Page 53 of Regally Binding

“Are you ready?” Isla asked.

Liss nodded. Her mouth was dry, and her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. When she was a teenager, her mum would take one evening off every three weeks, and they’d spend it watching movies or catching up on school news. But a couple of times, her mum did her make-up. It wasn’t as professional as Isla’s. It was often the garish things they found in the bargain bin, but those nights were special. Liss’s mum would complement Liss’s hazel eyes or high cheekbones as she swept brushes across her cheeks or applicators on her eyes. Her mum knew she struggled with confidence, especially compared to the girls at school, so her mum would build her up emotionally, mentally, and physically whenever she got the chance. Memories of popcorn and bright blue eyeshadow with pink eyeliner caused a tear in Liss’s eyes. Her mum would be happy she was joining the rest of her family.

Isla beamed as she whipped the blanket off. Her eyes sparkled, but all Liss saw was the stranger in her reflection. Liss’s hazel eyes somehow appeared golden and shone brightly. Thick dark waves cascaded down her shoulders, framing her face and mirroring her eyelashes that fluttered when she blinked in admiration at Isla’s creation. She tilted her head as she curled the waves around her fingers. They resembled her mum’s. The waves were stiff with hairspray, but Liss couldn’t resist touching and bouncing them. Liss pressed her lips together and then beamed at how plump they looked.

“I look like a princess,” she whispered.

Isla smiled. “You’ve always been one, beautiful. Pop on those sparkly heels, and we’ll get going. We should leave the guys waiting for a few minutes.

“I can’t believe your bodyguards did all that for you. They must like you,” Isla said, referring to Liss’s outfit as she added a couple of flicks of eyeliner and hairspray. Liss fumbled with the straps of the heels. “It’s a shame you won’t see them once you’re officially part of the royal family.”

Liss mumbled her agreement. Her purple floor-length dress fluttered as she bent. It shone under the lights of the hotel bedroom. Liss never wore anything expensive or showy. It clung to her curves perfectly. Liss slipped her heart talisman into her glittery clutch bag. She needed her mum with her in some way that night.

As they stepped out the door, it wasn’t Steve’s beaming smile that caught her eye but Bear’s jaw that dropped briefly before he mumbled something that looked a lot like “Fucking hell” under his breath. Even with all his training and professionalism, he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Her cheeks flushed under the intensity of his gaze. He shook his head and grinned. It was the dream reaction, and she stepped closer to him.

“You’re beautiful,” Steve whispered, pulling her attention from Bear. He held out his hand as Isla walked towards Ollie. Liss pursed her lips, gazing at Bear, who still stared at her in wonderment. “We look good together. Don’t you think, Liss?”

“I don’t k—” she mumbled, wobbling on her heels. Steve slipped his hand around her waist.

“Lean on me, Liss. I promise not to let you fall,” he said as she attempted to right herself.

Bear stood. His eyes narrowed. “If all the lovey-dovey crap is done, we’ll—”

“What’s your problem?” Steve asked, but Bear ignored him.

Strike appeared from the lift and quickly gave instructions to ensure their safety. There was a lot about what they couldn’t do and how the bodyguards would always watch Liss and those around her. She glanced at Bear, but he was busy packing bags and checking equipment. He tapped his earpiece and nodded to himself before grabbing his phone and swiping through it. But his eye twitched.

“I’m blown away by you, Liss. I’m used to seeing you every day, but tonight you’re an even better you,” Steve whispered, causing her to bristle at the sentiment behind his words. It was just make-up and a dress. She was still her underneath.

“I’ll get the car,” Bear grunted. “And make sure you listen to the briefing. It’s for your safety.” Bear stared directly at her.

“But the King was sending a limousine,” Steve crowed.

Bear bristled as he stared at Steve. “Liss will be in the car with me for safety. Strike will be in the limo with you, your brother, and Isla.”

“Hold on, mate,” Steve snapped. Bear’s mouth wore a blunt edge. “I’m going in the car with Liss. I know how anxious she gets, and I want to be close.”

“I’m not your mate.” His jaw was tight, and his eyes were like pinchers. Her pulse was rapid. Steve had helped her anxiety in the past, but this was making her worse. “Liss?”

Liss shivered. Although she often told people off or showed attitude in the pub she didn’t do difficult conversations in her personal life. When she left university to care for her mum, she’d sent an email rather than having a conversation.

“Yeah, sure, whatever. Steve can come with us.” Anything to stop the confrontation.

Bear rolled his eyes. “Fine. Do what you want.”

He strode into the lift and banged the close door button.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

The car journey was as awkward as Liss expected. Tension brewed between Bear and Steve. Bear refused to answer any of his questions, and every time Steve stared at him, his face pinched.

“We’re five minutes away,” Bear grunted through the speakerphone connected to Strike, who travelled in the limo with Isla and Ollie.

“Good. I’ve had word that the sweep of the venue raised no concerns, but we must be on our guard. My senses have left me on edge,” Strike replied. Liss’s stomach churned. Everything about this night was alien to her, from her fancy dress to her date beside her who tried to hold her hand. Suppose the strangers all stared and judged her like Marianne? She bit her lips before remembering Isla’s threats about ruining her make-up.

“Noted,” Bear replied. “I trust your gut, bud.”

“Ever since Pickle Park.” Strike chuckled through the car speakers. A smile tickled Bear’s lips.

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