The Controversial Princess (The Smoke & Mirrors Duology #1)(64)

“I need notice for things like this, ma’am.” He pulls his phone from his pocket and dials. “Men to have in place, checks to carry out.”

“I’m sorry, Damon, it slipped my mind.” It didn’t. I’ve thought of little else but my date with Josh tonight. I was just nervous, is all.

I can see quite clearly that Damon desperately wants to give me advice, which he knows I’ll dislike very much.

I smile meekly. “Make it as low-key as possible, okay?”

“Low-key?” Damon almost laughs. “Adeline, need I remind you of who you are?”

“No,” I grumble. “No one need do that. I am simply requesting that I don’t have half of MI6 on our tail. Just get me in the back door of the hotel, and that will be that.”

“That will be that,” Damon repeats on a disbelieving shake of his head, as if I’m na?ve. I know he thinks I am. Shooing me away, he starts planning, and I leave him to it, turning to head for my suite and ready myself.

But my path is blocked by Eddie. My laid-back brother doesn’t look too laid-back right now, and the many reasons why I’ve avoided him today are now before me in the form of a face lined with an expectant expression. “You’re seeing him, aren’t you?”

I’m not getting into this conversation, especially with too many listening ears around. I walk past him and take the stairs, ignoring the sound of his boots following me. “I’m afraid I won’t be joining you for supper.”

“I got that message loud and clear, Addy. Please, listen to me.”

“I’m not listening,” I insist, rounding the gallery landing and scanning the space for staff. “My mind is made up. I am having dinner with him.”

“Father will not allow it, Adeline. You know that.”

“Father does not know, and he won’t.” I stop and turn to face Eddie when I reach the entrance of my suite. “Will he?” I ask, cocking my head in question. “Only you and Damon know, so my secret should be safe.”

“He finds things out, no matter how hard you try to keep them from him. I won’t breathe a word, but that doesn’t mean anything, and you know it.”

I grit my teeth and push my way into the suite, refusing to accept that he is right. I’ve never worked as hard as I plan on working to keep my meetings with Josh from the King. He won’t find out. I shut the door, but Eddie walks straight in, clearly not ready to give up trying to talk me out of it. I realize he’s only trying to save my hurt. That’s his only motive here, but I can’t help resenting him for it, anyway.

“Adeline.” He gives me beseeching eyes. “I just—”

“No, Eddie.” I hold up my hand. “This conversation is not going to happen so don’t waste your breath.” Hurrying to my bathroom, I lock the door behind me to ensure he can’t storm in. Then I start getting myself ready for my evening with Josh. My stomach twists and turns, a mixture of nerves and excitement. And just like that, my reality is forgotten as Josh reclaims his place at the forefront of my mind.



I DON’T KNOW IF DAMON purposely took notice of my request for low-key because I requested it, or because it’s safer, but we travel in a two-car convoy as opposed to the usual three. I don’t ask. Besides, my stomach is swirling with more nerves now, less excitement, and it’s becoming increasingly tricky to focus on anything but the night ahead.

When Damon pulls up at the rear of the hotel and cuts the engine, he signals for his man to go and do whatever he has to do before Damon allows me out of the car. They communicate via their earpieces, talking, confirming, debating, though the one end of the conversation I can hear from Damon really isn’t sinking in. I’m too busy being nervous and giving myself a mental pep talk.

“Ready?” he asks, letting himself out before I have the chance to answer. It’s a very good question, though I’m aware I’ve taken Damon’s enquiry out of context. My body is ready, oh so very ready, but my heart is not so sure. The door is opened and I get out as Damon continually scopes the area with watchful eyes. I slip my shades on, despite the sun having left the sky some time ago, and flip the hood of my long silk mac over my head. I don’t move before Damon collects me by placing his palm in its customary place in the small of my back. I have never considered before now how such a light touch can feel so utterly safe. He walks me through the corridors in the bowels of the hotel, one man up front checking the way, two men behind following on. We reach a service elevator and find two suited men, as stern as they are large. Josh’s security.

One steps forward, presenting his hand to Damon. “Well, I’ll be damned,” he says on a smile. “Damon, my man. Good to see you.”

“Bates,” Damon greets, showing a rare smile when he is on the job.

“You know each other?” I question, glancing between the two men.

“Bates and I served in MI6 together,” Damon says. “It must have been, what—”

“Fifteen years,” Bates clarifies. “Fifteen long-arse years.” He smacks the call button on the service elevator. “Going up, ma’am?” he asks with a cheeky twinkle in his eye.

For the life of me, I don’t know why, but I blush. “Yes, please.”

“Your chariot awaits.” He motions into the lift and Damon laughs softly, prompting a chuckle from me. We hustle into the giant elevator, though it doesn’t feel so big with these six meaty men filling it. I’m flanked at every angle, totally concealed in the middle. The ride to the top is rickety and long, giving me more time to get myself worked up. I try to breathe some calm into my lungs, try to steady my sprinting heartbeat. It’s no use. I have never been so nervous before. I’m not silly enough to ask myself why I am a wreck. I’ve already figured out that much.