Page 83 of Reveal Me
Finally, Jaxon releases a long, low whistle that seems to echo in the high-ceilinged room. He turns slowly to meet my eye. ‘These are,’ he breathes, ‘Absolutely magnificent. I would love to feature these in my next exhibition.’ His gaze dartsbetween Sean and me, falling to our entwined fingers, then back up again.
‘Thank you.’ I exhale the breath I’d been holding. The relief is palpable.
Jaxon’s brows furrow. ‘Did you …? Are they…?’ He sweeps a hand towards the paintings. ‘He told me you’d “come across some art.”’ He frowns at Sean. ‘He didn’t tell me it was yours, Your Highness.’
‘I asked him not to. I didn’t want to influence your decision because of who I am.’
‘These would sell for six figures without your name attached to them. With your signature?’ Jaxon pauses, calculating. ‘We’re talking serious money. Museum-quality money.’
‘That would mean going public with them.’ I swallow.
‘We’re going public anyway, baby.’ Sean wraps his arm around my shoulders and pulls me into him.
Jaxon shakes his head; a huge grin parts his lips. ‘Looks like your identity isn’t the only thing he’s been keeping a secret from me.’
‘It’s essential that our relationship, and any deal we reach with the paintings is kept under wraps until the princess has officially stepped down from her royal duties.’
‘You have my word.’ Jaxon pretends to zip his mouth shut. ‘When are you thinking of stepping down? I don’t mean to pry, but I’m keen to get these pieces on display. Genuinely, they’re unique.’
‘After my sister’s wedding.’
Kat’s words from last night float back through my mind. It doesn’t make sense. Sabrina was so excited about the wedding. Excited about Prince Harald, as much as the big white dress and televised production.
‘When is that?’ Jaxon enquires politely.
‘Six weeks away. My stepping down will cause outrage. It’s only fair I wait until after she’s had her big day. She’s dreamedof this big white wedding since we were children. I refuse to taint it for her… It’s only a few weeks.’
Sean kisses my head. ‘I can’t wait until you step down.’
‘Neither can I.’ Jaxon smiles. ‘Obviously for very different reasons. Will you be attending the royal wedding?’ He arches his eyebrows at Sean.
‘I wish,’ I sigh, at the same time as Sean says, ‘Not a hope. Even if I did make the guestlist, which I didn’t, I’ve had my fill of pompous lords for one lifetime.’
So have I, but there’s no way I’d miss my sister’s wedding. Even if the thought of being apart from Sean is killing me already.
Jaxon turns to the pieces again. ‘Where did you get the inspiration for these?’
‘Probably better if you don’t ask.’ Sean grins. ‘Now, let’s talk about commission.’ He winks and nudges his friend.
‘I’ll discuss the finer details with the artist herself.’
‘Sean can negotiate. Call him my agent.’ He’s not just my agent. He’s my absolute everything. If it weren’t for our time together at Reveal, I could never have produced anything remotely like these pieces. Submitting to him secured my freedom. Oh, the irony.
‘I’ll meet you back in the drawing room. I’ll ask Mrs Medway to organise some tea for us.’
‘Never mind tea.’ Sean pulls me against him, despite being in company. ‘I have some Beckett’s Black Label in the car. This calls for champagne.’
I nuzzle into his chest. I spent years wishing for an ordinary life. Wishing I was free to choose my own life, to choose who I wanted to love, where I wanted to live.
Turns out, there’s nothing ordinary about any of it.
Life with Sean Beckett is miraculous.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
SEAN
Life has never felt this good.
