, you would need to have your temper under control. I have had plenty of moments when I wanted to act brashly, when I was tempted to let my personal desires outweigh the needs of our kingdom. But to give in to such impulses is selfish and can have dire consequences. You must remember that when you feel your anger starting to build.”

“Understood,” Jackson answered, bowing his head. “It will not happen again.”

“It better not. I would hate to have to repeat this conversation,” Liam said, taking a small blade into his hands. “And then there is the matter of you spending time alone with my daughter….”

Jackson gulped, wishing more than anything that he had a normal aunt. Why couldn’t Olivia hoard cats instead of every blade known to man? He had never seen Liam with a dagger before, but every move was smooth and controlled. Clearly, he had underestimated Liam’s skills. With a flick of his wrist, the blade sliced through the air. It seamlessly slid into the center of a practice dummy on the side of the room, only the hilt visible. 

Just as Jackson saw the final moments of his life flash before his eyes, a chuckle came from behind Liam. What the fuck? Jackson searched for the source, finally noticing Liam’s phone perched against one of the displays, the screen showing that it was on speaker.  

Liam’s eyes followed the same path, pinching his brow with his forefingers before speaking, “You said you would be silent.”

“Sorry, Li. I tried my damndest, but your intimidation tactics need some work.”

“As if you could have done better! I would love to see how you’ll act when someone comes to call on Hope.”

“Have you met my girl? Trust me, I’m gonna be the least of that guy’s problems.”

“Dad?” Jackson finally barked out, his mind slowly rectifying what was occurring. With an open mouth, his eyes darted between Liam and the phone, still unsure if he should be fearful for his life. “Can someone please fill me in on what’s happening?”

“Payback,” Drake laughed. 

“After your display on the ice, I thought it would be best if we had a conversation about what occurred. I wanted to have a calm discussion….” he gave a pointed look at the phone. 

“I thought it would be funnier if Liam scared the shit out of you,” Drake said, his voice still uneven with laughter. He cleared his throat, “Look, Jack, I get why you reacted that way. However, you can’t go around knocking out all of the nobles that piss you off.”

“Says that man that dueled with Lord Neville on the front lawn of the palace….” Liam sighed. 

“One time!” Drake protested. “And only because that jackass challenged me first.”

Jackson leaned against the wall, running his hands over his face. As his father and Liam continued to bicker about which nobles would win in a duel, a thought suddenly popped into his head. “Wait….so you’re not going to throw me in the dungeon for talking to Len?”

“Of course not,” Liam laughed. “I would have to be a fool not to realize how deeply you care for her. Besides, if my wife has taught me anything, a woman’s heart is her own. I would not interfere with Len’s choice unless it could cause her harm.” He placed his hand on Jackson’s shoulder, staring him straight in the eye. “And you have no intention of causing her harm, correct?”

Jackson shook his head, “Never.”

*****

Len paced through the guest room, trying to keep her breathing steady. The last thing she saw was her father leading Jackson away, unsure what he wanted to speak to him about. She knew that her dad had reservations about Jackson entering the season. But if anyone was here for Len, it was him. 

She hoped her dad could see that. He had to see that, right? She popped her thumb into her mouth, chewing the nail bed as her anxieties grew. 

“Relax, you're burning a hole in my rug,” Hope called from the couch. Laying against the pillows, she continued scrolling through her phone as Len glared down at her. “It’s not like your dad’s going to kill him. Worst case scenario? Maybe a little light poking with one of Aunt Liv’s knives.”

“That’s not funny!” Len snapped.

“It is to me,” Hope shrugged, shifting to sit up. A wide smile broke out on her face, “Do you think your dad is doing that thing?” She squeezed the bridge of her nose with her forefinger and let out a long sigh, “You know the move. The one he does when he’s about three seconds from losing his shit?”

Len groaned, “I seriously hope not. He’d only do that if Jackson said something sarcastic.” Hope gave her a pointed look. “Don’t say it.”

“It’s not that bad. If something happens to Jack, you can always just marry one of those other guys. Not to mention…I’ll finally get to move into the big bedroom. Seems like a win-win to me.”

“Hope,” Len said, subconsciously mimicking her father’s exasperated gesture. “You are not helping the situation.”

“Just promise me if that happens, you’re not gonna pick Lucas.” Hope continued, muttering under her breath, “Stupid fucking asshat…”

Len stopped, arching her brow at her friend, “What is the deal with the two of you? Ever since he arrived, you’ve had nothing but negative things to say about him.”

“I don’t trust the guy, Len.”

“And why is that?”

Hope sighed, running her hand over her face. In truth, besides the incident on the ice earlier, there was no clear reason why she couldn’t stand Lucas. She tried to say it was because of how he treated Len, but that was a lie. At all of the events, he was the perfect gentleman and never failed to make her friend smile. Maybe it was because he was competing with Jackson, but even that didn’t hold as much weight as it used to. While he might have made comments about Jackson, he never interfered in his time with Len, at least not yet. Hope sighed, rolling her eyes as she tried to put her gut feeling into words, “His face….”

“Is handsome?” Len smirked. 

“No!” Hope stammered. “I mean, yeah, sure. Objectively speaking, I guess you could say he’s good-looking in that stereotypical way.”

“Then what is it?”

“His face is extremely punchable,” Hope finally muttered. Len stared at her best friend before a laugh rang out between them. “Tell me I’m wrong!”

Len pinched her brow, “While I appreciate your completely non-biased assessment, I think you should give him a chance. We’ve spent a lot of time together over the past few years. Trust me, he is not who you think.”

Hope started to say something, but looked up and met Len’s gaze instead. She could tell with just that one look that this meant something to her best friend. “Fine,” Hope huffed. “I will try to be nicer to him. But if he starts with me first, I’m not backing down.”

“Thank you,” Len sighed, plopping down next to her. 

Hope twisted her fingers together as they sat in silence for several minutes. Her frown deepened; a question continued to gnaw at her. Every time she tried to force it down, it came back with more force. With a defeated sigh, Hope turned toward Len, “Why does it matter what I think about Lucas?”

Len scrunched her face, “I don’t know…I just think it will make things easier…”

“If you pick him?” Hope asked quietly. “Do you think you might?”

“It is early in the season. I still need to take the time to get to know each of the suitors.”

“Nope. This isn’t a press conference, Len,” Hope said. “I don’t want the bullshit answer. Between us, do you think you might choose Lucas?”

Len paused for a long moment. Furrowing her brow, she thought about their past interactions. On paper, Lucas was everything that she would want in a partner. He came from a similar background, he made her laugh, and he was the perfect host during their last visit to Monaco. But never for a moment was there a spark between the two of them. Being around him was like visiting an old friend, and being away never caused any longing in her heart. It was the opposite of Jackson, who burned through her skin like wildfire. Every moment away from him, he was in the forefront of her mind. What she felt around Lucas could never compare. 

Len shook her head, “I thought when he first arrived…maybe. But then Jackson showed up and I knew.”

“Knew what?”

“That Lucas could never make me feel the way Jackson does,” Len quietly answered. “Even if things don’t work out between us, I could never settle for less now. It would be like living in black and white after being shown technicolor.”

As Hope started to reply, a knock came on their door. Jackson’s voice called out as it opened, “Hope, you in here?”

“We both are,” she answered, standing to greet her brother. 

As he stepped inside, his eyes immediately met Len’s, his face breaking into a wide smile. Without another word, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tight against his chest. Len ran her hand through the short hairs on the back of his neck. “Did it go that poorly?”

“Both of our fathers are absolutely fucked in the head,” Jackson groaned. “But no…I think it actually went pretty well.”

“I don’t see any bloodstains, so it definitely could have gone worse,” Hope muttered. But neither seemed to hear her, too wrapped up in each other to acknowledge her comment. With a long exhale, Hope stood, walking towards the door. “I’ll give you guys a minute. But I swear if you do anything in my room, I will kill you both.”

“Noted,” Jackson laughed. 

As she walked back into the hall, Hope let out a long sigh. While Len’s words had soothed some of her fears, she couldn’t quite shake off her nerves. When her brother stepped into the room, she could see his emotions written on his face. He might not have said it, but she knew. He was in love with Len. Part of her wanted to scream at him to lock it down, to keep his feelings in check until the end of the season. But she knew better than to try to stand in their way. 

As she turned the corner towards the main part of the keep, Hope spotted a tuft of blond hair in her periphery. Lucas, owner of the extremely punchable face. She stopped in her tracks, leaning against the wall in case he turned back in her direction. As she leaned forward to watch where he was heading, Hope swore he was acting shiftier than usual.

While he stepped through the corridors, Hope tried to subtly follow him, curious where he was going. All of the events were done for the day; the suitors had free reign of the keep. But Hope hated the idea of this asshole lurking around. Besides, this was her chance to gather intel about his movements. Ever since her spectacular fail earlier, she hoped she’d get another chance to spy on Lucas. 

As he turned underneath the stairs, Hope let out a slew of curses, knowing that the path led down to the cellars. With only one way in and out, there was no way she’d be able to get down there without him realizing. She glanced back up the stairs, unsure if she should try to head back to her room. But with Jackson and Len talking, please let them just be talking, she didn’t want to head back yet. She chewed on her lower lip, letting her curiosity get the best of her.  Hope quietly creaked the door open, listening for any sign of Lucas in the room below. 

Hope’s brow furrowed as the words “son of a bitch” echoed from the base of the stairs. Several more swears followed quickly after, completely crushing what was left of her willpower. With a silent step, she closed the door behind her, heading down the spiral staircase into the cellar. As she reached the base, she immediately spotted Lucas in the corner, holding his phone up in the air. Grimacing at the screen, he continued to let out several swears. Hope smiled to herself, finding some evidence that the asshole wasn’t the perfect prince he tried to present to the court. 

With one last curse, Lucas shoved the phone into his pocket. Before she was able to dart back up the stairs, he turned, locking eyes with Hope. “Very subtle,” he said with an annoyed look. “Do you make it a habit of spying on people?”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Hope said innocently. “I just came down to grab a bottle of wine. Len and I are having a movie night, and Olivia always has the best stuff down here.”

“Of course, you were.” Lucas rolled his eyes. “Grab your wine and go.”

“Wow, so hostile. You really should talk to someone about your displaced anger,” Hope chuckled, stepping toward the rows. Fuck. She literally knew nothing about wine. Fermented grape juice was the furthest thing from her drink of choice. She chewed on her lower lip, hoping that Lucas wouldn’t notice her stalling. 

As her fingers trailed along the dusty bottles, Lucas’ phone chirped and he quickly pulled it out. But when he read the screen, his face instantly fell. “Fuck,” he muttered.

“Bad news?” Hope said. “Someone put garlic in your room? I heard that smell can be a real bitch to get out.”

“Because you think I’m a vampire?” Lucas asked with his brow arched, looking unimpressed. 

“No, I think you’re an asshole,” she bit back. “But being a vampire would explain the whole heartless, soul-sucking thing you’ve got going on.” Damn, she was really failing these spy games. Amalas would be very disappointed. So much for playing nice like she suggested. Every time Hope was around this guy, her mouth moved faster than her brain.

“Clever,” Lucas chuckled.

Hope waited, sure that there was some nasty remark heading her way. But when she turned her head, instead, she found Lucas staring wistfully at his phone. She sighed, his defeated expression making her stance soften slightly. “Seriously….are you okay?”

“Fine,” Lucas answered, showing her the screen. “My friend just sent me the line-up for a race tomorrow and I’m not pleased with the results.”

She furrowed her brow. “Wait, you’re this pissed about a race?”

“No, not just a race,” he snapped, pulling the phone back from her. “I’m pissed about the results of the qualifier for the French Grand Prix. One of the Mercedes drivers managed to snag the pole position.”

Hope stared back at him, trying to decipher what he was saying. “And that’s a bad thing?”

“Forget it, you wouldn’t understand,” he muttered, heading towards the door. 

She reached out, placing her hand on his arm. As they both looked down to where she was touching him, she jerked her hand back, tempted to wipe it clean on her jeans. “I might not know what you’re talking about, but I hope it works out like you want it to.”

“Thanks….” he said slowly, turning back towards the stairs. As they opened the door, he craned his neck to glance out the window. “Hmm, that’s odd.”

“What is?” Hope asked.

“It doesn’t look as if Hell froze over, yet you are being nice to me. Maybe I should search the skies for flying pigs.”

“Such an asshole,” Hope groaned, rolling her eyes as they headed up the stairs to the guest rooms.

“There she is. I was worried for a moment.”

“Don’t worry,” she smirked. “It was a momentary lapse in judgment. I’ll be back to the bitch you know and love in the morning.”

“Looking forward to it,” Lucas called out as their paths diverged. “Have a good night, Detective Clouseau.”

“Sleep well, blood-sucker.”

*****

Upstairs, Jackson and Len laid on the couch side by side, watching as the fire crackled in front of them. After going over his conversation with Liam, Jackson was content to just enjoy this moment, needing nothing more than the girl in his arms. 

Len shifted, turning to run her fingers through his hair. “Are you sure that you’re all right?”

“Yes,” he said, leaning in to give her a soft kiss. “But I’m definitely going to stay on your dad’s good side. Did you know he knows how to handle a sword?”

“I’ve seen him a few times,” Len chuckled. “But he would never cause you harm. You know he loves you.”

I love you. The words screamed out in Jackson’s mind, completely stealing the air from his lungs. They itched on his skin, desperate for him to breathe them to life. It was too soon; he knew that. He wasn’t even really dating Len. Instead, he found himself involved in a bullshit competition for her hand. For years, he’d ignored his heart, telling himself that the idea of them being together was just a fantasy. But looking back on it now, he knew the truth: he’d been in love with Eleanor Rys for as long as he could remember. 

And now that he knew what it felt like to hold her, to kiss her lips? There was no question at all that he wanted to spend the rest of his life by her side. 

Len’s face scrunched up, staring into his eyes, “What is it?”

Jackson shook his head, knowing that he couldn’t tell her just yet. Right now, being in the midst of the social season meant that the words had strings attached. As much as he wanted Len to choose him, Jackson wouldn’t try to skip the scales like that. Len deserved the chance to make up her mind for herself. And while he thought she might feel the same, Jackson couldn’t imagine saying the words before the end of the season. When he told Len that he loved her, he wanted it to mean something, for them to signify the beginning of their lives together. Not some desperate plea for her to pick him. 

He nuzzled against her head, “Nothing. Just enjoying being here with you.”

“Me too,” Len said as she held him tighter. 

“So…” Jackson said, trying to distract his mind. “Where are we heading next?”

“Applewood,” Len smiled up at him. 

“My favorite place.”

“Why is that?”

Jackson smiled fondly back at her, letting her thumb coast along her cheekbone. “There are lots of good memories at that estate. I’m looking forward to making more with you.”

Len’s cheeks furiously darkened, her teeth finding her lower lip. In these quiet moments, it was easy to forget the purpose of the social season and the demands being placed on her. But her solace was dashed when she remembered one of the reasons they were traveling to Applewood next. “I’m not sure how much time we’re going to get to spend alone together.” Jackson arched a brow in question. Len pushed a breath between her lips, “The Royal Council will be joining us for the next couple of weeks. They have asked to meet with all of the suitors…”

“Shit,” Jackson hissed, sitting up to drop his head into his hands, “And if they decide they don’t like me?”

“I’m not sure….” Len answered, running her hand along his back. “But we need to make sure that does not happen.”

Jackson tried to match her confidence, but he couldn’t. No matter how close they were with the Rys family, the Walkers had always been the commoners the royal family pitied in the eyes of the court. After a lifetime of condescending smiles, Jackson wasn’t sure if there was anything he could say to convince them of his merit. He tried to smile at Len, to make her feel more at ease than how he felt internally, “Then I guess I better be on my best behavior.”

Casey took a gulp from her beer mug and slammed it down on the bar in front of her.

"There's only five members of this group." She declared.

“Seven if we include Bryce and Raf,” Sienna added.

“Mmmm,” Aurora shook her head. “We’re not counting the guys! Girls only! So we’re four.”

“There’s only four members of this group!” Casey restated.

"Cult." Jackie inserted.

"Excuse me?" Aurora asked.

"It's a cult."

Aurora rolled her eyes.

"I don't think so. It takes more than four individuals to make a cult.”

"Then it's a very exclusive cult. But it’s a cult.” Jackie insisted.

“If it’s a cult, don’t we need some sort of ritualistic activity?” Casey asked.

“Mmm… we have that,” Sienna jumped in.

“We do?”

“Sure. Like getting drunk at Donahue’s after work.”

“But, Si,” Aurora sighed, “so does most of Edenbrook. It’s not exclusive to our group.”

“Cult,” Jackie stated.

Casey was deep in thought.

“Oh! I know! We’ve all been thirsting over Jesse Williams! That can be one of our ritualistic activities!”

“Case?” Jackie challenged.

“Yes?”

“Anyone who isn’t a straight man has been thirsting over Jesse Williams this week… and I know a few of them who did, too, if we’re being honest. So, not exclusive.”

“She has a point,” Aurora agreed.

Sienna flagged Reggie for another glass of wine.

“I still say he looks like Tobias,” she said.

“He does not look like Tobias!” Casey insisted.

“I don’t know,” Jackie said, “But after this week, I may have to sneak a peek and….”

“JACKIE!” All four hollered.

“FINE! I won’t. But what are our ritualistic activities?”

“I guess we don’t have any that make us that unique,” Casey shrugged. “So we cannot be a cult, Jackie. We have to be a group.”

“Fine,” Jackie surrendered. “But we are a magical group.”

“We certainly are,” Casey smiled, raising her mug to toast the others.

“To the four idiots!” Sienna yelled.

“The four idiots!” They said in unison.

Aurora scrunched her nose.

“Hey, you OK?” Jackie asked.

“Yeah, I’m just thinking… if that’s the only criteria… we may as well add the boys.”

My dearest lords and ladies of our fair Cordonia, while the sun rises upon our ton, so too does the dawn of several new matches. As many bore witness over the last week, Lord Ezekiel and Lady Penelope are in the throes of wedding preparations, marking theirs the first of the season. 

And while that is sure to be an….interesting event for all, this writer is much more curious about the couples that have yet to make their intentions known. It may be said that time with someone you care for is time well spent, perhaps the Duke of Valtoria and our young Lady Beaumont have taken this notion a bit too far. As the rest of the ton anxious awaits any news of their courtship becoming a more formal arrangement, these two seem to have no such qualms. 

As for our visiting prince, while many have hoped to catch the dashing man’s eye, it seems that none have piqued his interest just yet. In fact, he seems to have made little effort to entertain any of our noble ladies for more than a singular dance. Is Prince Liam playing hard to get, or perhaps...has our young prince’s heart already been claimed?

This writer, for one, cannot wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds...  

*****

The next morning, Lord Neville awoke with the dawn. Normally, he could not be bothered, letting his staff scuffle about while he laid in for as long as possible. One day, his life would revolve around the care of Cormery Isle. But for now, his was one strictly of leisure, reaping all of the benefits of his family name without any of the responsibilities. Not that anyone else in his family had ever asked him to contribute to their estate. His father ruled their area with an iron fist, draining their tenants of their coin as well as crop. It was a small price to pay to keep the Earl happy, Neville thought. Normally he could rest easy, knowing that his sole responsibility was enjoying the fruits of others’ labor. 

But today was different. 

Today was the day that his hard work finally came to fruition. 

Not that blackmailing Bertrand Beaumont had been a particularly difficult task. It had been little more than dumb luck when Neville stumbled upon his secret affair with the seamstress, filing away the information in case he ever needed to call on it later. 

So when the Duke of Ramsford showed up for the social season with his young, beautiful cousin on his arm….Neville knew it was time to make his intentions known. 

To be fair, during the previous social season, he had attempted to find a bride through the proper channels. Neville called upon all of his charms to impress the young ladies, but nothing seemed to have an effect. Not a single one was interested in his company for more than a measly afternoon. Neville was the future Earl, yet they looked at him as if he were little more than a commoner. Neville sneered recalling the humiliation. He left the season furious at the injustice, consoling himself by realizing that none of the women were up to his standard anyway. The future Earl of Cormery Isle deserved the best: the diamond of the season. 

He swore whoever wore the title the following year would become his wife. 

No matter what it took. 

Perhaps that was why when the queen declared the Beaumont girl the diamond, he decided that God had smiled upon him. She seemed simple enough, raised far away from the capital that she had little knowledge of the gossip that weaved through the ton. Compared to the other bachelors, obviously, he would be the best match. He could teach her the ways of the world, modeling her into the perfect, obedient little wife that he desired. Neville was finally going to get what he was owed. 

At least, that was what he thought until the damned Duke showed up, ensnaring Lady Alaina in his web of deceit. Neville could not blame her for her initial interest. Majority of the women’s attention had been snared away once they learned his title.  Lady Alaina did not know of his past, did not know what filth truly sired the Duke. While the king might have granted the family a title, Neville knew better. No matter what honor he was bestowed, Drake Walker was still worth little more than the dirt that lined his boots. 

If it had been anyone else that had claimed the girl’s attention, perhaps Neville could have walked away. He did have more options this season than the last.  Lady Hana seemed willing enough, she would make a fine wife. Her family had clearly trained her well. He filled a space on her dance card at almost every event, wondering if she could be enough. 

But Hana was not the Queen’s choice. 

Neville refused to lose the diamond to that vile commoner. He snickered to himself, recalling the look on Bertrand's face when he mentioned his relationship with the lowly seamstress. As his face paled,  the elder Beaumont tried to persuade him to ask for anything else, but Neville would not be swayed. Lady Alaina would belong to him.

Back in the present moment, Neville let his valet help him dress before stepping outside, finding the carriage ready to bring him to the palace. The haste in which the Beaumonts accepted his terms surprised even him, setting up a meeting with the queen to bless the union mere days after his proposal. His driver opened the carriage door, passing him the society papers while Neville settled into his seat. He glared at the printed words, unable to comprehend why there was no mention of his victory. 

He, Lord Neville, had captured the prize of the season. Never again would anyone dare to question his position among the gentry. 

The ride to the palace was mercifully brief, as Neville could feel the jubilance of his victory fading away as he read each word. His anger bloomed in his chest. Crumpling the papers in his fist, Neville scowled while cursing the unknown author. Who did they think they were? Every week he had to read about that goddamn Duke and how Neville’s fiancee was beside herself for his charms. It disgusted him. They made enough of a spectacle at different events, staring into each other’s eyes as if they truly held affection for one another. It made Neville’s skin crawl. 

He shook his head, reminding himself that all of that nonsense would be ending swiftly today.

After he arrived, Neville let the palace guards escort him into the throne room, expecting to see the queen holding court in the center of the room. However, instead, he found her insolent nephew standing in front of it, leaning against the side of the chair. Neville’s brow furrowed as he continued to search the rest of the room. He found the Beaumonts standing on the other side, watching him with careful smiles. Only Lady Alaina looked up and met his eye with defiant twinkle. That will need to be squashed the moment they were married, Neville thought to himself. His wife had no need for opinions of her own. But as he glanced to her side, Neville’s upper lip began to curl, meeting a glare from the Duke of Valtoria. What in God’s name was he doing here? If he came to make a case fro the lady’s hand, Neville was all too pleased to say he was too late. All he needed was the marriage contract, and the girl belonged to him. The duke could crawl back to the gutter from whence he came.

“Lord Neville, please,” Prince Liam motioned to the space in front of him. “Come join us.”

Neville could barely contain the growl at his words. This foreign prince was not his monarch, how dare he demand anything of him? But regardless of his fury, Neville continued to step forward, curious about what Prince Liam had to say. 

As he moved to the front of the dais, Liam’s smile grew, but his eyes never shifted. An ill ease feeling sunk into Neville’s chest. He could tell from the look alone that his good mood was due to sour quickly. 

“Lord Neville, I apologize for the deception, but we feared you might not make an appearance if you knew the true reason for my invitation today.”

“I see…” Neville said, every word dripping with thinly veiled disdain. “And where is my Queen?”

“My aunt will not be joining us,” Liam said, dropping a step closer to him. “I felt this meeting was best between us. However, depending on your next actions, I may feel it necessary to bring her into the conversation.”

“And which conversation would that be?”

“The one regarding the finances of Cormery Isle. Recently, I have become aware that your family has been misappropriating crown funds for personal use.  Do you have any comment?”

Neville’s face paled. Trying not to break Liam’s gaze, his mind raced, trying to decipher who could have shared his family’s secrets. It was true that they had been using the crown funds for their personal use, building up their own wealth instead of distributing it to their tenants as it had been decried. His father had assured him that it was normal practice, telling Neville not to concern himself with the logistics. But now, Neville was quickly learning what little he understood of his father’s practices. Trying to keep his face void of fear, Neville tilted his head to look Liam in the eye. “I’m afraid I do not know of which you speak, your majesty.”

“Really?” Liam asked, his eyes twinkling as if that was what he had hoped Neville would say. “So then it must also be untrue that your family has been over-taxing the landowners that reside in your territory, all while failing to report the true earnings to the crown? Is that correct?”

Neville started to respond, but Liam held his hand up, “I shall save you the effort of lying to my face, Lord Neville. I have heard from several in your company about the validity of these claims, as well as reports as to where exactly these missing funds are being spent” Liam gave Neville a pointed look. His throat locked in on itself, hoping that the entire conversation was a bluff. No one knew about the bastard children that Neville’s family had hidden away, their mothers given a tidy sum to ensure that they never darkened the halls of Cormery Isle again. Neville’s head swiveled to the other side of the room, locking eyes with Lady Alaina. She tilted her head, a sly smile forming on the corners of her lips. Fuck, Neville screamed inside his mind. 

He turned back to the Prince, reaching up to loosen the cravat around his neck. “Your Majesty…I do not know where….”

Liam let out a little laugh, taking the last step off the dais to stand directly in front of him. With the limited distance, Neville had to crane his neck up to meet the prince’s eye. “Let me speak plainly, Lord Neville. I do have proof of these crimes. And if you do not do as I command, I will be forced to make all of this public knowledge.”

“What…what is that you require?” Neville croaked. 

“I want you to leave,” Liam whispered, his voice low but filled with fury. “I want you to return home to Cormery Isle and never speak of this situation again. The Beaumont name shall never leave your lips for the rest of your days. And if it does, I will be sure to tell the queen everything. You are aware of how she feels about people who attempt to deceive the crown. You will be stripped of your lands, your title, everything that you hold dear.”

Neville’s disbelief gave rise to anger, his fists clenching at his side as his face contorted into an angry sneer. He turned over his shoulder, glaring at the smug smile written on Lady Alaina’s face. This was her fault. This simple-minded farm girl wanted to take everything from him?  He would show her who was the powerful one in the room, and under no circumstance was it her. Stomping forward, he pointed his finger at her face.  “You would curse me based on the word of some whore–”

Before he could finish his thought, his words were cut off, silenced by a sharp brunt of pain to his cheek. His head suddenly snapped to its side as knuckles collided with his cheek. Neville stumbled for a moment, clutching where he had been struck as he collapsed to the floor. Before his eyes fell closed, Neville stared at the palace ceiling, trying to decide where his plan had failed so spectacularly. 

He thought God had smiled upon him, offering up the diamond as his prize. 

But instead, she had become his ruin. 

*****

The four men stared at the Lord as he collapsed to the floor, all trying to comprehend what just transpired. Maxwell’s gaze immediately went to Drake, assuming that he had been the one to knock out the cad. However, he still remained in the same place, his eyes widening at the sight in front of him. Instead, when Maxwell turned, it was Alaina who stood in front of Neville’s crumbled form, biting her lip while shaking out her hand.

She turned over her shoulder, a dark color filling her cheeks as she looked at the group with a sheepish smile. Turning her attention to Liam, she said, “My apologies, Your Majesty. But I have been desperate to do that for several weeks now.”

“Lady Alaina!” Bertrand barked in shock, running both of his hands through his hair. “You can’t– you did— what did you do?”

Liam laughed as he clapped him on the shoulder, “It is all right, old friend. Your cousin merely did what we all were thinking. I commend her for not letting him disrespect her for a single moment longer.” 

“I must say, I am truly impressed, cousin,” Maxwell as he moved to Neville’s side, picking up and dropping the dead weight of his hand. “Who knew you could land a punch like that?”

“If you would like another demonstration, I could always hit you too,” she smirked, before stretching out her fingers with a noticeable wince. 

While the rest of the group chattered happily over the turn of events, Drake’s eyes never strayed from Alaina. He watched her face contort in pain, he stepped toward her, taking her hand in his. He stretched out each of her fingers, studying her reactions for any sign of discomfort. When he was finished, he deposited her hand back at her side, “Perhaps Maxwell has over-sold your abilities, Lady Alaina. You could have broken several of your fingers if you had applied any more force. You should learn the proper form if you plan on punching more members of the ton in the future.”

She smirked up at him, “Is that an offer to teach me, Your Grace?”

He matched her expression, promise and intrigue reflecting back at her. Alaina tried to steady her breath, hoping that the frantic pace of her heart was due to the adrenaline of the day. Maxwell stepped to her side, “I should escort you to the carriage, cousin. You are due to meet with Lady Hana shortly.”

She glanced back up at Drake, wishing more than anything that she did not have to leave just yet. As she started to object to his suggestion, Liam’s voice rang out beside her, “Actually Duke Ramsford and Lord Maxwell, if you would indulge me for a moment more of your time?" He motioned to the door, “And then once our business has concluded, I believe we have all earned a celebration drink.” Once the others started towards the door, Liam smiled back at the pair, “If you could escort Lady Alaina to her carriage, Duke Walker, it would be much appreciated.”

Drake nodded, his eyes still locked on Alaina’s. His fingers burned from where they held hers only moments earlier, unsure if he would ever be able to strike the feeling from his memory. While the palace guards attempted to drag Lord Neville from the room, Drake extended his arm to Alaina, guiding her towards the hall.

As soon as they were alone, the air between them became thick with tension. Their last conversation tainted the air that they shared, words spewed in anger and resentment making them both ill at ease. Drake was the first to speak, desperate to dissolve this feeling, “I believe congratulations are in order, my lady.”

“Thanks to you, your grace.”

“There is no reason to thank me,” Drake added quickly. “This was all your brilliant battle plan, I little more than your general standing by your side.”

“And yet you were the one who got Lord Neville’s valet to reveal his darkest secrets,” Alaina chuckled. “You never said how you managed to help him reveal such truths.”

“I can be quite persuasive,” he teased. “And I also have access to some very expensive, not to mention, very potent, whiskey. Alas, I have learned from past experience that most men are willing to spill their truths after a few glasses.”

“Devious.”

Drake stopped in his tracks, searching her expression for a moment, “Are you displeased with my actions?”

“Nothing of the sort,” Alaina laughed. “Rather impressed, in fact.”

They walked the rest of the way to the palace entrance in silence, enjoying the comfort of each other’s company. As the doors opened to the outside, Alaina inhaled the crisp, warm breeze, feeling a sense of freedom that had evaded her for the past few weeks. While trying to end her forced engagement, Alaina had almost lost faith, sure her future was tied to the despicable man inside. But instead, when her hope failed her, Drake was there, ensuring that she never gave up. Turning subtly, she stared up at him, wondering again why he had little interest in marriage. He would be an ideal husband. Drake was kind and supportive. Just one smile from him made Alaina melt from her fingertips to her toes. Any woman would be lucky to call him hers. 

But as she tried to imagine him wed to anyone else, a wicked jealousy consumed her heart. The feeling was unexpected and overwhelming, making her unsure if she wanted to laugh or fall to her feet in tears. Perhaps it was for the best that the Duke had no aspirations of taking a wife, for selfishly, it would have broken her heart in two to watch him with another.

Stop it, she hissed at herself. How dare she wish the Duke a life of loneliness for her own satisfaction. He had risked everything to assist her, yet her thoughts were only of her own selfish needs. As her face fell in guilt, Drake glanced down upon her. He turned to face her fully, nervously studying her expression. “Are you well?”

Alaina chuckled to herself, “I have no idea anymore.” Clearly, she was in danger of losing her mind. She had been told, in no uncertain terms, that the Duke was not interested in truly courting her, yet the idea of either of them marrying anyone else made her stomach sour. 

Drake stood silently beside her, wanting nothing more than to reach out and touch her, offering some semblance of comfort. He did not know what troubled her, but he hated the sight, her smile too beautiful to be hidden away. As they stood together, Alaina offered no other words, no explanation for her strange declaration. He was left wondering if she was debating her next step;  if she already had in mind who she wanted to court now that Neville was not holding their forced engagement over her head. But as he thought of any other man claiming her, Drake’s heart started to pound in his chest, a wave of abrupt anger forcing his hands to form tight fists. 

It was ridiculous for him to feel this way. Despite what may have passed between them in the library, Alaina had made it clear that she saw him as an ally, nothing more. Now that she no longer needed their ruse, perhaps she would completely abandon him, leaving him to fend for himself among the peerage. As he thought of that fate, he found that it held much less hold over him than it did in the past. The idea of not spending his time with Alaina was much more dreadful a fate, the mere idea leaving a large void in his aching chest. 

He cleared his throat, forcing himself to ask a question even as he dreaded the answer, “And what will you do now, Lady Alaina? Now that you are free of Lord Neville, you are free to marry someone of your choosing.”

Drake swore he saw a bright blush fill her cheeks before Alaina stared up at him, clearly holding back whatever words were on the tip of her tongue. She shook her head, “I…I am unsure.”

It was the first time he had heard her truly stumble over an answer. Deciding not to press her more, Drake remained at her side, waiting as the carriage started to approach. They both watched it in equal dread, not wanting their time together to end so quickly. As Alaina sighed heavily, Drake let his fingers drift, subtly brushing the back of her hand. It was the most innocent of gestures, but it burned through them all the same. A small, yet forbidden touch, the promise of so much left unsaid. Alaina’s breath caught in her chest, her mind daring the Duke to reach out a little more. 

She did not dare look up at him, unsure what would tumble out of her mouth if she stared into those dark brown eyes. For in truth, she knew the words written on her own heart, Drake’s name etched on every wall. But to say them aloud was a bravery she did not yet possess, not when she was so unsure that he would respond favorably. 

All too briefly, the carriage pulled in front of them. Alaina stepped away from Drake without another word, waiting until she was behind the closed door to look upon him again. 

Staring into his torn expression, for a moment, she believed her felt as torn as she. Had his heart softened towards her? Perhaps if it was so, his stance on marriage had as well. When the carriage pulled away, Alaina sunk into her seat, trying to hold back the emotions battering her mind. 

But it was useless. The Duke was ingrained in her as her very own soul. She did not know when he started to possess her so fully, but she did not hate the feeling. Could this be the makings of love? Did she dare speak the word aloud, and let the Duke decide her fate?

Alaina groaned as she dropped her head into her hands. If only she knew the right words to say, perhaps she could make him see that a life would her would not be a punishment, but rather a blessing. That they could forge a path forward together; create a future they both could love. 

She had no idea if her desires could truly come to pass, but one thing was for certain.

She needed to tell the Duke how she felt. 

*****

Later that evening, the halls of the Walker townhouse were silent, all of the staff tucked away in the warmth of their beds. While the other residents slumbered away, Drake had no such luck, trapped in a perpetual state of restlessness. 

Since leaving the palace earlier, Drake kept replaying the words he said, kept thinking about how he almost lost all his wits around Alaina. Too many times his truths had slipped out, all too easy to lose his mind around her. Being around her was an unfamiliar comfort, allowing him to expression himself without fear of reprecussions. 

What had been an arrangement had turned into so much more before he even realized it. Her smile haunted him. The deeps of her icy blue eyes called out to him even in the late hour. He craved her presence every time they were apart.

He wrestled with the heavy bed sheets before sitting up. His bare chest glistened with sweat, evidence of the hours of tossing and turning. Unable to get comfortable, he walked across the room, stopping at the bar cart that held several bottles of amber liquid. Pouring himself a finger of whiskey, he relished the feel of the burn down his throat, anything other than the painful ache in his chest. 

As he poured himself another, Drake’s mind again turned to Alaina, to the moments that they had shared this season. He did not delude himself to believe that she might desire him as he did her, but there were moments he could have sworn he saw longing in her gaze. 

He shook his head, abruptly cutting all those thoughts. It did not matter. Drake swore that he would never take a wife; made a vow that he would not continue his family line. He adamantly refused to continue a line that had cost him so much already. He bore witness to how the title and the wealth corrupted his father, leaving him a shell of the man Drake once admired.

His father had given his life to ensure his family’s legacy. 

Drake would give up his own to end it. 

Haunted by his past memories, one glass of whiskey quickly turned to two, then three, and before Drake knew it, the bottle lay almost empty at his feet. While his mind whirled from the alcohol in his veins, his anger grew over the situation he had put upon himself. 

When he made his vow to end the Walker line, it was simple enough. As a self-proclaimed rake, Drake rarely saw the same woman twice, definitely never enough to form any sort of romantic connection. What need did he have of a wife? He had no desire to have children, not after everything he had been through in his life. It was noble, he told himself. He wanted to spare any children his fate. But in truth, his vow was little more than spite. His father had taken away his choice, placing his title over his family time and time again. Hopefully, he would roll over in his grave when he realized Drake let their legacy die with him. 

Drake smirked at the thought, but it quickly died as the picture started to shift. What used to be faceless children now took form, their unkempt brown curls accented with wide eyes the color of the sea. He could see a wife sharing his home, sharing his heart for the rest of his days. He looked around the room, imaging what it would be like to have Alaina sleeping in the bed beside him, to have her face be the first thing he saw every morning when he woke.

Where the idea used to give him dread, it now gave him hope. 

As the first rays of the morning sun crept in his window, they shed a light on his reality, the cold solitude in which he found himself yet again. Drunk and alone in his room, Drake did not deserve the warmth that Alaina brought into his world. This was where he belonged and he refused to let her drown alongside him. She might be content with him now, but given a few years at his side, the parts of her that he loved so much would wither away to dust.

“Because I will go to the ends of the earth to make sure it does not. You are a rare light in this world, Alaina. The last thing I would ever want is to see it snuffed out.”

His own past words haunted him, destroying the idyllic picture that tried to take root in his mind. Placing the glass back on the cart, Drake made himself another vow, determined to break himself out of this situation. 

When he woke in a few hours, he would speak to Lady Alaina and call off the whole charade. And then he would return to Valtoria, leaving her to find the husband she truly deserved. 

*****

As the Beaumonts sat in the receiving room the next morning, Alaina’s eyes snapped between the door and the window, hoping that she would have a caller. She had been up most of the night, imagining how she could convince the Duke to let go of his ridiculous grudge against marriage. While she was no closer to finding the words she needed, she was feeling more confident in her choice. 

There was something growing between them, of that she was certain. She might not have had much experience in matters of the heart, but Alaina knew what she saw in his expression. The Duke might not be as aware as she, but he cared for her as well. Now, she just had to convince him to forget the ruse and to court her for real.

She let out a bitter laugh to herself. Of course, it will be that simple, she chuckled sardonically. All you must do is convince the most stubborn man you’ve ever met to change his mind entirely.

Groaning, she leaned back against the back of the settee, debating if she should call off the entire plan. It felt desperate, it felt pathetic. But after the previous day, Alaina could no longer deny that she was falling for Drake. She needed him like the air she breathed, and she was willing to embarrass herself fully if it meant learning that he might feel the same. 

As she gathered her nerve once again, a knock came from the door, causing Alaina to burst upright. She waited as Maxwell crossed the room, arching a brow as he pulled it open. 

Her heart pounded in her chest as she waited to meet the stare she’d grown to love so much, but instead, she found herself meeting Prince Liam’s gaze. She tried to school her expression, but her disappointment must have been evident because Liam chuckled while he stepped forward. “Clearly I am not the one you were hoping to see.”

“My apologies, Your Majesty, “ Alaina bowed. “This is simply an unexpected pleasure. You are always welcome in our home.”

“I am delighted to hear that,” Liam said, taking a seat when Alaina offered it to him. “Although you might not feel the same when I tell you the particulars of this visit.”

“Oh?”

Liam nodded, “I have just spoken to Duke Walker. He has informed me that he plans on leaving the city before the end of the season. In fact…he returning home to Valtoria in two days’ time.”

Alaina felt her stomach drop. He was leaving? Not only did he not share in her affections, but now he was planning on making his exit without so much as a goodbye?

Liam leaned forward, able to read her distraught expression. “He plans on telling you this himself, so please act surprised when he does.”

She turned to face the prince, trying to understand why he decided to deliver the news himself. ”My apologies, Your Majesty, but I do not understand the purpose of your visit today.”

“I do not know if you have realized this yet…” Liam smiled towards her. “But Drake Walker is one of the most stubborn men to walk this earth.”

Alaina let out a half-hearted chuckle, “I have noticed that myself.”

 “The man might be one of my oldest and dearest friends, I must say that he can be a complete fool. He holds no qualms about fighting for those he cares about, but does not dream to fight for what he truly desires.” He paused, waiting for Alaina to question his words. But when she did not, continuing to watch him with a careful look, Liam continued, “I have not been entirely truthful with the court about why I have decided to visit. I fear that my task might be a fool's errand, but I must see it through.”

“And you believe I can help you with this task?”

“Yes, Lady Alaina, I do,” Liam answered, smiling softly back at her. “In fact, I believe we might be able to help each other.”

LEO

I study Riley as the elevator lurches before going up.

She’s biting her lip, and I can feel her fingers trembling against mine. I squeeze her hand and hope it calms her down.

I didn’t expect her to have had the fucking bad luck of knowing Katie. I also know that whatever reason Riley has for not telling me isn’t going to be bad. She didn’t feel comfortable enough to tell me, that’s my fault.

“I-” Riley starts to say, and I check the number display on the elevator. 

“Wait, we’re almost to the floor,” I stop her. I don’t like seeing her so upset, and it can wait. “We can talk in a minute.”

Riley nods but still won’t make eye contact. It’s obvious that she feels guilty, and Katie rattled her. If this were anyone else, I’d probably be mad. I’d probably wonder what they were hiding. 

It’s Riley. She doesn’t have an evil bone in her whole body. She isn’t Katie. 

I start to sidle closer when the doors open, and she darts through them, dropping my hand.

I can’t help but snicker as I look at the key card in my other hand. I get it; she’s spooked. But, she doesn’t know where she’s going. 

God, she’s cute.

I catch up to her as she stops at the end of the hallway, turning her head from one side to the other as she tries to figure out which hall to take. I grasp her hand in mine, lacing our fingers together. “You’re this way, babe.”

Riley quirks her lips to the side and squeezes my hand in response. I can’t believe I made it a whole week with her across the world. 

We walk midway down the corridor. There are rows of neon lights that match the bar on the walls; everything’s lavender tinted. Given that the walls and tile are plain white, it all glows brighter.

I stop at the door and swipe the key card. Before it beeps, a throat clears to my right.

I glance over and freeze. Katie is standing two doors down the hallway, hand on the knob.

My grip on Riley’s hand tightens. I feel her return the pressure, and suddenly everything doesn’t seem so bad. 

Katie looks between us again; her eyebrows disappear beneath her bangs. She’s out of breath. Did she run up the fucking stairs? 

“I didn’t realize we were all on the same floor,” A flirtatious smile curves Katie’s lips, and she lightly brushes her fingers over her collarbone.

I can’t remember if she flirted with me like that when we were actually together. Aside from a game of strip poker Jess barged in on, that I was the only one in any state of nudity. 

Katie paid someone off again. I wonder who got moved to another floor. I hope it’s Jeremy. 

“Bullshit,” I can’t hide the anger in my voice. Fine, I don’t want to.

I see Riley glance at me from the corner of my eye; her cheeks flush slightly before she looks away. 

Before Katie can say another word, I pull the dark wooden door open, resting my hand on it and motioning Riley to go in first. 

I don’t give Katie a second glance.

———

RILEY

This is not a room. It’s a suite. There’s a whole living room area, a work area with a desk. A massive bed with a soft peach comforter. I see a tiny refrigerator tucked in a small cabinet. The walls are white with light wooden paneling interspersed throughout that matches the floor.

I move to the light floral patterned curtains to close them. I realize they’re covering a sliding door, not a window. I ease it open to a balcony with two metal chairs and fake grass. I take a deep breath of the humid night air. It’s not forced air from a plane. I’ll take it. 

Focusing on the room isn’t going to make this conversation not happen. 

I take another deep breath and try to slow my racing heart. I wasn’t ready for any of that, and I should have been.

Leo’s reaction is throwing me more than anything. He didn’t behave the way I probably would have, demanding answers. He didn’t even drop my hand; he clung tighter. The way he’s grown in the time I’ve known him is crazy. He went from making excuses to owning his shit. I guess that includes trusting me and not being completely thrown that I know Katie. 

I should probably feel worse that he got blindsided, but I can’t. I’m mostly pissed at myself for being such a coward. 

I turn as Leo hefts my bag onto the luggage rack and walks toward me. 

We stand awkwardly. At least I feel awkward. I should have told him. I’m not this person I’ve turned into over the past week. Insecure, somehow a little jealous of a woman Leo is about to be divorced from. I have to get my shit together.

I swallow and realize my mouth is completely dry. Duh, plane. I glance around for glasses or something and see a small bottle of water on the counter beside the refrigerator. I grab it. It’s warm, but I don’t care.

“Hang on,” Leo is next to me, taking the bottle. “I have stuff in the fridge in my room if you want.”

His voice is completely different from the hall. He’s a little hesitant, and the affectionate way he’s looking at me is making my stomach flip.

“Okay,” I go back to the door I just walked through, Leo right behind me. 

The hallway is empty now. 

Leo goes to the door beside mine, away from Katie’s room, and unlocks it. He holds the door open again and I walk inside. 

Leo’s room is identical to mine. Except he has a blanket folded at the foot of his bed. It’s blue and fluffy; I think it’s cashmere.

“Liam sent me that when I started racing.” Leo notices me checking it out. He rubs his neck and coughs. “It’s from my old quarters. He said it might be nice to keep a little of home with me.”

My throat tightens a little as I think about how much I miss Liam. I didn’t talk to him very much last week. They’re in Shanghai, and Hana’s dad is being extra. Drake is trying to get the logistics of Savannah moving back plotted out, and they’re keeping Bertrand away from him. I haven't talked to Max or Hana at all. 

I keep regretting getting the hell out of Cordonia. I should have stuck around for a bit. Maybe everything would have been different.

“That’s really sweet,” I smile a little. 

“I have beer, water, Casera, and rum,” Leo announces, opening the refrigerator. 

“What’s the third one?” 

Leo produces a can. “It’s sparkling water with lemon. That’s just the brand.” 

I take it from him and crack it open. It’s way better than lukewarm flat water.

“Riley?” Leo’s definitely confused right now. “How do you know Katie?”

Time to spill my guts. 

“Through Luca,” I look up, right into Leo’s bluer than blue eyes. Leo looks surprised. “He’s her money manager.”

“Shit,” Leo blows out a breath. “I didn’t know she fired the old one, not that I would have. How’d she even find him?”

“Some reality star talked him up in an interview.” A few of Luca’s clients are slightly higher profile. He says it’s living in that city and unavoidable. “Katie called him the next day. Her siblings might hire him, too.”

“Sucks to be Luca,” Leo actually sounds like he feels bad for him. “You met her right after you got to LA?”

Ha. This conversation feels familiar. I was the one praying that Leo left Katie before the coronation. He’s hoping I met her before we got involved. I don’t see why that matters, but I’m jet-lagged and emotional.  

“Do you remember that morning you dropped me off? The car you said assholes drive?” I turn from the enormous blue mural on the wall behind Leo and cross my arms over my stomach. 

“Yeah, that was the morning after…” Leo’s face brightens before falling as he realizes what I mean. “Fuck. That car was hers?

“Yeah.” I turn away, remembering how panicked I got after finding out Katie was his wife. She could have come outside or something.

“Riley,” Leo inches closer. “I am assuming she didn’t mention me because you didn’t punch me in the face.”

I can’t help but laugh a little, even though it’s not funny. I shake my head. 

“I was being shady, and she could have said something about me, and Jesus fuck.” Leo smacks his forehead. “I’m so fucking sorry.”

I’ve had that thought. I don’t know what I would have done had Katie said anything about Leo that day. Probably went to Leo’s and screamed at him. Definitely junk punched him.

I would have never talked to him again. 

“Riley, I don’t know what to say,” Leo closes the distance between us and takes both of my hands. He raises one to his lips and presses it against his chest. “I’m so goddamn sorry.”

My stomach settles a little bit, and I feel my shoulders relax. Leo has this effect on me, of making everything not seem so awful. Even when it was terrible and I was so angry at him, I could feel that he cared. 

But what do I know?

“I’m sorry too,” My eyes fill with tears. “I should have told you.”

“Don’t apologize,” Leo soothes. “I was shocked; I didn’t see that coming.”

Neither did I.

“I wasn’t going to tell you,” I admit. “After I ended things. I didn’t expect to see you until work shit, and my plan was to keep my distance. That didn’t end up happening.”

“I don’t blame you at all,” Leo brushes a hair off my forehead. “I wouldn’t have told me.” 

“I got in my head and talked myself out of it. It all makes me feel, I don’t want to say insecure, but that’s the only word that fits.” The words burst out without much thought before I can stop them.

“It does?” A look of complete confusion crosses Leo’s face. “You’re nothing like her, in the best way. You’re smart and funny, and so fucking compassionate.”

This should make me feel better. It doesn’t. All I’ve heard is how much better I am than she is. It makes me feel … I don’t even know. Not good.

Katie treated Leo horribly, and she’s terrible for that. But I can’t tear her down because it feels like a cheap shot that I shouldn’t be taking. 

“I was shocked when I internet searched the fuck out of you after you told me you were getting divorced,” I admit. “I couldn’t believe it was her.”

Even seeing them sort of speak, in the same room, it makes no sense. Leo was so tense. He still is, less than earlier, though.

“Riley, I will never be able to say how sorry I am for hurting you and not telling you right away,” Leo massages my fingers with his thumb. “All I can do is prove it to you. I’ll never break your trust again.”

I take him in critically. He’s not trying to dodge eye contact. He looks genuinely sorry. 

“I talked to her one other time,” I can feel his heartbeat against my hand. I feel better than I have all week, and I try not to think how fast two weeks are going to go. “The night I saw you at the beach. She came over earlier to see Luca and ended up telling me all about how you would come back, and she gave you the life you wanted.”

“I’m so sorry,” Leo kisses my palm. “You shouldn’t have had to hear that.”

Because it’s true? My stomach clenches again, and I feel like I might throw up.

I shrug and look away, willing myself not to vomit. Leo slips a finger under my chin and raises it, so I have to look at him. “You don’t believe her, do you?”

“All I know is that you met me,” I blink furiously, but it does nothing to stop the tears from falling down my cheeks. “That you decided to leave her after. She made you see there was more to life than being king. I made you see that she was annoying or whatever. I don’t know what to believe.”

Leo leads me to the small loveseat that sits beside the glass door. He sits and pats the cushion next to him. I lower down to the soft leather and try to stop the thoughts that will definitely make me freak out.

Leo cups my face in one hand and gently wipes the tears from my cheek. The gesture is so tender, and more tears replace the ones he just wiped away.

“That’s my fault,” Leo begins; his gentle tone washes over me. “I should have seen how she was earlier. You just treated me, everyone, in such a kind way. I was floored with what you did for Liam. You thought I was a dick for leaving, but you tried to understand my side of it. You ask about my day, about things that you know are important to me. You touch my wrist every time the accident comes up, like you understand how awful that must have been for me and want to show that you care.”

Fuck. I do care about him, a lot. I don’t understand not being nice to people. What do you have to gain by being mean? I told Luca that once and he patted me on the head after saying, “oh, honey.”

I get it. I’m naive. I try to see the best in people, even if there’s nothing there. I’d rather try and be wrong than assume the worst and be cold.

Except for a few people. I see there’s no good and write them off. Like Penelope.

“So yeah, you pulled my blinders off,” Leo continues, taking my hand in his again. “I would have had enough eventually. She has never been right for me, and I was deluding myself.”

When he says it that way, I don’t feel as bad. Because I do feel bad. I may love him, but his marriage ended after he met me. I’d never be okay with contributing to that. 

“You were still with her for two years,” I finally manage to say. “How did that happen?”

“How much information do you want?” Leo shifts back against the cushions nervously. 

“Broad overview, just the important stuff.” I’m done sticking my head in the sand. “I’d rather know than not know.”

“Okay,” Leo breathes deeply and shoots me a nervous smile. “Uh, she was on a cruise when we met.”

“Is that why the mailbox is a ship?” I remember that thing. It was huge and a lot. 

Leo grimaces and nods. Weird. I try to picture him on a cruise, and I can’t. It seems like something he’d hate. 

Leo tells me about meeting her in Athens, that they slept together the first night. He figured out what cruise she was on and boarded the next day. She was adventurous back then, up for anything. He thought he had met his soul mate. 

“So what,” I frown, trying to figure it out. “The dating part was good, and you stuck around to get back to that?”

“Katie when I met her is not the woman I’m divorcing,” Leo admits. “We were happy, or I thought we were when we first got together. But, she knew who I was, Riley. Seeing how much she changed immediately after we got married, I know that was an act. The real Katie cheated on me before we got married, probably after. She told me to race, and we’d figure it out before changing her mind and refusing to support me.”

Maybe I can hate her.

“I saw what I wanted to see.” Leo finishes. “I ignored the bad for so long. I wasn’t happy but thought I had to stick it out, because I left my life behind for her. I left so much for Liam to handle. Maybe that relationship was what I deserved.”

“You didn’t deserve what she did, Leo.” 

My heart hurts for him, because Leo is still one of the best people I’ve ever met. He’s kind and funny, way too hard on himself. I think that last part might be genetic. 

“Now she’s here,” I stand, stretching my calves.

“She’s here,” Leo repeats. “I don’t know why, honestly. I’m surprised she gave me as much information as she did, even if I don’t know if it’s true.“

“She wants you back, right?”

“She wants everything on her terms,” Leo lifts his hands and drops them. “I did something without permission. She wants the upper hand back.”

“You don’t…” I trail off, unsure of how to say this. Leo seems done, but I have to ask. “The last week, she’s been around. It doesn’t make you nostalgic or wonder if you should give it another shot? Maybe it wasn’t all an act?”

“She’s acting her ass off now,” Leo’s face darkens before a thought brightens it again. “Know what my first thought was, besides holy fuck, when I saw her?”

I shake my head.

Leo rises and takes the empty can from my hands, and sets it on the dresser. He leans down and presses his lips to mine so softly that a little thrill goes through me.

“I thought I missed you like hell, but I was glad you weren’t there because I didn’t want you to deal with Katie. That I’d put you through enough.”

Leo brushes his lips across the tip of my nose. “The sun was setting just after we got to Greece, and I remembered seeing you on the beach that day, how beautiful you looked even though you were angry and sad because of my dumb ass. You call me on my shit, and you never hold back how you feel. You don’t make excuses; you always say exactly what you mean.”

Good to know Leo’s words can still give me goosebumps.

“You make me a better person,” Leo says, threading his fingers through mine. “I think I make you happy. When I’m not being a fucking asshole, but I’m not anymore. I will never do anything to hurt you ever again. I only want to be with you.”

Leo makes me happy. When he isn’t lying. But I think he’s also made me braver. Or open up a little more. Maybe both. 

“I never believed in fate before,” A sheepish grin lifts Leo’s lips. “Look at what mine was. I was supposed to be a king. What idiot thought I should be king? But then, I met you. Everything seemed to click into place. If I were king, Liam never would have met you. I would never have met you. I believe in it a little now.”

Oh.

———

LEO

Riley’s studying me; she blinks a few times as she takes in what I said. I think she believes me. I hope she does. I meant every goddamn word.

I hear her stomach growl and remember she said she only ate cookies on the plane. “Sit,” I steer her toward the sofa in the living area. 

Riley arches an eyebrow but lets me guide her to the couch.

I go to the small refrigerator and grab a container and another can of water. I brought her something back from dinner in case she needed food and didn’t feel up to going anywhere.

I set the provisions on the low coffee table in front of her, and she leans forward, opening the box. “What’s that?”

“Corn pancakes with pork belly and cheese,” I sit beside her. 

“You don’t want these?” Riley yawns, and it’s the cutest fucking thing. 

“I got them for you,” I smile when she grins at me.

“You’re sweet,” Riley stuffs a pancake in her mouth. She makes a happy noise, and I can’t remember the last time I felt this good around someone. “Thank you.”

“No problem,” I grab her hand, and she squeezes back. 

“Leo,” Riley takes a drink. “What about Katie? She saw us together; she isn’t stupid.”

Katie isn’t stupid. But at the same time, she kind of is. I don’t know if she’s really here for the reason she says she is. Or if there is something else going on.

“She has to know it’s over,” I massage Riley’s fingers. “I did not give her any hope at all when I spoke to her. If she somehow manages to corner me, I’ll tell her we’re together.”

She’ll pop up at some point when I least expect it. I’ll fudge the date Riley and I got together a little. Katie’s done worse than that. 

“Has she been at your races? Or training, I should say.” Riley furrows her brow, popping another tiny pancake into her mouth. “Your first race is tomorrow.” 

I never really understood people saying things made them warm and fuzzy until I met Riley. 

“Just once,” I scoot a little closer to Riley, until our legs are touching. “Mark had her removed from the track in Greece. He’s trying to make sure she can’t get into the events here.”

I hope she doesn’t show up tomorrow. 

Riley nods, covering another yawn with her hand. “That was yummy.”

Riley starts to move off the couch, and I stop her with an arm around her waist. 

“Where are you going?” I let my hand rest on her hip. She leans against me for a second, her cheek against mine.

Her skin is as soft as I remember. She smells so fucking good. 

“I need to take a shower and go to sleep,” Riley laughs as I frown. “Breakfast thing with you guys at 10. It’s so late.”

I want to get in the shower with her. I want her. Now is not the time. She’s exhausted, and there’s still doubt.

That’s a gift of mine, sensing vulnerability in women. During my playboy days, it was how I got laid some of the time. I was a dick. 

I hate seeing her like this. 

“I can come over,” I massage her hip. “If you want.”

“Yeah,” Riley nods and stands up. “Give me twenty minutes?”

“I can do that,” I walk her to the door. 

I rifle through my bag and find a pair of grey sweats. I change and sit on the bed. That killed one minute. 

Twenty-three minutes that felt like fucking hours later, I tap on her door.

Riley opens it, her skin shiny and her hair wet. She’s in a huge blue t-shirt with the Cordonian soccer team logo on it. That’s definitely from Drake. 

I walk past her and glance over at the bed, wondering if I can sit there without it seeming creepy or like I expect anything. I could have put on a shirt, but I didn’t want to.

I finally decide to sit on the side of the bed, my legs dangling. I glance at her luggage, a sleek black case. I’m just thinking it doesn’t seem like her when I see a small sticker of a white cat raising two middle fingers on the side. Yeah, that’s hers.

Riley flips her head over and pats her hair with the towel. I can’t stop looking at her bare legs, her thighs, her arms, and fingers. 

Everything about her is beautiful.

I shift a little on the bed, making myself think about anything besides Riley naked. 

“Aren’t you tired?” Riley picks up the digital clock on the side table and sets the alarm. It’s almost 1. “You trained all day.”

“Not really,” I watch Riley walk back to the counter and squeeze something from a bottle into her hand. She rubs her palms together before running her hands through her hair. “It takes a lot to tire me out.”

That came out more sexual than I meant it.

“I feel like I got hit by a bus,” Riley walks to the bed and sits beside me. She rubs the side of her neck, wincing. “I’ve been so tense all week, and I slept weird on the plane.”

“Come on,” I swing my legs onto the comforter and pull her with me. I scoot back until I’m against the headboard and move the collar of her shirt off her shoulders. I press my fingers in and try to rub the knots out.

Riley melts into my hands; I feel her muscles start to loosen. “That feels really good.”

I drop a kiss on the back of her head. “Are you nervous about tomorrow?”

This familiarity that we fall into, even when shit was awful and how low-key awkward it is tonight. I’ve never had it with anyone.

“Yeah, big day,” Riley says through a yawn. “I met the other guys during a teleconference, but being the new kid is always a little scary.”

“It is,” I knead another knot. “Simon decided we were gonna be friends and showed me the ropes. I guess you have Mark for that?”

“Yeah,” Riley says sleepily. “He’s not bad once you learn to tune out the annoying shit.”

I keep rubbing her, feeling her body relax more.

Riley practically goes limp against me, and I crane my neck around to see her face. She’s asleep.

I lean over to the lamp and hit the button, sending the room into darkness, aside from the outside light shining through the curtains. I pull the blanket down and get underneath it, Riley in my arms. She rolls over, nuzzling into my chest. I hold her gently, relaxing into the pillows. 

“Leo?” Riley’s voice is so quiet I can barely hear her.

“Yeah?” Shit. I’m being pushy. “Do you want me to go?”

“No,” Riley’s breath tickles my chest as she laughs softly. “I really missed you.” 

Riley tilts her face and kisses my chin. I scoot down in the bed and brush my lips against hers. We exchange slow kisses, her lips soft like the rest of her. I decide to go for it and nip her bottom lip before swiping my tongue against the seam of her mouth. Riley hums a little, and her tongue glides against mine. Her breath is all minty, and I tighten my arms around her. 

Riley pulls back and drops her head to the pillow. Her eyes are still closed. 

“I really missed you too,” I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. I can make out a faint smile in the dark. 

———

RILEY

I take in the huge dining area in the hotel. They really like neon lights here. Everything is white cherry, but the bright purple bulbs are everywhere.

Our table is the largest, big enough for the whole team and me and Mark, and covered with a white linen cloth. We’re standing at the head like this is some weird brunch we’re co-hosting. 

I guess that’s accurate. 

“Simon and Leo have met our newest member of the team in person,” Mark announces, clasping his hands together. “The rest of you had a conference, but allow me to reintroduce you to Riley Brooks. In the few weeks since she’s joined, we’ve had over one thousand new subscribers on our website!”

I feel my cheeks heat. I hate this. Every single second of it. 

Everyone claps. Leo lets out a whoop, and Simon does too.

I shoot him a smile, and a look that I hope translates to, “I hate being the center of attention, please no.”

Now I have to talk. Super. 

“Thanks, Mark.” I widen my fake smile at him. “The whole marketing team has been instrumental in coming up with new ideas, and I’m glad our hard work is paying off.”

I catch Leo’s eye, and he winks at me. He always looks at me like I’m, for lack of a better word, magic.

I notice Jeremy checking me out; his head cocked to the side as his eyes run down my body. Never gonna happen, bud.

My outfit isn’t even hot, so I don’t know what he’s looking at. I’m wearing a pair of burgundy high-waisted shorts and a tan blouse. I told Leo this morning when I was putting my hair up that I studied the track and picked stuff that was easy to get dirt out of, but still looked semi-professional. 

Leo told me I was fucking amazing. I could fall over, and that man would tell me I looked hot doing it. 

I see Jeremy move in his chair like something bumped him before whipping his head around to Leo. Leo mouths “sorry” and shrugs. 

I bite my bottom lip to hide the grin tugging at the corners of my mouth. 

“I’m not going to bore you all with shop talk,” I laugh nervously. “I got everyone’s bio stuff, new pictures are going up on the website after you guys race today. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to watch and learn more about, well, everything.”

Everyone claps again, and Leo winks again. I return it as subtly as I can.

Simon whistles. “Glad to have you aboard, darling.” I shoot him a grateful smile. 

Everyone around the table murmurs in agreement, and Mark and I sit.  There is a bocadillo, which is basically the Spanish version of a bacon, egg, and cheese, with my name on it.

“Well done,” Mark whispers before lifting the pastry on his plate.

“Thanks,” I exhale, finally able to relax. 

I’m a few people away from Leo, but I see Simon nudge him before averting my eyes. I subtly angle my ear toward them. 

“She seems good.” Simon stage whispers. Come on, man. Be cool. 

I see Leo nod in my periphery and take a sip of coffee. “We talked when she got in. We’re on the same page.”

Simon chuckles and nudges Leo again. “Mmmhmm. Talked.”

“We had a lot to go over,” Leo protests. “She knows Katie.”

“The hell?” Simon sounds shocked. “Speak of the devil.”

I glance over to where Simon’s looking, and there’s Katie. She turns her megawatt perfect smile on Leo. 

I glance between them, and Leo’s lip curls like he just stepped in something gross. Katie’s smile wavers, but she puts her shoulders back and sashays like she’s on a catwalk over to the table next to ours. 

Katie sits right in my eye line. I can’t help but look over and she’s glaring at me. It’s the weirdest expression. Her eyes are narrowed and angry, but she’s smiling. A chill runs down my spine, but I smile as sweetly as I can. Katie crosses her arms, her face doesn’t change. 

What is this? Middle school? She saw Leo holding my hand, that’s all. Plus, you know, he left and filed for divorce. And she’s a cheater. I guess he is, too, technically. It’s all confusing.

I eat most of my breakfast, feeling Katie’s eyes on me, but not acknowledging it. 

Mark stands abruptly and signals to a concierge. He whispers in his ear, and the other man shrugs and approaches Katie.

Leo catches Mark’s eyes and nods. Mark returns it.  

Mark sits, and I shoot him a questioning look.

“I reserved the surrounding tables and told him she was a toxic fan,” Mark whispers. “Leo doesn’t need to be distracted by the likes of her.”

My eyes widen. Mark has never sounded so mad. I wonder how much he knows.

“I’ve had a low opinion of Ms. Reyes Embry since Leo’s accident,” Mark gives the concierge a thumbs up as he escorts Katie to another table. “Leo needed her to be there for him, and she was not. I gave her a call myself, and it was obvious I was boring her.” Mark wrinkles his nose. “She was at a tequila tasting in Mexico.”

Did she go on vacation while he’s gone? That seems weird.

“Fuck, that’s cold,” I slap a hand over my mouth. “Sorry.”

“No need for apologies,” Mark actually smiles at me. “Leo’s mood is leaps and bounds better since he filed for divorce. His training went exceptionally well.”

“He generally does well, doesn’t he?” I frown. I did my research. He and Simon trade off first and second place. Leo’s more than good.

“He’s always been talented,” Mark agrees. “His heart is in the race. After, he had his teammates, but no one else was available. Some through no fault of their own. I imagine his brother is quite busy, but he and his fiancé do make the effort to check-in. Leo was quite alone. That wears on a person, you know.”

I can’t cry at work. “Was?”

Mark gives me a knowing look. “I overheard a few moments of several phone conversations last week.”

My face feels like it’s on fire, and I know I’m probably so red right now. Holy fuck. I’d rather have Katie glaring at me. 

Oh god. What moments? I rack my brain, trying to think if Leo said anything I would not want Mark to overhear. Oh god. The thing about nipple piercings. Leo asked what the worst pain of my life was, and that was it. I let them close up, except they aren’t really closed all the way. Leo literally growled and said... 

No. No way, he didn’t say that while Mark was in earshot. How was I supposed to know he had a nipple piercing kink?

“Oh,” I stammer. “Uh. That’s nice that he has someone.”

Does no one know how to keep stuff quiet? I did, for a whole damn season. With press around and everything.

Mark pats my arm in what’s meant to be a comforting way, I think. He’s freaking me out right now. “It’s time to travel to the track.”

Mark stands and claps his hands together. “The vehicle is in front of the hotel. We leave in five minutes.”

I feel a little lightheaded. Is this what shock feels like? The last time I was shocked wasn’t that long ago, but it didn’t feel like this. 

It’s been a long day. 

I get to my feet, wobbling a little as I stand. Leo’s next to me almost immediately. “You look like you saw a ghost.”

“I wish,” I shake my head. “Mark heard you on the phone with me last week. He doesn’t care.”

“That’s good, right?” Leo furrows his brow, probably trying to remember what he said to me while Mark was around. “I think it was that day I called you after the first time I trained, when my wrist wasn’t acting up.”

That’s not bad. Leo was so relieved and happy. I’d never heard him that way, and I told him I was sure he was killing it. 

“Oh, and the day you got on the plane, he was there,” Leo smirks. “I said I couldn’t fucking wait.”

“Okay,” I blow out a breath. “Come on, race time.”

Leo’s jaw twitches. He’s nervous. It’s his first official race back, of course he is.

“Hey,” I rest my palm against his cheek. “You got this. I’ll be there the whole time.”

Leo leans down and catches my bottom lip between his lips, cupping my face in his hands. I hold onto his biceps, sure I’ll lose my balance otherwise. His mouth is deliciously firm against mine, his tongue insistently nudges my mouth open. 

Flutters erupt in my stomach and I grip Leo a little tighter. 

I finally pull away, wiping the pink lipstick off Leo’s upper lip with my thumb. He’s smiling like an idiot, and I can’t help but shake my head. 

“You’re awesome,” Leo whispers, before pressing another kiss to my lips. “That helped.”

“You have this,” I repeat, removing another smear of lipstick from Leo’s chin.

Fuck. The team. I glance around and don’t see anyone. They must have left while we were talking. 

I sigh in relief. “We better go.”

Leo reaches for my hand and I take it. I don’t care. “I’m ready now.”

———

———

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TRR/TRH: @jared2612 @sfb123

Drake didn’t know much about Mother’s Day at first. He remembered his dad giving him and Savannah flowers to bring into Bianca’s bedroom, and he remembered helping to make her breakfast in bed, but it had been so many years since he’d done anything but give her a phone call on the day itself. 

Audrey was born in August here, so Alyssa’s first Mother’s Day was when the baby was 8.5 months old – and when she was already pregnant with Patrick. 

They had their babies in pretty rapid succession, so Drake was mostly on his own for the first several years, although he knew enough to have the kids make their own crafts and to help with breakfast and bring Alyssa freshly-picked flowers. 

By babies #4 and #5, you could say he’d gotten into a rhythm. Without further ado: 

A Thousand Words

Book: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Alyssa Devereaux Walker)

Series Premise: Alyssa Devereaux and Drake Walker fell in love at Langston University nine years ago. Drake broke things off out of nowhere and disappeared, breaking Alyssa’s heart. What will happen when she’s chosen to compete in Liam’s social season?

Catch Up: Remember Two Things Masterlist

Chapter Premise: a special Mother’s Day years in the future

A/N: This contains spoilers that you likely will have figured out by now. And a baby born after a miscarriage is known as a “rainbow baby.” Thanks to @ao719 for the preread!

Warnings: none whatsoever 

Word count: <1400

Drake Walker, Maxwell Beaumont, and Hana Lee belong to Pixelberry Studios, where they’re criminally underused. Everyone else is mine.

The art is by @/artbyainna on instagram, a complete genius whom I adore. 

May 2028

She supposed it had been too good to be true – the ad for the photographer just getting started, offering 30-minute Mother’s Day family photo minisessions for only $75. But Alyssa had just given birth to twins, their fourth and fifth – and final – babies. She hadn’t had time to schedule a newborn session. Their other three were growing like weeds, bigger every day. She was missing their childhoods! She was the worst mother ever! 

She was so damn tired.

So when the photographer canceled the day before their scheduled shoot, telling Alyssa she’d decided to go into life coaching instead, Alyssa found it perfectly reasonable to break into wracking sobs. She couldn’t wipe her face, since she had one baby in each arm tandem nursing in the football hold, but their mother’s crying didn’t dissuade either tiny Walker from feeding. This was good, since postpartum Alyssa cried rather often. 

Maxwell and Hana had come to stay and play babysitter for several weeks, just as they had for all of Alyssa’s and Drake’s babies, and it was Hana who dashed into the Walkers’ bedroom. “Lyss? Are you okay?” 

Alyssa explained the situation through tears. Hana wiped her friend’s face with a tissue and cajoled, “We’ll find someone on Monday, okay? I’d call right now, but I think most places are closed over the weekend.” 

She nodded, still weepy, and Hana helped her feed the babies and lay them down before tucking Alyssa herself in for some much-needed rest. 

---------------

Drake got home from the grocery store and heard from Hana about the flaky photographer. While putting away $550 worth of food and drinks, he grumbled, “But she was looking forward to that! We were going to surprise her with her gift during the shoot and get a picture of it! Son of a bitch!” 

Then he thought about their friends – their talented, creative, spontaneous friends. He rubbed his chin. “Hana,” he asked, “how are your photography skills?” 

----------

Drake couldn’t help feed the babies, lacking breasts as he did, but when either of them stirred, he was the one to get up, change them, cuddle them, and grab water for Alyssa so she could stay hydrated as she fed them sitting up in bed. 

Their daughter woke first, as she usually did, setting off her brother, and Drake scooped them out of their co-sleeper and brought them into their nursery together so Alyssa could sleep for a few extra minutes while he changed the babies, laying one down in the crib while changing the other and then switching off. Alyssa’s big cup was full of water and had ice, so he came back into the bedroom, where his wife was already unfastening her nightgown and getting her pillows in the right spots. He set the babies in place and kissed her. “Happy Mother’s Day, moonbeam,” he said against her lips. 

“Thanks.” She accepted one more kiss before stopping to readjust their son. “And thanks for making me a mama.” 

He smiled at her and kissed her head. “I’m heading down to start breakfast. When the babies are done eating, call Maxwell in. He’s got them. And you go back to sleep.” 

“Don’t have to tell me twice,” she smiled. “Perfect day already.” 

-------------

While Alyssa slept, Drake finished breakfast with Audrey’s and Patrick’s help and let Benjamin shake powdered sugar on the French toast, which caused a mini cloud of sweetness and three kids trying to catch it on their tongues. Maxwell and Hana cleaned them up and got all five kids into jeans and the shirts – onesies for the babies – Maxwell had chosen when the twins were born. 

They weren’t the outfits Alyssa had chosen for the canceled outdoor photoshoot, but Maxwell declared that being indoors called for a more casual vibe. Drake was just glad to be able to skip the button-down shirt his wife had originally picked out for him. “You ready to bring Mama her breakfast?” he asked the kids. They nodded eagerly. 

He gave Audrey the bowl of raspberries, Patrick the plate of bacon, and handed Ben five red roses, easily hefting the tray holding everything else. “Let’s go.” 

------------

“Happy Mother’s Day!” 

Alyssa sat up in bed and beamed at her children, two of whom were trying to climb onto the tall bed with her food in hand. Ben merely stood at the edge and whined, de-thorned roses in his chubby hand. “Thanks, guys!” Mindful of her still-healing c-section, she smiled with relief when Hana gave everyone a boost up to the bed. 

Drake always made a ton of breakfast; they’d learned that lesson when Audrey was 2 and Patrick 1 and the kids had demanded to “share” Mama’s food despite having been fed downstairs. He set up the tray and watched his wife tuck into the scrambled eggs, French toast, and bacon, sharing bites of everything and calling to the babies in Maxwell’s arms, “You’ll get to taste this later!” 

“You’re wearing your matching shirts today,” she observed. “You look very beautiful and handsome.” 

“Uncle Max said we had to. For the s’prise,” Audrey importantly explained. 

Alyssa raised her eyebrows. “Really?” 

Drake sat down on the mattress next to his wife and accepted the raspberry she popped into his mouth, sucking her fingers between his lips along with the sweet fruit. “I’m sorry about the photographer, baby.” 

She wrinkled her nose with distaste at the memory. “Not your fault.” 

“Well, I was thinking … Hana has a really nice camera. We could do formal pictures later on, but if you wanted to get the kids as they are today …” He gestured to their children. “They’re even dressed to celebrate.”

Her eyes filled, taking in their bright colors. “Our rainbow babies,” she whispered.

Kissing the corner of her eye, he affirmed, “Every last one.” 

-----------------

Posing one child was difficult. Two had been frustrating. Drake had once described trying to get three to look at the camera as “a complete goddamn joke” under his breath before Alyssa laughed so hard she peed a little and then yelled at him for making her pee. 

Five children? Hana took over 75 pictures before she even had three looking at the camera. She never complained. And while Drake stole a kiss from his starting-to-fade wife, she captured the shot and squealed with triumph. “Yes!” 

Drake reluctantly pulled away from Alyssa’s lips. “Did you get a good one?” 

“Amazing,” Hana said, staring in wonder at the screen. 

He grinned. “Then it’s time for Mama’s present, guys.” In a stage whisper, he added, “It’s the red bag in Audrey’s room!” 

Three small sets of feet slid off the bed and went running downstairs. Hana shook her head. “Should I follow them?” 

“Not unless someone cries,” Alyssa said around a yawn, running her hand over her son’s head. “These guys are gonna get crabby in a minute, I bet.” 

“Good thing we’re almost done, then.” Drake felt his daughter’s diaper. “Little Lamb’s gonna need a change here, too.”

“Here, Mama!” Patrick led the surge back into the room, followed closely behind by Audrey and then Ben bringing up the rear on his short legs. “Happy Day!” 

“Mother’s Day,” Audrey corrected.

Alyssa opened the bag. “Oh.” Tears filled her eyes. “You guys.”

“We all got a rainbow sparkle jewel!” 

“You certainly do.” She let the mother’s necklace dangle in front of everyone, a silver heart studded with seven birthstones: sapphire, amethyst, peridot, tanzanite, aquamarine, and twin diamonds. “It’s so beautiful. Thank you –” 

“Our family’s complete now,” Drake said gruffly, before turning the heart over to show that the tanzanite, December’s birthstone, had a small matching one behind it. “This is for you to wear everyone in it.”

She stared at the little extra stone, her heart full, before wiping a tear and pulling Drake to her for a long, sweet kiss. “Everyone,” she repeated softly when they pulled apart, and he nodded. “I love you so much, sweetie.” 

“I love you, too, moonbeam.” He fastened the necklace around her neck. Hana couldn’t snap pictures fast enough. 

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Anna squeezed Liam’s hand back. She smiled at him, grateful for his support. Now that it had gotten out that she was dating the King, life would never be the same.

The plane finally stopped moving, and after a few moments the seatbelt sign went off. They unbuckled and stood, Anna smoothing down her clothes nervously. Liam leaned over and gave her a soft kiss. “Short statement at the bottom of the stairs, smile sweetly, and keep holding my hand as we walk to the car. Dimitri and his men will look after us.” They walked to the door as ramp stairs were manoeuvred into place. Anna tried not to fidget as they waited. Liam silently went through what he was going to say in his statement. Presently, a steward came over to open the door, and Liam smiled at Anna. “Ready?” Anna nodded bravely. “Let’s go then.” The steward opened the door and Liam led Anna out and down the stairs, to cameras, phones and microphones and a frenzy of people calling out their names.

At the bottom of the stairs, Liam waited for the noise and clamour to die down and then spoke, “Good afternoon. I am delighted to confirm that I am in a relationship with Ms Anna Williams. We have known each other for some months now, and have been enjoying getting to know each other. Whilst I understand the demands of life in the public eye, Ms Williams is new to this, and I ask that you respect that and allow her to ease into it gently. Thank you for your interest in our relationship. That is all I have for you today.”

Reporters began calling out questions but Anna and Liam simply smiled at each other, and then Dimitri and his men guided them through the crowd to the waiting car.

Drake and Rachel were waiting for them in the living room of Liam’s quarters. It didn’t take long for them all to have drinks in hand and become a little tipsy - what better way to ignore the current minor crisis. Liam and Drake were revisiting an age-old argument on the origins of baklava, and Anna and Rachel were talking about Anna and Liam’s getaway.

“Anna, you didn’t?!” Rachel gasped, eyes wide. Drake looked over, and Liam smirked, guessing the topic of conversation.

Anna, a shade of red rarely seen on anything other than a sunburnt Englishman, shook her head violently, hoping not to discuss the matter in front of Drake. But Rachel would not be deterred. She clapped her hands, exclaiming “We should have cocktails! Anna, you’d like a Sex on the Beach, wouldn’t you? One for you too Liam?” Rachel looked at the King innocently, who rolled his eyes.

Drake took a moment before he deduced the implication and then snorted with laughter, “Liam, you dog!”

“Oh, because you’ve never had sex in public, have you Drake?” Liam retorted, grinning.

A slightly guilty look flitted across Drake’s face, but he pressed on regardless, “Whether I have or I haven’t, I certainly wasn’t a king when I did or didn’t, at the top of a Ferris wheel…” He smirked, remembering.

Rachel studied Drake carefully, before shaking her head with a smile. “But the real question here,” Rachel looked between Liam and Anna slyly, “is how long was it between that and the photo of you being taken?!”

Anna hid her face behind her hands, and Liam chuckled. “Less than half an hour…”

Rachel and Drake hooted with laughter. Once Rachel managed to stop laughing, she fixed Liam with a frown. “Your Majesty, imagine if you had been caught. It would have been a much bigger story than the Duchess of York having her toes sucked or the Duchess of Cambridge being photographed topless or Prince Harry caught dressed as a Nazi. How hard are you trying to make my job?!”

Liam sniggered at the double entendre, “Hard...” Anna smacked him lightly on the arm. Admonished, Liam apologised. “I’m sorry Rachel. I promise next time Anna and I have sex in public that I will make sure there is no paparazzi around.” He grinned at Rachel, who rolled her eyes.

“Better than nothing, I guess.”

Anna squeezed Liam’s hand back. She smiled at him, grateful for his support. Now that it had gotten out that she was dating the King, life would never be the same.

The plane finally stopped moving, and after a few moments the seatbelt sign went off. They unbuckled and stood, Anna smoothing down her clothes nervously. Liam leaned over and gave her a soft kiss. “Short statement at the bottom of the stairs, smile sweetly, and keep holding my hand as we walk to the car. Dimitri and his men will look after us.” They walked to the door as ramp stairs were manoeuvred into place. Anna tried not to fidget as they waited. Liam silently went through what he was going to say in his statement. Presently, a steward came over to open the door, and Liam smiled at Anna. “Ready?” Anna nodded bravely. “Let’s go then.” The steward opened the door and Liam led Anna out and down the stairs, to cameras, phones and microphones and a frenzy of people calling out their names.

At the bottom of the stairs, Liam waited for the noise and clamour to die down and then spoke, “Good afternoon. I am delighted to confirm that I am in a relationship with Ms Anna Williams. We have known each other for some months now, and have been enjoying getting to know each other. Whilst I understand the demands of life in the public eye, Ms Williams is new to this, and I ask that you respect that and allow her to ease into it gently. Thank you for your interest in our relationship. That is all I have for you today.”

Reporters began calling out questions but Anna and Liam simply smiled at each other, and then Dimitri and his men guided them through the crowd to the waiting car.

Drake and Rachel were waiting for them in the living room of Liam’s quarters. It didn’t take long for them all to have drinks in hand and become a little tipsy - what better way to ignore the current minor crisis. Liam and Drake were revisiting an age-old argument on the origins of baklava, and Anna and Rachel were talking about Anna and Liam’s getaway.

“Anna, you didn’t?!” Rachel gasped, eyes wide. Drake looked over, and Liam smirked, guessing the topic of conversation.

Anna, a shade of red rarely seen on anything other than a sunburnt Englishman, shook her head violently, hoping not to discuss the matter in front of Drake. But Rachel would not be deterred. She clapped her hands, exclaiming “We should have cocktails! Anna, you’d like a Sex on the Beach, wouldn’t you? One for you too Liam?” Rachel looked at the King innocently, who rolled his eyes.

Drake took a moment before he deduced the implication and then snorted with laughter, “Liam, you dog!”

“Oh, because you’ve never had sex in public, have you Drake?” Liam retorted, grinning.

A slightly guilty look flitted across Drake’s face, but he pressed on regardless, “Whether I have or I haven’t, I certainly wasn’t a king when I did or didn’t, at the top of a Ferris wheel…” He smirked, remembering.

Rachel studied Drake carefully, before shaking her head with a smile. “But the real question here,” Rachel looked between Liam and Anna slyly, “is how long was it between that and the photo of you being taken?!”

Anna hid her face behind her hands, and Liam chuckled. “Less than half an hour…”

Rachel and Drake hooted with laughter. Once Rachel managed to stop laughing, she fixed Liam with a frown. “Your Majesty, imagine if you had been caught. It would have been a much bigger story than the Duchess of York having her toes sucked or the Duchess of Cambridge being photographed topless or Prince Harry caught dressed as a Nazi. How hard are you trying to make my job?!”

Liam sniggered at the double entendre, “Hard...” Anna smacked him lightly on the arm. Admonished, Liam apologised. “I’m sorry Rachel. I promise next time Anna and I have sex in public that I will make sure there is no paparazzi around.” He grinned at Rachel, who rolled her eyes.

“Better than nothing, I guess.”

Anna squeezed Liam’s hand back. She smiled at him, grateful for his support. Now that it had gotten out that she was dating the King, life would never be the same.

The plane finally stopped moving, and after a few moments the seatbelt sign went off. They unbuckled and stood, Anna smoothing down her clothes nervously. Liam leaned over and gave her a soft kiss. “Short statement at the bottom of the stairs, smile sweetly, and keep holding my hand as we walk to the car. Dimitri and his men will look after us.” They walked to the door as ramp stairs were manoeuvred into place. Anna tried not to fidget as they waited. Liam silently went through what he was going to say in his statement. Presently, a steward came over to open the door, and Liam smiled at Anna. “Ready?” Anna nodded bravely. “Let’s go then.” The steward opened the door and Liam led Anna out and down the stairs, to cameras, phones and microphones and a frenzy of people calling out their names.

At the bottom of the stairs, Liam waited for the noise and clamour to die down and then spoke, “Good afternoon. I am delighted to confirm that I am in a relationship with Ms Anna Williams. We have known each other for some months now, and have been enjoying getting to know each other. Whilst I understand the demands of life in the public eye, Ms Williams is new to this, and I ask that you respect that and allow her to ease into it gently. Thank you for your interest in our relationship. That is all I have for you today.”

Reporters began calling out questions but Anna and Liam simply smiled at each other, and then Dimitri and his men guided them through the crowd to the waiting car.

Drake and Rachel were waiting for them in the living room of Liam’s quarters. It didn’t take long for them all to have drinks in hand and become a little tipsy - what better way to ignore the current minor crisis. Liam and Drake were revisiting an age-old argument on the origins of baklava, and Anna and Rachel were talking about Anna and Liam’s getaway.

“Anna, you didn’t?!” Rachel gasped, eyes wide. Drake looked over, and Liam smirked, guessing the topic of conversation.

Anna, a shade of red rarely seen on anything other than a sunburnt Englishman, shook her head violently, hoping not to discuss the matter in front of Drake. But Rachel would not be deterred. She clapped her hands, exclaiming “We should have cocktails! Anna, you’d like a Sex on the Beach, wouldn’t you? One for you too Liam?” Rachel looked at the King innocently, who rolled his eyes.

Drake took a moment before he deduced the implication and then snorted with laughter, “Liam, you dog!”

“Oh, because you’ve never had sex in public, have you Drake?” Liam retorted, grinning.

A slightly guilty look flitted across Drake’s face, but he pressed on regardless, “Whether I have or I haven’t, I certainly wasn’t a king when I did or didn’t, at the top of a Ferris wheel…” He smirked, remembering.

Rachel studied Drake carefully, before shaking her head with a smile. “But the real question here,” Rachel looked between Liam and Anna slyly, “is how long was it between that and the photo of you being taken?!”

Anna hid her face behind her hands, and Liam chuckled. “Less than half an hour…”

Rachel and Drake hooted with laughter. Once Rachel managed to stop laughing, she fixed Liam with a frown. “Your Majesty, imagine if you had been caught. It would have been a much bigger story than the Duchess of York having her toes sucked or the Duchess of Cambridge being photographed topless or Prince Harry caught dressed as a Nazi. How hard are you trying to make my job?!”

Liam sniggered at the double entendre, “Hard...” Anna smacked him lightly on the arm. Admonished, Liam apologised. “I’m sorry Rachel. I promise next time Anna and I have sex in public that I will make sure there is no paparazzi around.” He grinned at Rachel, who rolled her eyes.

“Better than nothing, I guess.”

Anna squeezed Liam’s hand back. She smiled at him, grateful for his support. Now that it had gotten out that she was dating the King, life would never be the same.

The plane finally stopped moving, and after a few moments the seatbelt sign went off. They unbuckled and stood, Anna smoothing down her clothes nervously. Liam leaned over and gave her a soft kiss. “Short statement at the bottom of the stairs, smile sweetly, and keep holding my hand as we walk to the car. Dimitri and his men will look after us.” They walked to the door as ramp stairs were manoeuvred into place. Anna tried not to fidget as they waited. Liam silently went through what he was going to say in his statement. Presently, a steward came over to open the door, and Liam smiled at Anna. “Ready?” Anna nodded bravely. “Let’s go then.” The steward opened the door and Liam led Anna out and down the stairs, to cameras, phones and microphones and a frenzy of people calling out their names.

At the bottom of the stairs, Liam waited for the noise and clamour to die down and then spoke, “Good afternoon. I am delighted to confirm that I am in a relationship with Ms Anna Williams. We have known each other for some months now, and have been enjoying getting to know each other. Whilst I understand the demands of life in the public eye, Ms Williams is new to this, and I ask that you respect that and allow her to ease into it gently. Thank you for your interest in our relationship. That is all I have for you today.”

Reporters began calling out questions but Anna and Liam simply smiled at each other, and then Dimitri and his men guided them through the crowd to the waiting car.

Drake and Rachel were waiting for them in the living room of Liam’s quarters. It didn’t take long for them all to have drinks in hand and become a little tipsy - what better way to ignore the current minor crisis. Liam and Drake were revisiting an age-old argument on the origins of baklava, and Anna and Rachel were talking about Anna and Liam’s getaway.

“Anna, you didn’t?!” Rachel gasped, eyes wide. Drake looked over, and Liam smirked, guessing the topic of conversation.

Anna, a shade of red rarely seen on anything other than a sunburnt Englishman, shook her head violently, hoping not to discuss the matter in front of Drake. But Rachel would not be deterred. She clapped her hands, exclaiming “We should have cocktails! Anna, you’d like a Sex on the Beach, wouldn’t you? One for you too Liam?” Rachel looked at the King innocently, who rolled his eyes.

Drake took a moment before he deduced the implication and then snorted with laughter, “Liam, you dog!”

“Oh, because you’ve never had sex in public, have you Drake?” Liam retorted, grinning.

A slightly guilty look flitted across Drake’s face, but he pressed on regardless, “Whether I have or I haven’t, I certainly wasn’t a king when I did or didn’t, at the top of a Ferris wheel…” He smirked, remembering.

Rachel studied Drake carefully, before shaking her head with a smile. “But the real question here,” Rachel looked between Liam and Anna slyly, “is how long was it between that and the photo of you being taken?!”

Anna hid her face behind her hands, and Liam chuckled. “Less than half an hour…”

Rachel and Drake hooted with laughter. Once Rachel managed to stop laughing, she fixed Liam with a frown. “Your Majesty, imagine if you had been caught. It would have been a much bigger story than the Duchess of York having her toes sucked or the Duchess of Cambridge being photographed topless or Prince Harry caught dressed as a Nazi. How hard are you trying to make my job?!”

Liam sniggered at the double entendre, “Hard...” Anna smacked him lightly on the arm. Admonished, Liam apologised. “I’m sorry Rachel. I promise next time Anna and I have sex in public that I will make sure there is no paparazzi around.” He grinned at Rachel, who rolled her eyes.

“Better than nothing, I guess.”

Works that are written and awaiting publication. I will try to keep this updated lol

Zoomies (Their family cat wakes Ethan up at 4 AM. Request. )

Allende (He pronounces her surname perfectly upon meeting her and corrects whoever mispronounces it. Request. )

Mother & Son (Lilac and her son have a day out by themselves. Headcanons. Request)

Crescent (Lilac returns from a trip with a mysterious tattoo.)

Cupid (His wife plays cupid with Naveen and a neighbor. Request.)

Series

Untitled. Part 1 of 1800s AU (Series 2)

Chapter 1: The Doctor (Part 1 of Ethan meeting Lilac's exes series)