Inheriting a SECRET (Corrigan & Co. #7)(13)
“In your dreams, Crown.”
“Crown?”
“I thought you’d appreciate it more than ‘Donkey.’”
“Well, when you put it that way, Crown it is. And yes, I do dream about those things with you.”
I bite my lip to try and hide my smile. My pulse is racing, because I’ve dreamed of them, too. Not all of them, because yes, a few are outside of my comfort zone, but most of them have filled my nights over the last few days. I’m not quite ready to admit that to him, with his threats still front and center in my brain, despite what the rest of my body craves.
“It’s time,” one of the monarchy’s press people tells us.
Brayden squeezes my hand and smiles, before pulling me along to the door. As the prince, he walks out first, but he never lets go of me as I exit behind him. We stand at the top of the stairs and smile for several photos, and then we gracefully descend to the waiting luxury car below. Once we’re inside, I exhale.
“That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
“It was okay,” I tell him truthfully.
“You’ll get used to it.”
“Maybe she won’t,” Noah says as he climbs in, forcing me to scoot all the way to the opposite door.
“Cut the attitude, Noah. It’s getting old.”
“Seriously? This is a fake engagement. You both need to remember that.”
I try to diffuse the situation even though I really just want to punch him. “We remember, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun while it lasts.”
“Fun?”
“Yes, fun, Noah. I’m sure you have some on occasion.”
“Not like he does. You know he’s still been f*cking around.”
“I haven’t touched another woman since we met, and why are you even saying anything?”
“She should know what she’s getting into.”
“I’m well aware of everything, Noah. Everything.”
“And this conversation is over,” Brayden says, looking like the prince he is.
Noah clenches his jaw, biting back the reply I know is on the tip of his tongue. He really needs to get it together. I know he’s been Brayden’s best friend for years, but I’m no threat to him, and I have to let him know that. I get my chance once we’re inside the palace walls. Brayden says he has to check on something, so we’re left alone.
“I’m not trying to take him from you, Noah. I would never do that.”
“He’s going to hurt you.”
“No he’s not. I know what this is, and what it isn’t.”
“He can’t keep it in his pants.”
“I’m not a na?ve teenager. I’ll be fine. I appreciate your concern, and I promise to try and stay out of your way.”
“You don’t need to do that. We should be…friends. If you want, I mean,” he says, shrugging his shoulder.
“I’d like that.”
Without thinking, I launch myself into his arms and hug him tight. After a second, he wraps his arms around me as well. We stay that way for almost a minute.
“Well, this is…umm…a surprise,” Brayden says.
Shit. “We decided to call a truce.”
“And hug?”
“Why not?” I ask, trying to be casual, even as my heart is racing.
He looks at Noah, who shrugs again. It must be a “thing” with him, the shrugging. “She jumped into my arms.”
“I did. I just want everyone to get along.”
“O-kay. Still a little weird, but I’d rather have the two of you playing nice.”
“We will,” I assure him.
“Great. Now, can I show you the surprise I have for you?”
“You have a surprise for me?”
“I do.”
“Oh. Is it a pony?”
“A pony? You want a pony?”
“Yes. No. I don’t know. My best friend bought one for his girlfriend, and she loves hers.”
“We have polo ponies, and I guess you can have one, but I got you something better.”
“Take me to this ‘better than a pony’ present,” I tell him, grabbing his hand. “Bye, Noah.”
“Bye Darcy,” he says with a chuckle.
* * *
Brayden
I told Darcy that her surprise was better than a pony, and I think it is. I’m a little worried now, though, because maybe she’d rather have the pony. I’m just giving her a little bit of her normal life. That’s not exciting, so I may have to resort to an animal. Maybe something more exotic than a pony, though.
“You’re being awfully quiet.”
“I’m just all of a sudden worried that my gift won’t be enough.”
“I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but I’m a sucker for any gifts. The prize in a Cracker Jack box makes me happy.”
“So I could’ve just gotten you a box of popcorn?”
“With a prize in it? Totally.”
“You’re serious.”
“I am. There were several years of my life when I had almost nothing, so I appreciate everything I get now. Big or small, everything has meaning to me.”
I can’t help but kiss her, so I don’t even try to stop myself. I pull her to me in the middle of the hallway and kiss her softly. I want her to feel treasured, because she just humbled me. I went into this thinking she was some heartless thief, but I know now that she’s not. I don’t know why she did what she did all those years ago, but it wasn’t for a cheap thrill, or riches. I still have to get the jewels, but I’ll do everything I can to do it without harming her in any way.