Page 69 of Reveal Me
‘I’d enjoy it infinitely more if the Queen allowed me to leave this estate.’ I shrug. ‘And yes, thank you, I’m feeling much better.’
His lips quirk upwards, revealing years of what has to be impeccable orthodontic treatment, another positive change since the last time we were acquainted.
‘I heard a rumour you were grounded of sorts.’ He cocks his head to the side, arching his brows in question.
‘Unfortunately, it’s true. Sometimes I wish I’d been born with a penis. Then at least I might have some say in my own life.’ I shrug.
I can only blame Sean Beckett’s filthy mouth for my vulgarity. I open my lips, and everything tumbles out. My tolerance levels for anything less than real are through the floor. I’m tired of being a show pony for my family. Especially now I know what it feels like to have someone love me—really love me, for who I am, not for my status.
He splutters, coughing through his shock, but his eyes gleam with intrigue. ‘Quite,’ he finally agrees.
Mrs Medway enters carrying a tray full of delicacies and steaming hot tea. She flashes a smile and bows her head respectfully, but I’m under no illusion—she’s spying for my mother again. I’d love to give her something really shocking to report, but instead I sit forward, straighten my spine and stare at Finegan like he’s the most interesting creature to grace this earth. Perhaps that will buy me more time. I’m acutely aware that one way or another, I’m running out of it.
Finegan graciously accepts a cup of Earl Grey, stealing curious glances my way until we’re finally alone again. I take a sip of my own and leave the ball in his court.
My mind wanders back to Sean, wondering where he is, what he’s doing. If he’s in his Grafton Street office, or out for lunch with his brothers. But mostly, I’m wondering if he’s missing me as much as I’m missing him.
Finegan stares at me intently, his eyes ablaze with curiosity. ‘I must say, I’m rather glad you weren’t.’
‘Weren’t what, sorry?’ I force myself to pay attention to the man occupying my time instead of the one occupying my brain.
‘Born with a penis.’ A smile touches his lips. ‘I think you’re rather perfect the way you are.’
My phone vibrates in the discreet pocket of my dress.Probably my mother, reminding me to behave. I ignore it. ‘Thank you, Finegan. Sorry if my manner is somewhat crude. It’s rather frustrating being the third daughter sometimes. First world problems, I know.’
He arches forward, closing the space between us. ‘I can relate, believe me.’ He tugs at the material of his cream suit pants, adjusting the material over the thighs bulging beneath. ‘While I may have been born with a penis…’ his eyes flare with mirth ‘…there are still certain restrictions enforced in families like ours.’
‘Yours can’t be as restrictive as mine. But still, we didn’t meet to form a pity party. Tell me, what have you been up to these past few years?’
My phone vibrates again. I ignore it, listening as Finegan regales his recent antics travelling in Asia. Thankfully there’s no mention of gardens or sheep. In fact, this Finegan is actually rather entertaining compared to the one I last met.
‘How is the gardening coming along? And the sheep farming?’ I lift my teacup to my lips, wishing it had a drop from Kat’s flask in.
‘Oh.’ He shakes his head; a small smile twitches at his lips. ‘Honestly, I hate both, but last time we met, my mother insisted it was an appropriate topic to discuss with a lady such as yourself.’
‘So what does interest you, Finegan, if it’s not sheep and gardening?’
‘Property acquisition. Golf. But mostly… you, princess.’ His piercing eyes bore into mine. ‘You interest me a great deal.’
Before I can answer, a knock sounds on the door. Kat’s head pops around before I can say ‘come in’. Her face is pale and tight. Panic lights her eyes.
‘Whatever is the matter, Kat?’ I frown.
‘You have another visitor, Your Highness. And he’s very insistent.’
‘Who?’ No one knows I’m here except…
‘Mr Beckett is adamant he joins you.’ Her eyebrows shoot skyward.
My lips twitch. Is it wrong that I love that my boyfriend is crazily possessive? I turn to Finegan and shrug. ‘Send him in.’
Chapter Thirty-One
SEAN
Unfuckingbelievable. Who the fuck does Finegan fucking Montgomery think he is? Bad enough he snatched forestry from under my nose a few weeks ago, but there’s no way he’s taking my woman as well.
You can imagine my surprise when I got a phone call from Ben informing me my girlfriend had a visitor. Okay, we haven’t put a label on what she is to me, on what I am to her, but given I spend every night in her bed, and we’ve said those three little words every day for the past few weeks, I kind of assumed.
