Page 22 of The Rejected King
“What’s his name?” He leaned forward, sliding his legs from the coffee table and dropping them to the ground.
She sat up taller. “I’m not telling you.”
“Why not?” he pressed.
“Because we’re not officially engaged yet and I don’t want you to say anything.” She fidgeted with her fingers. “And I also don’t want you to say anything about the incident at the Morreck Inn.”
Miss Dutson looked away like she was guilty.
“Is it Millar?” Davin asked.
She whipped her head back to him. “No!”
“Samson?”
“Your royal secretary? Now I’m officially offended!”
“What?” Davin shrugged. “Samson’s a nice guy.” He liked this game he played with Emree, and he especially liked the pink flush creeping up her cheeks.
“He’s not even in the king’s guard.” She raised her chin then stood abruptly. “I’m leaving.”
Davin smiled as he stood up. “You don’t have to leave.” He reached a hand out to stop her, his fingers grazing the side of her arm until he grasped her wrist and the side of her hand. Her eyes shot to their joined hands then back up to him. The warmth from her skin seeped into his body, lighting the powder keg of passion he’d been holding in since the Morreck Inn.
“Your Majesty?” A guard with a buzz cut and light blue eyes walked in the room. “I have a message for you.”
Both Emree and Davin quickly pulled apart.
Emree gasped. “Portlend?”
Davin remembered the man now. Officer Portlend Ricks.
The guard’s face reflected shock. “Em, what are you doing here?”
Em?
“Miss Dutson is the Promenade Director,” Davin offered, trying to somehow stay a part of this strange reunion.
“The Promenade Director?” Officer Ricks nodded. “Wow. I can’t believe it.”
“I tried to find you,” she said. Her eyes darted quickly to Davin’s, then she looked away. “But you were training in the mountains.”
Davin looked directly at Emree. “Miss Dutson, how do you know Officer Ricks?”
Emree swallowed, scratching the back of her neck. “Uh...we grew up together in Kenmare.”
Davin gave her a pointed stare. “Really?”
Judging by the pained look in Emree’s eyes and the fact that her face had turned three shades of red, Davin assumed Portlend Ricks was Emree’s soon to be fiancé. Was that enough to explain the awkwardness that clouded the room? Or maybe he was only imagining the awkwardness. Maybe Davin was the one who felt awkward because moments ago, he’d been enjoying Emree’s soft touch when he shouldn’t have been.
Officer Ricks walked forward, handing Davin the message. “Well, I’m working right now.”
“Right.” Emree nodded, tucking a pretend strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m busy, too.” She pointed at Davin. “There’s a lot to do with the Promenade.” She shuffled to the door. “I’m completely swamped.” She waved at both men, dropping a hasty curtsy in Davin’s direction. “I’ll see you later.” Without another word, Miss Dutson turned and left.
Davin looked at Officer Ricks. The guard quickly bowed then scurried away, probably to go after Emree. Davin let out a deep breath, and for the first time in a long time, he contemplated having Millar do some undercover spy work.
* * *
Later that night,as Davin climbed in bed, a folded note on his nightstand caught his eye. He looked around his suite, wondering when it had been left for him. He unfolded the edges and began reading.
