Page 69 of Royal Darling
He cups my jaw and kisses me gently before hugging me tight again. “I love you, Emma.”
“I love you too.”
“I want you to pick out your engagement ring this time,” he whispers in my ear. “Everything exactlyyourstyle.”
I can’t help my beaming smile. Jackson has been nothing but supportive of my efforts to explore new interests and discover my own personal style.
“Congratulations!” Anna cheers, rushing over to us. She hugs me and then him, beaming at us. “I’m so happy for you guys!”
“Thank you!” I say, pleased that at least she is. I glance over at my mother and Gabriel. My brother smiles. “Congratulations, Emma.” He gives Jackson a curt nod. “Jackson.” That’s just Gabriel’s way. He’s not over-the-top with enthusiasm like Anna.
Anna returns to her place at Gabriel’s side. Mother remains quiet.
I take Jackson’s hand, confiding quietly, “I’ve made up with my mother. It wasn’t you that was the cause of our disagreement. It went much deeper than that. Next time you should communicate your concerns with me.”
He lifts my hand, brushing a kiss over the back of my knuckles, his blue eyes intent on mine. “I’m a virgin to relationships. Be gentle with me, love. I’ll try hard to catch up.”
My cheeks flush, thinking of how he helped me catch up in the sexiest of ways. “I’m pretty new to them too. We’ll figure it out as long as we stick together. Come on, I want you to say hello to Mother. She needs to get used to you. Make sure you bow your head and use proper address.”
He entwines his fingers with mine, murmuring, “Got it.” I lead him over to greet my mother.
“Hello, Your Highness,” Jackson says, dipping his head. “I hope that we can get to know each other a little better. I’ll be good to Emma.”
I can’t help my smile.
Mother is not smiling. “Where will you live?”
“I have a place in London,” Jackson says.
I turn to him. “Actually, I have a lot of work to do here. I’m helping Anna with the new day spa and beauty product line.”
“It’s important work,” my mother puts in, eyeing Jackson for his response.
“I’ll rent a cottage nearby,” Jackson says. “Whatever Emma wants.”
“Then I won’t stand in your way,” Mother says. “Congratulations to you both.” She stands. “Good night, everyone.”
Anna grabs Gabriel’s hand. “We’re going to give you two some privacy.”
The three of them file out, having a hushed conversation. Probably just as shocked at the turn of events as I am.
Jackson gives my hand a tug, leading me to the sofa. He gives me a small smile. “I can’t believe you forgave me so quickly. I was prepared for a long hard campaign to win you back.”
“I’m surprised I lasted as long as I did. I wanted to take you back the first moment I clapped eyes on you. I’ve missed you terribly.”
He slides an arm around my shoulders and pulls me close. “My emotions have been so raw and I couldn’t channel them into the music until I made it about you. You were the missing piece that made me whole again.”
“Oh, Jackson.” My eyes sting with tears. He’s a poet under that rough edgy exterior. “You’re killing me with all this heartfelt emotional stuff. I’m not used to it and I’m certainly not good at returning the same.”
He tips my chin up and kisses me. “You don’t have to be the same as me. Just be with me. That’s all I need.”
“Okay,” I whisper. And then he’s kissing me and there are no more words, only love and desire and a bone-deep sense of rightness. His hand slides down my throat, down my sides, and then he’s lifting me and settling me on his lap, straddling him. The kiss turns carnal, his hands sliding up my sweater, cupping my breasts, pinching my nipples. A moan escapes.
He breaks the kiss, breathing hard. “Let’s go somewhere more private, yeah?”
I climb off his lap and take his hand, walking with him toward the hallway. “I’d like you to live at the palace with me. It’s the best place for me to get my work done, and we can set up a music studio for you in the conservatory.”
He halts. “I feel strange here, like I’m trespassing. My people would’ve been the servants.”
