I laughed. In a corner, Roman and Rian were arguing about something. The king looked irritated, but also... I don’t know. He was staring at her intently, his scowl evident. Rian had her hands on her hips, and she looked like she was giving no shits about something, which seemed accurate for how Rian dealt with Roman. The two of them were constantly bickering. And for good reason. Roman had been a complete dick to her the first few times they met. And Rian was having none of it.
London looped an arm through Rian’s, and she jumped. Roman looked irritated that we’d interrupted them. I smiled up at him. “Your Highness.”
He gave me a sharp nod. “Oh, why don’t you two take Rian away. She’s irritated me long enough.”
I was shocked that he would even say that. And London looked pissed. But Rian just laughed. “Please, I’ve been the most entertainment you’ve had all evening. You’re sad to see me go.”
Roman glowered at her. But Rian, in her red, deep V-cut couture glory just turned her back on him and sauntered away with us.
“Your brother’s such a pain in the ass. You know that, London?”
London laughed. “Yes. But he seems to be more of a pain in the ass with you.”
“God, he’s such a rude asshole.”
London frowned. “Did he say something he shouldn’t have?”
“He certainly was up to something that he shouldn’t have been. Kept digging himself deeper into a hole, calling me some kind of debutante. Then, of course, I had to remind him that he’s the one who’s royalty and a despot.”
London winced. “Oh boy, you two never quit. Aren’t you a match made in Hell?”
Rian huffed, “It’s not me. I am perfectly pleasant to be around. He’s the problem.”
“I know, he’s a pain in the ass. But just try and have fun, okay? For my sake. I think I’m about to pop, and I can’t play referee.”
Rian sighed. “No referee required.”
We managed to find a photographer, and the three of us huddled together, Rian and I with a hand each on London’s belly. Little baby Adams kicked hard, and London groaned. “God, she is kicking up a storm. Usually on my bladder.”
“Oh God, that sounds terrible.”
London got a dreamy look on her face though. “It is terrible. And also awesome. Oh! I have to pee. I’ll see you guys later.”
As she waddled off with Kannon’s gaze tracking her, Rian gave me a tight hug. “You look happy, Sparrow.”
I lifted my gaze to seek out Breck.
“I am happy.”
At that moment, Breck’s gaze lifted and held mine. And then he gave me the devil’s own grin. And I knew that later, he’d be peeling this dress off me with his teeth. And I would absolutely enjoy it.
“I’m extremely happy.”
My phone buzzed, and I glanced down at the message. Onyx texting, 911.
“Hey, Rian, give me a second. I just need to make a call.”
“Sure. I’ll just go grab more of that delectably expensive champagne.”
“All right, thanks.”
I marched out into the hall and dialed Onyx immediately. “Hey, what’s up?”
Her sob was harsh. “Sparrow, I wouldn’t call if I could avoid it, but I need help.”
The hairs on the back of my neck stood at attention. “Where are you?”
“I’ll text you the address. Can you come get me?”
I froze. “You’re here?!” What had gone wrong that she had come to Alden?
“Yes, I’m in Alden. I had nowhere else to go.”
“You stay there. I will come for you. But stay safe. Stay hidden. Don’t move. You hear me?”
“I understand.”
Before I hung up, she called my name. “Sparrow?”
“Yeah, Onyx?”
“Thank you.”
I wasted no time marching into the ballroom to find my future husband and my future brother-in-law.
Breck noted my mood right away. “What’s the matter, Feisty?”
“I’ve got a problem.” I turned to Wilder. “And I’m going to need both of your help.”
For more information please go to Carrie Ann Ryan and Nana Malone’s websites.
* * *
Want to read a special BONUS EPILOGUE featuring Breck & Sparrow? CLICK HERE!
A Note from Carrie Ann & Nana
Thank you so much for reading ENEMY HEIR!!
The Tattered Royals Series:
Book 1: Royal Line
Book 2: Enemy Heir
Want to read a special BONUS EPILOGUE featuring Breck & Sparrow? CLICK HERE!