Page 128 of The Reluctant Wife

She mentioned to me that Viktor was supportive of her stepping back from her Royal duties. Her father, less so. The king told her she was making a mistake, but if that's what she wanted, he wouldn't stand in her way.

Her brother Brandon, too, backed her decision. He’s the one member of her family I don’t know well at all, considering he didn’t make it to our wedding. She was upset about that, but I’m willing to forgive him because, it turns out, the guy has his heart in the right place.

Both Viktor and Brandon, separately, wished my wife the best for her move away from the monarchy.

It took another week to draw up a plan to help her separate her future from that of the Royal Family. She agreed to honor the public appearances she’d already committed to, and indicated she wouldn’t take on more. If the Royal Family needed her to do so under extenuating circumstances in the future, she’d consider them on a case-by-case basis.

Which means, she has a year’s worth of engagements to get through in countries around the world. All of which I'll accompany her to, along with a top-notch security team.

I'm not taking any risks with her protection, no matter that the person who threatened her life is dead. My wife is too precious, and I won’t leave anything up to chance.

Then came the public announcement by the Royal Palace. By then, we’d moved back to London, and that helped cushion her from the worst of the media scrutiny to follow.

I bought a place in Primrose Hill and ensured the house is under round-the-clock surveillance. This is where Sinclair lives, as do Tyler, Nathan and Quentin.

"This is a great neighborhood. Aura loves getting to know her sisters-in-law and Summer, and she's thrilled to spend time with Serene." I nod in Tyler’s direction.

"Serene’s over-joyed to have her dropping by so often." He rubs the back of his neck. "Pass," he murmurs, eyeing his cards with a frown.

"I’m sorry I took you away from her," I apologize again.

He scoffs, "I wanted to be there for you. Besides, Serene was delighted to spend time with Summer and Matty." He tilts his chin in Sinclair’s direction.

"Summer loved having her over." Sinclair looks at Brody. "And how is it that we have the pleasure of your company today?"

Brody smirks. "Figured the only way I was going to meet you over-the-hill men was by crashing your poker session."

"Over-the-hill?" Tyler frowns. "Who’re you talking about?"

"Given these two are married"—he nods between me and Sinclair—"and since you’ve got to make it home by a decent time to put Serene to bed—" He shrugs. "The three of you are no fun."

"Walking up to my bedroom where I can sleep with my wife, in my bed, in my house? I’m not complaining." I laugh.

"Same." Sinclair raises his beer bottle, and I tap mine to his.

Tyler and Brody exchange looks, both wearing matching smirks.

"You guys have no idea what you’re missing," I murmur.

"Nope, not going there. I’m out of the marriage game, was never in it to begin with. And with responsibility for Serene, I’m never getting married."

I eye him with curiosity. "Why is that?"

"First off, the relationship piece. I have enough in my life with taking care of Serene. The last thing I need is some high-maintenance woman marching in and demanding I give herattention. I only have space for Serene. And any time I have left is spent on taking care of the business."

"What if you find someone who fits into your life and who Serene likes?" Sinclair asks. His voice is casual, but I read the seriousness under his words.

"That’s not going to happen." Tyler scowls at his cards.

"Why not?" I exchange another glance with Sinclair.

"Because—" Tyler rolls his shoulders. "Because I’m not the easiest man to be with. And Serene will always come first. It’s not fair to expect any woman to accept that."

"There might be someone out there who’ll love Serene as much as you and who you find makes your life better," Sinclair murmurs.

Tyler makes a rude noise. "And Arthur turns into a loving, cuddly man overnight."

Brody laughs. "Now, that’d be a sight."

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