Page 40 of Crown of Thorns
“I’ll let her know,” he says, making more notes in his folio. “We’ll have to have the garden party in a week.”
“Aye, I’ll clear my schedule.”
“I’ll send the invitations,” Craig says.
“I’ll get with your protection team and establish what we need,” Leo says. “I’d like snipers on the roof for all events.”
“Surely not,” I gasp.
“I agree,” Rhys says. “With the global players we’ll need to be overly cautious. I won’t risk her safety again.
“Agreed.”
“So, what about the fancy garden party?” I ask, changing the subject away from snipers and anyone who might want to kill me. “What do we need for that?”
“Formal day dress—suits with tails and top hats for the men, pretty dresses and fancy hats for the ladies—think fancy tea party in a garden.”
“Okay,” I reply. “Maeve will help me, right?”
“Of course,” Craig says.
“Good. I wouldn’t want to make a big mistake.”
“We won’t let you,” Craig replies. “Now, once we select your tiara or get a loan secured from your family, we’ll choose jewelry if it doesn’t match the emerald suite.”
“I’ll handle that,” Rhys says cryptically.
“Noted,” Craig replies, closing his leather folio. “I think that’s all for now. I best get to work.”
“Aye,” Rhys agrees.
“I as well,” Leo says. “Please let me know if your plans for the day change.”
“I will,” I agree and then he turns for the door, leaving me alone with my very soon-to-be husband. “What are we going to do now?”
“I was thinking I’d show you my mother’s China pattern,” he says.
“That sounds nice.”
“And then I’d like to show you decidedly more interesting things.”
I roll my eyes and then freeze.
“You’re safe here, hen,” he says. “But anytime you want me to fuck you on my desk I’m happy to oblige.”
“I just bet you are.”
Chapter 13
Just the Thing
“What about something like this?” Maeve asks me as we flip through the book the French designer, Phillipe, brought with him. It’s a simple sweetheart ball gown base with a sheer netting that makes up long sleeves and a higher neckline, but that’s where the simple goes right out the window. It’s got handmade butterflies trailing down the back of one shoulder and artfully all over the dress.
“It’s beautiful,” I agree.
When I left Rhys’s office after our wedding planning meeting, I thought for sure, I’d have time to get my bearings. I did not. It’s only been three days, and I still can’t believe that I’m getting married in three weeks’ time.
“I love it,” Dahlia says from my other side. “But Ido think the train could be longer.”
