I laughed, watching them blink at her in bewilderment.
“Right, I haven’t met you two yet.” She winked at Landen. “But any friends of my future sister-in-law are friends of mine.” She took the champagne glass out of Mina’s hand and finished it off. “Friends share, right?”
“Y-yes, Your Highness.” Mina gaped. At Alton, Theo had become a person, Mina and Landen getting over their awe of him, but Eloise was treated like a celebrity by the press. Her impeccable charm and grace left the reporters gaga over her, and they put her on a pedestal.
All an act.
Now I knew the real girl, and I liked this one so much better.
“Eloise, this is my cousin Landen. And my best friend, Mina.”
They both stared at her.
“I think you broke them.”
She grinned, looping her arms with them. “Either one of you want to make a wager? I’m taking bets. And let me give you some first-time advice: Don’t bet on the prince. Theo’s actually not that good.” She tugged them toward the bar set up under a canopy.
Getting drinks, she turned to me. “You most certainly need one.”
“Chloe told me not to drink.”
“Fuck Chloe.” She rolled her eyes. “She’s an uptight bitch. Wouldn’t know fun if it slapped her.” Eloise moved in close to me, her voice going low. “Plus, you will learn,” she opened her purse, showing a flask tucked inside, “This is the only way we can get through these insufferable events.”
“Theo, Spencer, look over here!”
“Spencer! Spencer!”
“When did you meet?”
“How long have you been together? Did you date in secret?”
“Any plans to get engaged soon?”
“Spencer, how are you handling all the hateful things being said about you on social media?”
“How was introducing your parents to the king and queen?”
“When will there be a royal wedding?”
“Any plans for children right away?”
“Who do you want to design your wedding dress?”
People yelled at us, microphones stuffed at us from all angles, TV cameras and photographers vying for our attention. The relentless clicking of cameras drummed along with the jumbled voices running over and through each other to be the one heard, to be the outlet that got a response.
Easy, simple questions about enjoying the day led to wondering if I moved in with Theo yet, then jumped to babies and wedding dresses.
It was like I was in a cage, but hundreds of arms were reaching in trying to touch me. My breath clipped in my lungs, and I could feel Theo’s hand rub up and down my spine, trying to calm me.
“So, tell us, Theo! When will you propose?”
The paparazzi went quiet, everyone wanting to know the answer to that question.
“Guys, let’s take it easy and enjoy the polo match and the charity we are out here for.” A few moans of displeasure made Theo’s smile widen playfully. “But I will say when I do…” he teased. No question as to if, but when. The press leaned in closer, waiting for the big reveal, their microphones moving in, not wanting to miss anything he said. “You guys will know about it.”
Questions, my name, his name, clicks, flashes. I remained at Theo’s side, keeping a happy smile on my face, but inside I was hyperventilating, hating how silently I stood there, overwhelmed and exhausted. I let Theo take the lead, looking very much like the well-groomed woman by the prince’s side, when in truth, I was trying not to have a panic attack. This level of attention on me felt more they were siphoning all my energy from me, leaving me a husk.
My gaze soared out past the press, trying to feel a little less like a cornered animal. My eyes landed on a familiar figure fixed to the side, but not too far he couldn’t get to me.
Lennox stood like he always did. Hands crossed in front, legs set, ready to move at a moment’s notice. Sunglasses covered his emotionless face. He was intimidating, but oddly, seeing him there was a strange comfort, letting air slide down into my lungs again.
So subtly I almost missed it, I caught his head dip. The smallest of actions, but it expressed so much to me.
If you want to go, just say the word.
You can do this.
You are doing fine.
Breathe.
Taking a deep inhale, my shoulders inched down from my ears.
Thank you, I said through my eyes. His jaw rolled, and I knew he understood me. About to face back to the cameras, I saw a figure move up to him, holding my attention on them.
Hazel strolled up with utter confidence, a drink in one hand, her clutch tucked under her arm. She wore a blue flowery dress that fit her lean figure perfectly, her hair curled and pulled over one shoulder.
Stunning.
Shoulder to shoulder with him, I could see her mouth moving. There was no shyness or question in her that he would want her company. And who wouldn’t? She probably had never experienced the sting of a man’s rebuff.
His eyes still on mine, he tilted his head closer to her mouth. He bobbed his head while a naughty grin curled up on Hazel’s mouth.
Anger flared up my spine, my lips pursing. I mean, he was on duty; this was not the time to chat up his latest conquest.
My irritation slipped to her, watching her touch his arm, leaning into him, whispering something in his ear, her lips brushing his lobe. There was no mistake in her actions.
Hello? He’s working. She made it known that night at the club she found him attractive and wanted him in her bed.
I shifted on my heels, my eyes tracking how his eyebrow curved up in either surprise or intrigue. The fact Hazel was drawing out emotion from him…
“Spencer?” My name snapped me back, Theo staring at me like he was waiting. The press watched me, their microphones poised for my answer.
Bloody hell. What did they ask me?
“Uh?” Classy, Spence.
“They wanted you to present the top rider with the trophy.” He winked at me, nuzzling closer. “They think you’re a much prettier presenter than me.”
A flood of guilt, love, and warmth splashed around in my chest. Theo’s smile made me feel buttery and soft inside, creating a blush to cover my cheeks.
“Of course,” I agreed. My arm looped with Theo’s, and we headed off to the ceremony stage, not once looking back.
As I stepped to the stage, a figure standing with my uncle wheezed air through my lungs, freezing the blood in my veins. Lord William stood facing Uncle Fredrick, but his eyes were on me. He had a cut lip and swollen eye, a deep shade of purple, which he tried to hide under a hat and sunglasses. His head deliberately turned to Lennox, wanting me to know exactly who he was threatening, then back to me. A malicious grin coiled on his mouth like a cat with cream. He dipped his head, tapping the brim of his hat.
His silence was not by accident. Lennox still had his job for a reason.
Lord William made his sentiment known. Keep quiet, and Lennox keeps his position.
Maybe not pistols at dawn, but it was blackmail at noon.
Chapter 15
“And you said you didn’t want to come out!” Eloise yelled over the music, her body wiggling next to me as she flicked her hips to the beat.
In all honesty, I still didn’t. Clubs were not my scene. After the long day, I wanted to find a comfy sofa and watch movies the rest of the night, but Eloise was a force and wouldn’t take no for an answer.