Page 63 of A Royal Disaster
After the disastrous dinner at the Caridoso embassy, Lena was relieved to be back in New York and sharing a place she loved with Liam. It had been two days since she’d last seen him, and he’d been tight-lipped about his brief trip to the west coast. She’d chalked it up to official palace business, something she wanted no part of, given her first foray had resulted in a flaming pile of flora on the dinner table.
At least it made for a good story. Nia had nearly peed herself laughing. More importantly, Liam had closed the trade deal for Valeria, and it was as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
“Are you sure you want to go out, love?” Liam asked, grabbing her hand as they passed a coffee shop advertising homemade ice cream and lavender lattes. He spun her body toward him and whispered, “Because I can think of some very satisfying indoor activities to keep you entertained all afternoon.”
It was a tempting offer, but there would be plenty of time for naked games later.
“Keep it in your pants, Your Highness,” she said, planting a chaste kiss on his lips. It violated royal protocol, but Liam had assured her Prince Alexander had done worse. Just this week he’d been photographed in a Vegas hot tub with triplets.
“What can I say?” Liam shrugged. “I’ve missed you.”
“It’s been two days,” Lena said, rolling her eyes, though she was battling the same burning desire. “How the hell did you survive before you met me?”
“Do you really want me to answer that?” he asked, dragging his feet as she tugged him forward. “Because it involves a great deal of coconut oil and—”
“Stop!” she hissed, looking around for paparazzi. “Someone’s going to hear you.”
Liam flashed his dimples, and she gave silent thanks they’d reached their destination, because she was nearing the limit of her self-control. And now, thanks to his overshare, all she could think about was Liam stroking himself, his cock slick with coconut oil.
Her mouth watered at the thought.
Later.
“This is it,” Lena announced a bit too loudly, gesturing to The Verve.
“We’re going to an art gallery?” Liam asked with renewed enthusiasm. “Why didn’t you say so?”
“Because that would have been the opposite of a surprise. And frankly, you’re far too accustomed to getting your own way. It’s probably good for your ego to be left wanting on occasion.”
Liam quirked a brow, and a slow flush crept up the back of her neck.
“Fair point,” Lena conceded, reaching for the door to the gallery. Ethan beat her to it and pulled the door open, allowing them to pass through with the bodyguards on their heels.
The Verve was one of Lena’s favorite galleries because it was known for taking chances on up-and-coming artists, and you never knew who or what you might discover inside its walls. The gallery was quiet when they entered and their footsteps echoed on the cement floors, bouncing off the high ceilings and reverberating through the long white showroom, which provided a stark backdrop for the colorful pieces displayed within. It appeared they had the place to themselves, which was a nice change of pace.
“Welcome to The Verve,” Lena said, smiling at Liam, Jack, and Ethan. “One of my favorite places to visit in the city.”
Liam chuckled. “I should’ve guessed.”
“Yeah, you really should have.” She hooked her arm through his and guided him toward the first exhibit. “But you know what they say, keeping the mystery alive is key to any healthy relationship.”
Lena froze.Fake relationship. She’d meant to say mystery was the key to anyfake relationship. Mierda. What had she been thinking? Sure, they had scorching hot chemistry, but it wasn’t like they had a future. Not when his life was in Valeria and hers was in New York. Orgasms weren’t the same thing as happily ever after, and she’d do well to remember it, even if she wished it weren’t true.
There was so much more to Liam than his crown, and though she longed to know every part of him, it was impossible. He would return to Valeria in a week and there was only one certainty—she was going to miss his company when he was gone.
“Everything okay?” Liam asked, concern lining his brow.
She studied his face for any sign he’d noticed her slipup, but he seemed oblivious, and she wasn’t about to press the issue. No, she was going to enjoy the afternoon and make the most of the time they had left. “Couldn’t be better.”
They walked and talked and kissed, moving from one exhibit to the next, enjoying the solitude of the gallery and the rare opportunity to be themselves without a camera hovering nearby.
“Did I ever tell you I wanted to study art history at uni?” Liam asked as they stood before a faded pink balloon animal statue.
“Really?” Lena asked, not bothering to hide her surprise. It seemed far too impractical for him. She’d pretty much accepted that Liam had sprung from the womb with a crown on his head and a desire to rule. “What changed your mind?”
“My parents. They wouldn’t hear of it.” He shrugged as if it didn’t matter. “Politics and International Relations tend to be far more useful for a man in my position.”
She pressed her lips flat, afraid that if she opened her mouth she’d say something she’d later regret. Going to college was supposed to be about finding yourself and discovering your passions. It wasn’t supposed to be about duty or becoming the person the world wanted you to be. It was so completely unfair. And even though she knew Liam wouldn’t trade his crown for the world, it broke her heart to know this was yet another concession he’d had to make for his country, for his people. And even now, when they wanted to take it all away, he still put them first. Put his country first. She lowered her head to his shoulder and held him, not wanting him to see the sadness in her eyes.
