Page 35 of The King's Secret Baby

I have a quick wash and throw on some clothes, not bothering to brush my hair or put on makeup. I don’t have time. I have to get downstairs before Luca notices my absence.

The thought of facing him after what happened last night in the pool sends a jolt of anxiety through me. I still can’t believe I let myself get so carried away. We agreed that the past was behind us, that we wouldn’t pursue anything of a personal nature.

And what did I do? I sidled up right next to him, like I was going to jump his bones right there in the pool.

I probably would have, too, if things had gotten that far.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. It was just one slip-up. A mistake. It won’t happen again.

I hurry out of my room, making my way down the grand staircase to the dining room. My stomach churns with each step, and I have to pause at the bottom, gripping the banister for support.

When I finally enter the royal family’s private dining room, Luca is already seated at the head of the table, a cup of coffee in front of him. He looks up as I approach, his eyes widening slightly.

“Are you all right? You look pale.”

So much for trying to fake it through the day.

I force a smile and sink into the chair across from him. “I’m fine. Just tired. I’m sorry I’m late.”

He waves away my apology. “Don’t worry about it. I know you had a long day, uh…” He clears his throat. “Yesterday.”

His face is pink. Apparently, I’m not the only one who can’t think about yesterday without remembering our time in the pool.

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. I can feel his gaze on me, searching, probing. Trying to read me. But I keep my eyes on my plate, focusing on the food in front of me.

Yet even the sight of the eggs and bacon makes my stomach roil. I push them away, reaching for a piece of toast instead.

“Are you sure you’re all right?” Luca asks again, concern lacing his voice. “You don’t look well.”

I force another smile, meeting his gaze. “I’m good. Really. Just a bit under the weather. It’ll pass.”

But even as I say the words, I know they’re a lie. Something is wrong with me. I just don’t know what.

I force myself to nibble on the toast, but it tastes like sawdust in my mouth. To make it all the worse, I can feel Luca’s eyes on me, his concern palpable.

Another wave of nausea hits, this one different from any before it. I stand quickly, pushing my chair back. “I’m so sorry, but I need to, uh, excuse myself. I just remembered I have some urgent emails to respond to before your meeting.”

He frowns, but nods. “Of course. Do what you need to do. I’ll see you in the conference room in twenty minutes.”

I nod, grateful for the reprieve, and hurry out of the dining room, my stomach churning.

I make it to my room just in time, barely managing to shut the door before I’m rushing to the bathroom and retching into the toilet. My stomach heaves and heaves, expelling what little I’ve eaten.

When it’s finally over, I slump against the cool porcelain, my forehead beaded with sweat. It’s been a long time since I felt this off. Could it be food poisoning?

I force myself to my feet, rinsing my mouth and splashing cold water on my face. I catch sight of my reflection in the mirror — pale, drawn, with dark circles under my eyes.

I look like death warmed over.

But I don’t have time to dwell on it. Luca’s meeting starts in less than ten minutes, and I need to be there to take notes.

After washing my face, I pull my hair back into a tight bun and apply concealer under my eyes, hoping it will mask the shadows. Then, taking a deep breath, I gather my notebook and pen and head for the conference room.

Luca is already there when I slip in, along with several of his advisors. He looks up as I enter, his brow furrowing in concern.

“Hailey. Are you sure you’re well enough to be here? You still look pale.”

I force a smile, taking my seat. “I’m fine, Lu— Your Majesty. Really. I’m eager to be here.”

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