Page 79 of Reveal Me
No, somewhere else.
You know I can’t be seen anywhere. They’ll drag me home before we have time to figure out our future.
I’m going to give you a glimpse of the future. The only eyes on you will be mine.
A shiver of apprehension skates over my spine, and my stomach flips. ‘Kat,’ I swivel on my stool to face my friend and confidant. ‘Will you cover for me tonight?’
She stares at me for a long beat, concern etches into her huge blue eyes. ‘I will, you know I will, but for the love of God, be careful.’
‘It’s not like I’m going out with some gangster.’
‘You may as well be as far as your parents are concerned, Princess,’ she reminds me slightly more firmly this time. ‘You know, there are rumours circulating that Princess Sabrina has been sneaking out too.’
My eyebrows skyrocket. ‘Sneaking where and with whom?’ Is it possible she too is choosing for herself?
‘I have no idea, but Judy said the Queen is fraught with worry that the wedding won’t go ahead. And apparently relations are tense between your family and Prince Harold’s family already.’
‘If it doesn’t, it might be the best thing that ever happened to Sabrina. I am surprised though. She seemed rather taken with Prince Harold. Maybe the two of us could join forces and form a united rebellion.’
‘Don’t joke, princess. I’m already worried sick about you. Not just about you getting caught with Mr Beckett. Anything could happen to you while you’re out without security. Will you at least take Grant with you?’ Kat gnaws on her lower lip. ‘If something happened to you, I’d never forgive myself.’
‘I’m not taking anyone. Sean has his own security. Nothing is going to happen, don’t worry.’ I pat her arm.
Nothing except a glimpse of the future… whatever that means. I can’t wait.
I make a mental note to call Sabrina tomorrow as I wait by the stables for Sean. The stable boys have retired for the night, so I pop in to see Temptation. He stamps his hooves when he sees me, readying himself to break free. ‘Not tonight, boy.’ I rub my hand over his face, and he nuzzles into me. I’ve been neglecting him lately with Sean taking up so much of my time.
The low purr of an engine cruising towards us sets my heart racing. ‘We’ll go out tomorrow. I promise.’ I stroke his cheek before darting out into the cold, crisp night. The moon hangs low, illuminating the pathway to where Sean’s Bentley is parked outside the stable. I glance up at the main house before making a dash for the car. A man I don’t recognise waits with the door open. ‘Princess.’ He bows his head and motions for me to get in.
Sean is in the backseat already, looking especially delicious in his trademark black suit, although instead of the black shirt he usually wears in the club, tonight he’s wearing a crisp white shirt and a bronze tie that matches the flames dancing in his huge dark irises.
‘Good evening, Princess.’ He pats the seat next to him, and I slide in.
‘Good evening, sir.’ Our eyes lock through the moonlight, and that ever present energy thrums between us.
The door closes behind me, and I jump, breaking the moment. ‘Who is your friend?’ I nod towards the driver.
‘That’s Ben. He’s my driver, and my security.’ Sean’s eyes don’t leave mine. ‘Don’t worry, I trust him with my life. And yours.’ He presses a button, and the screen between the front and back of the car slides down. ‘Ben, may I introduce Princess Layla.’
‘Evening Princess.’ His tone is full of mirth. ‘I’ve heard a lot about you. Sean hasn’t shut up about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.’
‘Thanks for that,’ Sean says with a little shake of his head. ‘Let’s see if you’re as cocky in the ring tomorrow.’
‘I bet I’ll have more energy than you,sir.’ Ben quips.
Sean presses the button, and the screen slides closed again. He reaches for my hand as the car starts to move, stroking a thumb over the back of my hand. ‘Ben has been with me for a long time. He’s like another brother, to be honest. One who doesn’t constantly ask if I’m gay.’
‘I suppose you don’t help yourself.’ I rest my head on his shoulder and gaze up at him through the moonlight.
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘You’ve never been photographed with a woman.’
‘Have you been stalking me again?’
‘Says the man who hired extra security to surround my family’s castle and climbs a drainpipe to let himself into mybedroom every night.’ I squeeze his hand.
‘I don’t hear you complaining.’
