Page 67 of Regally Binding

“I’ve said that Strike was my family. I know what it’s like when those closest to you by blood aren’t there for you. My parents weren’t my biggest fans when I was growing up. I was hard work. Most weeks, the head dragged my parents to school to sort out one mess or another. I was a difficult kid who became a difficult teenager and ran with a bad crowd. You know the sort, getting into fights, shoplifting, and being dicks. But Ma and Pa, my jokey name for Jeannette and Cliff, took me in when I needed somewhere to live, and they treated me like a son. We became a makeshift family, although not here. They live here now when they’re not travelling the world.”

There was a lot of information, and she had more questions, but as her mum used to say, don’t empty the jar all at once in case you can’t handle the contents. “And where are they now, or are they due home tonight?”

“They’re in Thailand. You can’t keep them still for long; they’re always off to parts of the world they’ve not seen. It’s for the best they’re not back tonight, as there’s only three bedrooms, and you and me would need to share a bed,” he said with a wink. It was as if he couldn’t do truth for long. “That’s your question over with,” he added.

“Okay, that’s fair. I won’t press you anymore for now, but I have more questions,” Liss said, tapping her knife on the table.

“I don’t doubt it, but I’d be happy for you to press me later,” he added with a head tilt.

This guy.

The following days passed in a mixture of paperwork, movie nights, and meals. Liss spoke to Isla on the phone daily andmanaged a call with Steve and her grandad too. Her life was slowly changing, yet she and Bear found innocent ways to touch each other constantly. But it never went further. Strike’s presence was a constant reminder that this was their job, not some pre-royalty fling. Yet her heart was investing in Bear, and it was getting harder to control.

“House check, done,” Bear announced as he entered the living room, where Liss finished a report. “We’ve got more alarms around this place than the palace, but a visual check of the equipment and space doesn’t hurt. Have you spoken to the King?”

“I spoke to him briefly,” Liss replied, stretching her neck from side to side. The paperwork was a great distraction and allowed her to do something she could master, but sitting on the floor was playing havoc with her body. “It’s weird to have a day without Strike. I’ve got used to having you two around all the time and Luke on speed dial. I’m going to miss you three when everything changes.”

The last three days they’d become a little family, working around each other, eating meals together and dialling Luke in during the evenings to watch movies with them. She winced as her shoulders clicked. Bar work was a nightmare for her body, and it wasn’t unusual for her to be soaking her weary limbs in the bath after a shift so she could sleep. She missed the pub, but with time away, she admitted she’d been hiding there since her mum died.

She sucked in a breath as Bear’s hands rested against her shoulders. “Is it okay if I help you? I’ve experienced enough pains to know it’s best to deal with them when you can.”

Liss nodded as her mouth dried up.

“Where does it hurt? Direct me.” Such a simple request made her body thrum.

Bear smoothed his thumbs over her shoulders, working down her back. She made noises of appreciation. It was good, but it wasn’t enough. She could take her top off…

“It might be easier if you remove your jumper so I can get to your muscles,” he said, reading her thoughts.

Liss held her breath as she eased off her jumper, leaving her in a tight, strappy top. His fingers got to work immediately. Occasionally, he’d find a knot and push his thumbs against it until it popped. His hands manipulated her body. She shivered, and he paused. “My hair,” she said as if in explanation, and he swept her ponytail to the side. His breath touched her neck, and she shivered again.

They wouldn’t dare do this with Strike around, but he’d been gone all day preparing for the next job.

“So, the King,” she managed to say, although, with a mouth as dry as sandpaper, it came out as a croak. “I’m worried about his health. He’s deteriorating all the time. I only managed a brief conversation with him alone. I’m worried that all isn’t as it seems.”

His hands travelled lower until they were pressing against her lower back. She let out a deep moan. “What can you do about it? Is there anyone else you can speak to, maybe his doctor?” His woody and fruity scent filled her, and at his proximity, an extra scent of something else in his aftershave reminded her of trips to the sea. Liss eased back against him and immersed herself in his touch.

“I don’t have access to him, but maybe Beatrice does. I liked her, and she’d be a great person on my side, but I don’t have her number.” She stumbled over her words. Bear worked back and forth on a knot below her shoulder blades.

“Strike will get it. He knew her brother in the forces. Leave it with me,” he added, his voice slow and deep. “And so you know, we’ve got a plan for the rest of the week. We’ll spend a few moredays here, and on Thursday evening, we’ll return to town. Friday is the big announcement.”

Her sigh was deeper than the arousal sneaking through her bones. “When I take the throne or renounce it?”

“Yep.”

She was on the cusp of asking what he thought she should do when he worked out a knot she’d never reached. She let out a throaty moan, and his body juddered behind her. “Cool. I think we’re good,” he said, clearing his throat. “What do you want to do tonight?”

Liss looked over her shoulder and smiled at his blushing face. Liss licked her lips before parting them seductively.

“Shush, you,” he grumbled. “I meant, which movie do you want to watch? I don’t want to risk more chatting, as you keep getting my secrets.”

Liss chuckled. She’d learnt much about him over the last few days, which only worsened her attachment. Less chatting was a good idea. “Whatever movie you want to watch. It’s your choice, but no more romcoms. I need a break.”

“It’s just us tonight. Luke is sorting out tech for the next job. Strike’s back at some point, but probably not until the early hours,” he said, shifting his trousers. “I’ll get the snacks.”

He’d reached the doorway as she shouted, “And get into something more comfortable. Those trousers seem to be frustrating you, and I’d hate for you to feel restrained.”

He grunted a nonsensical response as he left the room. The relaxed version of him was too easy to tease.

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