Arthur bent over, his body shaking with sobs. Mary wrapped her arms around him, his head falling into her neck, his legs barely holding him up as she stood as his pillar. “Our baby girl…” He wept into her, her arms tightening around him, her own tears streaming in heart-wrenching grief.
I could feel warm liquid spilling down my cheeks, watching their anguish.
Art and Mary parted, and without a word, Mary walked up to Lennox. Going on her toes, she wrapped her arms around him. A woeful noise huffed from Lennox as he embraced Mary, holding her like a part of his world had fallen apart. And I had no doubt it did. They had been holding on to this lie for so long, and it wasn’t something you could just let go of. They were still family, and to accept this meant they would be losing Gracie all over again.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“Me too.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for.” They stayed clinging to each other for a long time, Lennox letting go of the some of the guilt and grief he held, the weight so tangible I swear I could see it lift off him.
Finally, she pulled back, kissing his cheek, and turned to me. She smiled, her fingers squeezing my hand, but her gaze flittered away quickly, not fully ready to deal with the idea of me.
“I left you scones.” She nodded at the counter then circled for the door. “Let’s go, Art.”
Arthur scowled at Lennox, not even looking at me before stomping for the exit, their relationship not as easily shifting. There still existed too much blame and stubbornness on each side.
The door clicked behind them, and we both stared at the empty doorway in silence. Tension and sadness drooped the air in heavy tiers, Lennox about to splinter off into heartache.
“Fuck…that was a lot before coffee.” I blinked, my mouth opening, spewing out my awkwardness in a huff.
There was a beat.
Then laughter—deep, booming, from the belly kind of laughter. Lennox leaned over his legs, his head wagging. “Bloody hell, Spencer.” He howled, his sorrow and amusement tangling up into one.
In the deepest misery, laughter helped you survive.
He sucked in a deep breath and straightened up, grabbing my hips, drawing me to him. “Thank you.” His gaze scoured mine.
“For what?”
“For being you.” His fingers tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “For always being exactly what I need.”
“I thought you were going to thank me for defending your honor. He was going to kick your arse. I saved you.”
He chuckled, his eyes lighting up. “Like a feisty kitten.”
“Hey. I’m more bad arse than that.”
“Have you messed with a feisty kitten before?” His eyebrow tipped up. “Vicious little things. Tear you up. I wouldn’t mess with them. The biggest dogs run for cover, whimpering.”
“Damn right.”
He grinned, kissing me, drawing me into his arms, hugging me so tight my bones cracked, but I loved it, feeling like I was home here.
He sighed, leaning back. “I need to get out of here. Get some air.” He cupped my face. “Not deal with all this bullshite for a moment.”
“I can’t handle any people today, and they’re out there.” I motioned to the window. “Everywhere.”
“I have an idea. Get dressed.” He slapped my rear, stepping back as he pulled out his mobile, tapping at the screen.
“I have no clothes.”
“Right.” He winked. “Did we forget those last night?”
In such a hurry to get back here, I forgot to grab extra clothes from my room at the palace.
“That works for me.” He nodded at what I was wearing, still tapping at his cell. “You know I prefer you in my stuff.”
“What are you doing?” I lowered my lids on him texting someone.
“Surprise.” He stared at his screen, and a beep came from it, causing a smile to stretch his mouth. “Brilliant. It’s all set.”
“Should I be worried?”
“Normally, I’d say yes, but I think you will like this,” he replied, moving past me.
Reaching out, I grabbed his arm, going serious. “Hey, you all right?”
“No,” he spoke softly. “I need some time to process all of this. I just want a day of not thinking or having some epic life-changing event happening.”
I nodded, completely understanding. I needed it too.
His lips brushed my temple. “Gonna jump in the shower, and then we can head out.” He turned, walking backward, holding out his arms. “Unless you’d like to join me.”
“Hmmmm.” I tapped at my lip. “I don’t know.”
His gaze became fire against my skin.
“I’ll get you coffee after.”
I ran after him, squealing as he grabbed me, tossing me over his shoulder, marching us to the shower.
I knew he needed time to let what was said and confessed set in. It was a lot, and unfortunately, because of me, it was only a smidgeon of the ticking bomb waiting to erupt under our feet.
This time he couldn’t save me, couldn’t hide us in a cupboard.
This time we might not make it out.
Chapter 20
I knew instantly what my surprise was when Lennox’s Rover turned down a private road. Excitement ballooned in my chest before it was popped by a needle of fear. The place was swarming with eyes and loyalty.
“Lennox?” My worry rang in my voice like a chime.
“We’re not doing anything any of those people will blink at. They aren’t trained to ask questions.” He slowed the car at the guard post. “All they see is their future princess who loves to ride coming here to enjoy an afternoon, and of course, her sexy bodyguard would be there to protect and watch over every inch of her body to make sure it stays safe.” His eyes slid to mine as his window lowered, spearing my lungs, and staining my skin like red wine. Without missing a beat, he turned to them, showing them his badge.
The young guard took it, his eyes going over it, while other guards moved around the car, looking underneath and in the back. Not even a flinch in my direction before the first guard dipped his head, opening the gates to let us in.
“See?” He lifted one eyebrow, the car rolling down the paved road. “No one knows anything. Remember, most of the world looks no deeper than the surface, not noticing the cracks in the foundation.”
He curved the SUV through some trees, the tops of the royal stables coming into view. Seeing them burst joy from my chest, and I let loose an excited squeal like children seeing their presents at Christmas. My heartbeat picked up, pumping with veins with a feeling I didn’t realize how much I had been missing until I was there.
“I know you haven’t had a chance to ride since the last time. Figured riding horses all day, no matter how bloody cold it is, was far better than being around people.”
My hands went to my mouth, my eyes filling with tears when I spotted horses being exercised. A desperate need clawed at my chest, wanting to jump out of the car and run to them. That piece of me I put away to deal with the Royal House came flaring back up. Being with animals filled such a deep place in my soul, I couldn’t believe I let myself go so long without being around them.