Page 123 of The Reluctant Wife

"What do you mean?"

"Clearly, being here at an official reception for your birthday, meeting and greeting dignitaries, is not something which appeals to you."

"AmIthat transparent?" I ask surprised.

"Only to me, baby." He places his palms on my hips, and the heavy weight feels both secure and erotic at the same time.

"There was a time when I enjoyed it, but I very quickly tired of having to put on a face and pretend I’m having a good time.” I shuffle my feet. “Instead, I’d preferred to be at my desk writing, or in my PJs watching a series on television.”

“And now?”

“Now, I’d rather spend time alone with you.”

His expression turns thoughtful. “So, why aren’t you?"

"What do you mean?" I try to understand what he’s trying to say.

"If you’re finding it such a chore, don’t do it anymore."

“Okay.”

He stares at me. “Okay?”

I look away, then back at him. I’ve been wanting to tell him about my decision to move away from my official duties within the Royal Family and now seems like the right time.

"As you know, I was brought up to be a princess, and now, a Duchess, to play my role within the Royal household and help my father fulfill his duties to his subjects. As were my brothers.” I nod toward where Viktor is holding court, surrounded by a bunch of women of all ages. "Obviously, it didn't really take in Brandon's case." She laughs.

I recognize the Princess of Spain, the daughter of the American ambassador to Verenza, the first cousin to the Prince of Wales, as well as a well-known actress, an Olympic gold-winning athlete, and a model who has millions of followers across social media platforms. In the middle of them is my brother, with a smirk on his face. And that cold look in his eyes signifying he finds them all too easy and is planning to take, at least, one of them to bed tonight.

"Clearly, he laps up the attention.” My husband snorts.

“As he should, as the future King. As for me, my role first as Princess and now, Duchess of Verenza pales in comparison to my most important identity, your wife.”

He jerks his chin in my direction. "You are the most important person in the world to me."

At his words, my heart does that little flip in my chest. I’ll never get used to hearing that from him. For once, it's not Verenza that comes first, as it does with my father and oldest brother. For once, it's me who's the most important to someone.

“As you are to me. Which is why I have decided to?—”

Someone coughs behind us. I sigh.

He looks past me and arches an eyebrow at the new arrival. "I believe that’s your new assistant."

Yep, I hired someone recommended by Zoey, whose background my husband vetted before giving me the green light to hire her. I'm happy to say that, so far, Yaz has been amazing, if a little shy.

"Uh, sorry to bother you, Duchess, but there are a few more people who want to meet you."

I glance at her over my shoulder, and she blushes, but she doesn’t look away. "I held them off, but it’s probably best if you come and meet them before they come looking for you."

I nod, then turn to my husband and kiss his cheek.

“What were you saying? It sounded important.” He searches my features.

I allow myself a small smile. Internally, I’m sure now, I’ve made the right decision. “I promise, I’ll tell you later.”

He stares at me for a few seconds more, then nods. “I’ll hold you to it.” He kisses me hard, and by the time he lets me go, I’m flushed. I slip off my husband’s lap.

Viktor approaches us. He walks past Yaz, who blushes deeper, but my brother doesn’t seem to notice.

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