Page 33 of Prince She Shouldn't Crave
‘Thatdoessound like a problem.’
‘Not really. The press picked up my football post.’
The article showed stills from her video. The headlineFrom Throne to Field: Prince Gabriel’s viral kick proves he’s still got it.
Gabriel let out a heavy sigh. ‘What do they say?’
‘Um…this one says you’ve still got it.’
Gabe snorted.
‘I feel affronted. I didn’t think I’d ever lostit.’ He then gave her a slow smile, one that might be described as panty-melting, had she been wearing any. ‘What would you say?’
She smiled right back. ‘I wouldn’t presume to make any assumptions, Your Highness.’
‘Are you going to put down that phone now? I can think of some ways that might help us get back to sleep for another hour. Or, if you don’t want to go back to sleep, ways that might be able to make us very happy for a while.’
‘I just need to finish…’ She waved her phone at him.
‘You’re detrimental to my ego. If you didn’t read between the lines, I’m offering to make love to you. That you’re not jumping at the opportunity is leaving me suitably chastened.’
‘I think what I’m doing right now might help your ego.’
Lena scrolled through the video she’d posted. Hundreds of thousands of views. Thousands of comments. Another text from Henri, saying the international press were getting in touch.
‘All I can say is, it might be good we’re going home this afternoon. You don’t have much on by way of official duties this morning, apart from the planting?’
It was a final farewell at the palace, where Gabe was to plant a tree to signify the enduring ties between Halrovia and Lauritania.
‘No.’
‘Well, I think the press might want to ask you some questions.’
‘About what? Me kicking a ball?’ Gabriel asked.
‘With respect, you did a bit more than just kick a ball.’
She showed him the post. The numbers of views and comments climbing and climbing.
‘You did say you were happy to go viral,’ she said, a little breathless. She’d done well before, but never achieved anything like this.
‘I’m guessing we’ve achieved it.’
Lena liked that he saw them as a team. For the first time in a long time, she truly felt part of something. She nodded as he lay back, hands behind his head, something like a smug smile on his face. She’d never seen that expression before. Gabriel seeming so…satisfied with himself. It was a good look on him.
‘Oh, no, they’re at it again,’ she said.
‘Who?’
‘People are saying you’re a thirst trap.’
‘A what?’ Gabe looked bemused for a moment. Shook his head. ‘Don’t worry. No need to explain it.’
Gabriel’s phone began to ping as well.
‘Why are people not asleep? Why are we not asleep? Or, even better, doing something entirely more enjoyable?’ he said, reaching for his phone.
She noticed he didn’t grab his glasses. In fact, she realised she’d never actually seen him in glasses before. Or really reading much at all.
