Page 13 of Royal Charmer
His shoulders draw back as he says with obvious pride, “The rightful family has been in charge for the past couple of centuries. The Rourkes are descended from the original Viking tribe.”
“The Wild Ones.” I can’t help my smile. What a great name for a renegade tribe. “Is that why you and your brothers are known for being a little bit wild?”
He tilts his head. “Little bit? I’m all the way wild.”
I laugh. “Still quite the globe-trotting bachelor leaving a trail of broken hearts. I’ve seen your picture everywhere. It must be exhausting to keep up such a wild rep.”
He studies his drink, his expression drawn, and I fear I said the wrong thing.Oh no.I feel wretched after he’s been so kind.
“Lucas, I was just teasing. I’m sure you do serious work here too. You said you were assisting with the new business venture, right?”
He blows out a breath and meets my eyes. “Trying.”
A servant returns with a platter with two bowls. A cold melon soup is set in front of me. I suppose it’s a palate cleanser. I take a spoonful, enjoying the light flavor. I look up and notice Lucas isn’t eating. “What’s wrong? The business isn’t going well?”
He rubs the back of his neck. “It’s frustrating is all. I suppose my globe-trotting bachelor ways are biting me in the ass. I’m not given the authority or responsibilities I want becausesomethink I’m not committed enough to the business to be trusted with them.”
I fill in the blank over who thesomeare. Only the king and queen are above him, and there’s been lots of press featuring their active involvement in the new business. “So how can you prove your commitment?”
“I don’t know, time? It’s already been a couple of months, but by the time I prove my commitment, there won’t be anything left to do. I just want to contribute, to put my stamp on things.” He shakes his head, his lips pinched together. “Forget I said all that. I’m not supposed to share private matters.”
I wave it off with a flourish. “Consider it forgotten.”
“Thanks.” He takes a spoonful of soup. “What else is on your agenda? Doing anything fun tomorrow?”
For a brief moment I think he wants to do something with me, and I get a little thrill at the thought of being his friend and confidante, he’s certainly been that for me, but then I realize he’s just changing the subject. “I’m taking a tour of the palace, and in the afternoon I’m having tea with the king and queen.”
He stiffens. “You are? I didn’t know guests would be having an audience with the king and queen.”
“Yes, it’s one of the perks of staying here. Just the one meeting.”
He mutters a curse under his breath. “Do not breathe a word of what I just told you to them.”
“I swear I won’t.”
He grimaces, probably regretting sharing with me.
“It’s really okay. I’ll probably be too nervous to say more than two words to them.”
One corner of his mouth curls up in a slow crooked smile. I swear he could get away with stealing an old lady’s last loaf of bread with thatendearingsuper-sexy smile. (Writer hazard, I edit my own thoughts.) The man radiates sexual confidence.
His voice is silky. “You don’t have a problem saying more than two words to me.”
I flush hot. “That’s true, probably because you came to my rescue today on more than one depressing occasion.” I shake off the gloomy reminder, determined to enjoy the here and now. “I’m normally a hard-core introvert. Riley is the one…” I trail off, a lump of emotion lodged in my throat. Riley is the one who laughed at my quietly muttered jokes that no one ever heard. I take a sip of water before saying, “I suppose you made me feel comfortable with your kindness.”
He gives me a cocky grin. “That’s why they call me a charmer.”
“And so modest too.” I’m actually smiling, a real delighted smile. After the Ordeal, the solo honeymoon, the writer’s block, Lucas has resurrected my smile.
“I’ve never been accused of that sin.”
I lean in. “What sins are you guilty of?”
“I don’t trouble myself with guilt.”
I lift my brows, waiting for an answer.
He grins, leaning in. “Too many to count. I’m the worst.”
