Except for that one big, unavoidable reason.
I. Can’t. Stop.
My uncle did always say I was the smartest person he knew, but when it came to boys I was a damn fool.
A rush of cold, salty winter beach air filled the cabin and a moment later, the captain spoke. “We’re here, sir.”
The doors were open; I was minutes from my reunion. I breathed in the brackish, winter air. Air I’d missed so much. I could already picture the beaches covered in powdery snow—
That outfit doesn’t look like something West picked out.
Just like that, fear choked me. I wondered what Grayson would think once he saw me in this dress, so similar to the woman he had hated all his life. I was so…so terrified.
Not that he wouldn’t love me.
But that because he loved me…it would hurt so much more.
“Do you really think he loves you, Angel?” West’s light, cutting voice made me blink out of the memory. He pulled the paper tucked under his arm. “You haven’t even been gone two weeks.”
It was the same imprint that had got me attacked. The photo was of Lottie and Grayson, and it looked like it was taken the morning after the Nutcracker Masquerade. Lottie was seated on a golden chaise, and Grayson was behind it, hand protectively above her. I noted the one I’d handcuffed him with was hidden. He had his Grayson Crowne smile. Lottie didn’t even bother to smile.
They looked like an old royal painting, a lost Romanov artifact.
It read: A New Era of Crowne Begins: Grayson Crowne to Announce Heir
I knew when I left we would be tested. I knew they would test us. But even still, tears wetted my eyes. I rubbed my bare collarbone, staring at the dueling shadows on the hardwood floor.
My heart broke for the ache in his eyes.
I told him I’d write to him, but he’d never received any of my secret messages. I’d broken that promise. What had my lonely prince, my Atlas, had to go through without me?
West came up behind me. “I have a proposal for you… I’ll give you the video and files. Every little thing keeping Grayson Crowne hostage.”
My eyes locked with his in the mirror.
“I’ll even give you your locket back.”
He unfurled his fist, dangling the gold so it reflected in the mirror.
“And in return?”
“Choose me. Sleep in my bed every night, no tears.” The gold locket still dangling out of focus, he swiped at my tears.
No.
No. No. No. No. No. No.
My chest screamed it.
That was a one-time scar. I refused to cut myself again.
“If I say no, you’ll force me in your bed.” I glared at him through the mirror. “Like last time.”
“I’m giving you an option. You’re his, but I want you to be mine. So, why don’t we make this interesting, Angel?”
“Another bet, West? I guess you are so good at them.”
Some emotion flickered in his eyes, but he looked away before I could register it.