Page 14 of A Royal Disaster
“I think you just did,” he deadpanned. “Thanks for that, by the way. I suppose it’s a good thing I met you when I was twenty-eight and not eight. I fear my younger self would’ve been crushed by such candor.”
“Somehow I doubt that’s true.” Elena shifted and glanced around the dining room, her gaze sweeping over the paneled walls, gilded chandeliers, and glass cabinets that displayed the restaurant’s rich heritage. “Don’t get me wrong, this place is amazing,” she said, whispering as if to ensure she wouldn’t be overheard, “but the dessert menu better live up to the hype.”
Liam chuckled. “The house specialty is Baked Alaska, but I’m partial to the Valrhona chocolate mousse myself.”
For the first time since they’d been seated, Elena smiled at something other than his abysmal childhood jokes, the prospect of dessert lightening her mood. “A man after my own heart. I knew we had to have at least one thing in common.”
“I suspect we have more than one.” Actually, he knew it for a fact, based on the background check his security team had run, but he didn’t want to spoil her good mood by mentioning it. And truth be told, it would be far more interesting to hear the details of her life from her own sweet lips than read them in an unimaginative personnel profile. “I’ve always been fascinated by the arts. Tell me more about your studio.”
Elena sipped her wine, as if fortifying herself to answer a difficult question. When she set the glass down, she licked her lips, tongue sliding across the ruby flesh like an invitation. He probably shouldn’t have noticed—this wasn’t a real date—but he was only human, and his cock had come to attention immediately when he’d first laid eyes on her in that little black dress. She’d been wearing shapeless denim the first time they met and it had in no way prepared him for the luscious curves of her body. Curves that had him fantasizing about all the filthy things they could do to each other behind closed doors.
They were supposed to be dating. There was nothing to stop them.
Except for the fact that it’s never advisable to mix business and pleasure.
“Art has always played a central role in my life,” she said. “From the time I was big enough to hold a paintbrush, I was always creating, finding new ways to express myself and capture the beauty of the world around me. My family didn’t have much, but my parents were usually able to scrape together the money for art lessons and supplies to fuel my passion.” She paused, a faraway look in her eyes. “They were so proud when I was accepted to NYU’s Studio Arts program. I just wish they’d been able to see me graduate.”
Liam remained silent. If she chose not to continue, he’d respect her choice.
Elena took a deep breath. “They were killed in a car accident my senior year,” she explained, the raw emotion in her voice eviscerating him. Bollocks. The last thing he wanted to do was make her cry. “I still miss them so damn much, but I think they’d be proud of me. Working in the studio isn’t always the most glamorous job, and I’d probably lose my mind if I didn’t have Nia to help, but there’s nothing else I’d rather do.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” he said, reaching out to touch her hand. The gesture was small and inadequate, but it was the only comfort he could offer. His parents were often cold and demanding, but he couldn’t imagine his life without them in it, and he hated that Elena had been dealt such a shitty hand. “I’m certain your parents would be proud of all you’ve accomplished.”
Elena nodded and reached for her wine, draining the glass as the server arrived with their salads. As they ate, they talked about art, and Elena made recommendations for lesser known galleries he should visit while in the city. He was surprised to discover she was equally passionate about all art forms and refused to name a favorite medium, insisting she couldn’t possibly choose, as evidenced by the wide breadth of classes offered in her studio.
Liam met a lot of people in his travels, and it was a rare gift for a person to have true passion for their work, but he wasn’t surprised to discover it in Elena. In his experience, passion was the backbone of the organization when it came to nonprofits and the arts, two areas he wished he could indulge more. It was just one of many sacrifices required by the crown; politics had to come first. “Your passion for your work is admirable.”
Elena pushed her empty salad plate aside, studying him. Her dark eyes were filled with curiosity, and the hint of a smile graced her lips. “Do I hear a trace of envy? Is it possible His Royal Highness dreamed of being a fireman or maybe a police officer?”
Liam smirked. “Every dream I’ve ever had involved a crown.” He paused, considering his next words. He should keep the conversation light. It was the smart thing to do, but Elena had been vulnerable with him and he found he wanted to share one of his own truths with her. One he hadn’t even shared with his best friend. “Although I desperately wanted to attend an American university.”
Elena’s brows pulled low as she studied him. “So why didn’t you?”
“Their Majesties forbade it.” He took a sip of his wine, the silky red washing away any lingering bitterness. “Tradition is the backbone of any longstanding monarchy, and I happen to come from a long line of Stanley men who’ve studied at Oxford.”
Elena’s eyes softened and for a moment, he let himself forget their relationship was a farce. “I wonder, what kind of king will you be when the time comes? What will you value above all else?”
It was a question he’d asked himself many times, but he had no answer, so he simply shrugged. “I always knew I’d be king one day and I’ve spent my life preparing for the role. There’s never been anything for me aside from Valeria.”
And it was true. There was nothing he wouldn’t sacrifice for his people.
“Yes, yes, and you play the part to perfection.” As if sensing his desire to move on, she smiled wide, revealing brilliant white teeth and a smile so different from the demure ones the ladies at court wore. He liked it. “Tell me, how is it you’ve managed to make the world fall in love with you? I’ve never seen anything like it. You’ve got the press wrapped around your little finger.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he teased, enjoying this spirited side of her. It was rare he could relax and let his guard down, especially around new people, but he felt inexplicably comfortable with Elena.
“Turnabout is fair play, Your Royal Highness.” She cupped her hand and made the universal gesture forout with it, once again calling him on his bullshit. “I shared something personal with you. Common courtesy dictates you do the same.”
Liam leaned across the table and Elena followed his lead. To the casual observer, it probably looked like they were sharing an intimate moment, and he supposed, in some ways, they were. The relationship might be as fake as a three-dollar bill, but the conversation—hell, the chemistry—was real. “The truth is I’m the perfect royal. Charming. Handsome. Obedient.”
That last bit wasn’t strictly true, but it was close enough.
“Oh, and you’re modest, too,” Elena said, rolling her eyes. “Royal life sounds exhausting. I’d much rather have a comfy couch, a bowl of popcorn, and your Netflix password.”
Liam laughed and leaned back in his chair. “Thanks for the tip, but I don’t share my Netflix account until at least the third date.”
“Prude.” The instant the word was out of her mouth, a flush spread across her chest and up her neck, as if she were embarrassed by her own boldness. She averted her eyes, scanning the room. Bloody shame. It had been ages since he’d been this attracted to a woman. “I can see why the people love you,” she said finally, rolling the stem of her wine glass between her fingers. “You’re funny, compassionate… Not at all what I’d expected.”
“And here I thought they favored me because I’m the most well-behaved prince Valeria’s seen in a century.” Not that he had much choice in the matter. He loved his siblings, but Xander was a press nightmare and lately Pippa seemed hell-bent on destroying royal protocol. One of them had to be the picture of decorum, and as crown prince, the responsibility seemed his alone to shoulder.
