Page 10 of Thrones We Steal

“You still haven’t told me where we’re honeymooning,” I say.

“I have no intention of doing so.”

“How can I prepare if I don’t know where we’re going?”

“You mean, how can you make sure everything is perfect?” His eyes sparkle like the glass he just swept up.

“I promise to behave. No spreadsheets, no research.”

“None?”

“None.”

“How will you survive?”

I pinch him lightly through his jacket. “I’ll be fine. Just tell me. Please.”

“You really want to know?” When I nod, he says softly, “Croatia.”

Images of Roman ruins, walled cities, and sienna-tiled roofs dance across my mind in a mini theater production. I squeeze his hand and grin. “Croatia sounds amazing.” I can already see us—exploring Diocletian’s Palace, spelunking the various caves, hiking through national parks. “Do you already have the activities planned?”

“Celia, you promised. No research.”

“I won’t! But I need to know what to pack.”

He sighs and shakes his head, but he’s still smiling. “I thought we could stay on the beach. Eat seafood, read, drink martinis in the ocean. Relax after the stress of the wedding.”

A tiny pebble of disappointment—it’s minuscule, really—drops into my stomach. Normally I would show him how much more the place had to offer, but I promised. This is Beck’s project. I am planning the wedding, every last detail, and he’s taking care of the honeymoon. If he wants to spend it getting fried to a crisp on the beach while ignoring the ancient ruins and natural wonders behind us, I will eat all the bloody oysters he wants me to. “I can’t wait,” I say and rise up on tiptoes to press a kiss to his lips.

I will trust him with this.

I think about what Bea said earlier, how I’m with Beck because he lets me get my own way. If that is true, I’d be trying to convince him to change his plans, to do things the way I want. Of course, there’s always the possibility of subtly dropping hints between now and then. But Bea is wrong. I am perfectly capable of accommodating others, especially the man I love.

Rosalind’s ambitions for me were much higher than my own, and I know she was disappointed in my choice, even if she’s too well-bred to say as much. Beck isn’t titled, and his job as a solicitor for the Crown will never provide more than a comfortable lifestyle for us. But even my mother now agrees that Beck and I are meant to be together.

We met through an online dating app that requires in-depth details of its users, including results from various personality tests. When I came across Beck’s profile, I was stunned to see how high our compatibility was. He’d been married once before, to a superficial woman who hadn’t appreciated what she had. But I can’t hate her too much. After all, her loss is my gain.

“Have you met Bea’s date?” I say and scan the crowded room for anyone that seems like he’s trying to get into my sister’s pants.

“I don’t think he’s here yet.” He tugs at the cuff of his jacket. “And where is our lovely Brit?”

“You know Bea. Arriving late makes a bigger splash.”

“I assumed being abroad for six months would be splash enough.”

“Thou can never attract too much attention when thy name is Beatrice.”

Above the murmur of the room, there’s a faint knock from the front hall. “That must be the date. I’ll be right back,” I say and slip out of the room. I can’t believe my good fortune. Bea’s not down yet, so I can interrogate this older, more mature man alone. With any luck, I can drive him off before dinner even begins.

The wind has picked up outside and the front door pulls heavily. But instead of the investment banker with slicked-back hair I’m expecting, Henry is standing on the portico, looking dangerous in a navy dinner jacket.

“What are you still doing here?” I frown. “I thought you left an hour ago.” I scan the path behind him, turning inky now that the sun has set. Bea’s date is even later than she is. Major red flag.

He holds up several bottles of wine in each hand. “I told your mum I’d get the wine from your car.”

I ignore the guilt that niggles. “I thought you had a date tonight.”

“I do. That’s why I’m here.”

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