Page 18 of Broken Crown

“He’s retiring?”Marius’ eyes widen.

I nod.“He is.”

“Just so you can be together?”

“I like to think I’m not his sole reason for retiring.That he gets something out of it, too.”

“Yeah.Unlimited pussy.”

Marius’ remark causes us to erupt in laughter once more, the sound carrying through the air.I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt this happy.This carefree.Creed and I still have a few hurdles to overcome, but we’re finally on the right path.

“In all seriousness, I’m happy for you,” Marius says.“For both of you.After all the shite you’ve been through these past several years, you both deserve to be happy.I’m thrilled you’ve found that happiness with each other.”He gives me a heartfelt smile that soon turns devious.“I think first born naming rights is fair payment.”

“Fair payment?”I snip back.“Payment for what?”

“Oh, how soon you forget the important role I played in you and Creed getting together in the first place.We were sitting in this very café, at this very table, no less, discussing your need to be deflowered when I suggested Creed Lawson do the honors.After you propositioned me first, you hussy.”

I chew on my bottom lip, but nothing can reel in the smile that crawls across my mouth from the memory of that day.Of thinking my friends were crazy for even suggesting I ask Creed to take my virginity because he was too honorable.

But there was nothing honorable about the way he fucked me when he finally succumbed to his desires.The things that man made me feel should be illegal.

And he still brings out the same feelings inside me, all these years later.

“I suppose I do have you to thank.”

Harriet clears her throat, drawing my attention her way.

“You, too, Harri.”

“Thank you very much,” she says with an air of authority.

“Precisely why I think you should name your first son Marius,” he comments.

“And your first daughter Harriet,” she adds.

It feels odd to be discussing the prospect of having Creed’s children when I never really gave children much thought.I knew I’d eventually have them.I don’t exactly have a choice in the matter, especially since the lack of heirs is one of the arguments in favor of the referendum to turn the monarch into a ceremonial role.

When Tristan and I were together, he often brought up having a family.I didn’t completely shoot down the idea, but I wasn’t exactly warm to it, either.For some reason, I couldn’t picture myself having Tristan Hughes’ children.

But Icanpicture myself having kids with Creed.The mere idea of Creed as a father has my ovaries on the brink of combusting.There’s no doubt in my mind he’d be an amazing father.Would read to our baby.Change diapers.Sing songs.

I want that.More than I’ve wanted anything in my life.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

ChapterSeven

Creed

I pullthe SUV to a stop in front of Anderson’s estate and kill the engine.Before I have a chance to reach for the handle, my door swings open.Anderson stands just outside with a brilliant smile on his face.

His hair is disheveled, a stark contrast to the well-groomed look he normally has to maintain.To further the point, he’s wearing a pair of board shorts and a t-shirt, flip-flops on his feet.

“What are you doing?”I ask as I step onto the cobblestone driveway.

“Opening your door.What does it look like, you wanker?Now come on.”He turns, heading toward the oversized garage that holds his collection of cars.

“Where are you going?”I jog after him, catching up as he punches a code into the keypad and opens the door.

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