Page 21 of Royally Wed
An image of Asher Reed’s shirtless physique planted itself right at the forefront of her thoughts. How did someone who played the cello for a living end up looking like that? It was mind-boggling.
It was also none of her concern whatsoever.
She glancedat Edward and found him watching her intently. “What is it?”
He raised a brow, and for a moment looked so much like their mother that it was unsettling. “I just saw some interesting news involving your friend.”
Amelia froze. Swallowed.
Her friend?
Interesting news?
Asher had gone to the press. She knew he couldn’t be trusted. God, how could she have been so foolish? Her crying jag was probablyon the front page of the tabloids. Either that, or their little pajama party was all over the Internet.
She should have made sure he’d signed that nondisclosure agreement on the spot. “He’snotmy friend. I assure you.”
Edward’s brow furrowed. “I’m talking about Renata.”
Renata, the former Duchess of Silva. Of course.
A wave of relief hit Amelia so hard that she swayed a little on her feet.“Renata. Right. She’s been stripped of her title. Terrible, isn’t it?”
She took a deep breath and willed her heartbeat to return to normal. Edward had scared the life out of her, which should serve as an important reminder the next time she had the ridiculous urge to barge into Mr. Reed’s room.
Scratch that. There wouldn’t be a next time. Willow could devour him for all she cared.
“Terribleindeed, although I can’t say I didn’t see it coming. And now...” Edward gave her a sideways glance. “Wait a minute. You thought I was talking about someone else, didn’t you?”
“No, I didn’t.”
“I distinctly heard you sayhe. Who did you think I meant?” Edward’s smile faded.
She was busted. “No one. Stop looking at me like that.”
Her brother exhaled a weary sigh. “God, Amelia. Tell me youhaven’t managed to get yourself into some kind of trouble?”
He didn’t tackagainonto the end of his question, but he may as well have. It was heavily implied.
“I most certainly havenot, but thanks for your vote of confidence.” Amelia glared at him.
She could have simply told Edward about Asher. She would’ve had to leave out the part about their encounter at Westminster Abbey, but the incidentwith Willow earlier would have been a reasonable explanation for having him onher mind. She could’ve at least mentioned there was an American musician staying in the palace.
She didn’t want to think about why she chose to keep his presence to herself.
Edward shook his head. “Sorry. All this wedding business has got me on edge. I saw Gregory Beckett at a luncheon yesterday, and he mentionedthe diary. Right there in front of everyone. ”
“What?” Amelia gaped at him. “He can’t do that.”
“He did.” Edward released a tense exhale. “He didn’t disclose any of its contents, obviously. If he had, the wedding would be off. My guess is that he’s letting people know the diary exists in the event the wedding gets called off and he’s forced to use it.”
“It’s not going to be called off.” Ameliawished she felt as defiant as she sounded.
“I know it won’t. I trust you, sis. The wedding will go off without a hitch.” He glanced at their mother, who looked as though she’d decided on the Cambridge Lover’s Knot.
The tiara had nineteen precious Asian pearls and more diamonds than Amelia could count. It was lovely, really. On any other occasion, she would have arm wrestled for the opportunityto wear it.
She sighed. “This will all be over before we know it.”
