The Royal and the Rebel (Royally Pitched 2)

“No? What kind were you talking about?”

“I don’t know how to describe it really. I haven’t ever seen it until Ele and Tris. But it’s a connection, an understanding.”

Rowan shrugged. “I can’t say that’s something I’ve ever had with a woman. And every couple is different.”

She suddenly found herself wondering about his past relationships. What Tati and Meena had alluded to. And standing there, still feeling the rush of desire and the burn of humiliation, she decided she wasn’t going to hold back with him. He could handle whatever she threw at him. And right now, he needed this, whatever it was, more than she did. Fuck it.

“Tati said you only date older woman. They seemed surprised you were with me because of my age.”

Rowan looked contemplative. Then, he met her gaze and smirked.

Juliana waited for confirmation or denial, but nothing was forthcoming. He seemed determined to keep this wall between them. Touch seemed to be on the approved list of things they could do as a fake couple but sharing information about themselves was on the list of don’ts. She stepped farther away from him, allowing the metaphorical distance to push for physical distance. She felt she was at a distinct disadvantage here. He seemed so much better equipped to play this game, and she needed to remember that.

“Any other concerns we need to address?”

A childish part of her wanted to stamp her feet or flick him in the ear or subject him to purple nurples. He was just so infuriating. What did she care if he pulled this off? It didn’t have to affect her. She was still here in Nava; she could still find out what the queen needed to know. She didn’t need Rowan Beckwith.

“No,” she said as sweetly as she could muster. “All good.”

She stared at him, and he stared at her. She was so tempted to stick her tongue out at him because he drove her insane.

“If you don’t mind, there’s a Hartesfield United game on that I want to watch.” He reclined his chair again, settled his leg, and then picked up the remote on the table next to him.

Still, Juliana sat there, dazed at his audacity. He clicked the giant screen to life. But his questioning gaze returned to her. Finally, she stood and made her way to the door. With every step she took, she wondered what she’d been thinking when she agreed to this terrible plan. There was no way they’d be able to fool her brother and sister, and she wasn’t even sure she wanted to try.