“So, you’re in Vlalens now?”
“Yep. Got in a few hours ago.”
“Awesome. I’m not at the palace right now, but why don’t you guys come by tonight for dinner? I’ll give you a tour of the place as well.”
“Wait—seriously?” The genuine shock in Owen’s tone brings a smile to my lips.
“Yeah, seriously. Let’s make it about six. That should give you a little time to explore the town first.”
After I’ve ended the call with Owen, I slip my glove back on my now frozen hand and make my way toward the front gates of the university and over to where a palace car is waiting to take me home.
“Really? You could study here?”
Of course the first place I went to after I returned to the palace was Lukas’s office, practically bursting with the need to tell him what Professor Zolanskov suggested.
“Yup!” I offer a broad grin. “I’m not exactly sure how it would work yet with visas and all that, but I have someone on the inside so I think I’ll be okay.”
He lets out a soft chuckle; stepping closer to me, he links his arms around my waist and presses a soft kiss to my mouth. “I’m sure it can be fast-tracked.”
“There’s not really any particular rush just yet,” I tell him. “There’s a whole process I’d need to go through first before I get accepted, and we’d have to figure out what to do about the kids’ lessons. I mean, I guess the best thing is to probably wait until Tomas is off at school, but Katya will still need a tutor.”
He kisses me again. “We’ll sort all that out, don’t worry.”
A little before six p.m. I head down to the entrance hall to wait for Owen and Blake. They’re right on time, rugged up in thick coats and hats and red-faced from the cold.
I guide them farther into the warmth of the palace and direct them to where they can leave their outerwear.
“I’m so glad you’re here!” I cry, giving them both fierce hugs. “I can’t wait to show you the palace.”
“It looks amazing,” Owen says, swiveling his head around in all directions, his eyes wide. “I can’t believe this is where you’ve been living.”
“It’s really not as crazy as you might think. The residential suites are actually pretty homey. And this public area is just where everyone works. There are offices and meeting rooms and stuff.”
“And ballrooms?” Blake asks wryly.
I let out a soft chuckle. “Okay, yes. There are ballrooms, and a library, and a portrait gallery. But for the most part the palace is much more functional than decorative.”
They both nod and we set off on our tour, beginning with one of my favorite parts of the palace—the portrait gallery.
Blake is about five years older than Lukas, making his and Owen’s age gap even bigger than the one between me and Lukas; but anyone who sees them together and who knows them as a couple can tell you that age is merely a number when it comes to those two—I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a couple more perfectly matched. Of course, they’ve had their difficulties; in fact, just before I left for Korova they were broken up. But they’ve worked through it and I can tell they’re both definitely in it for the long haul now. They’ve even started talking about children.
Even while I’m glad to see them so happy again, I can’t deny there’s a pang of envy in my chest as I watch them walk hand in hand around the palace as I give the tour. What I wouldn’t give to be able to walk around with Lukas like that…
“You okay?” Owen asks, mouth turned down as he scrutinizes me.
I paste on a smile. “Totally fine. Come on, I’ll show you the king’s garage—Blake, I think you’ll really love this.”
Blake’s absolutely obsessed with the James Bond movies, especially the Sean Connery ones, so it doesn’t surprise me when he goes nuts over the Aston Martins and the Bentley. They’re not the exact models featured in the movies—according to Lukas his ones are better, and I’m not about to argue with him on that—but they are very sweet cars and definitely Bond-worthy.
After I wrap up the tour, I lead Owen and Blake into the family dining room, which Lukas has offered me the use of.
“Menus?” Owen asks, picking up the card from the table in front of him. “Wow. Talk about living the high life.”
I roll my eyes. “You are literally dating a billionaire.”
“He’s got you there, sweetheart,” Blake says as he peruses the menu.
Lukas is able to join us for dinner, and I can barely contain my excitement at the thought of my friends having this chance to meet him. It takes all of my concentration to remember to address him correctly and not reach for his hand under the table, though.
After some initial nerves on Owen’s part, he manages to adjust to Lukas’s presence and the conversation flows freely, resulting in what turns out to be quite a late night.
Eventually, Owen and Blake decide to make their exit, and while I’m sorry to see them go, I also can’t deny how eager I am for the opportunity to finally be alone with Lukas.
While I’m saying my goodbyes to Owen, I notice Blake and Lukas talking in hushed tones from the corner of my eye. When Owen and I turn to look at them, they rush to break apart, both looking rather guilty. Hmmm.
Blake hurries over to us and gives me a quick hug goodbye before steering Owen out.
“What was that about?” I ask once I’m sure Owen and Blake are well out of earshot.
A broad grin stretches across Lukas’s face. “It seems we’ve been invited to a wedding tomorrow. But don’t tell Owen—it’s going to be a surprise.”
16
LUKAS
“I like them. Owen and Blake, I mean,” I tell Jai once we’re alone in his room. It feels like we’ve waited an eternity to be alone together tonight, but it was worth it to be able to meet people important to Jai. “They seem very well matched, despite the difference in their ages. And very happy.”
Jai nods, a fond smile in place. “Yes. They’ve had their problems, that’s for sure, but they’re perfect for each other. I’m excited for tomorrow.” He steps toward me and links his arms around my waist, his gaze locking on mine. “Thank you for agreeing to officiate.”
I lift my hand to run through his soft, dark waves. “I was honored to be asked.”
His lips find mine and all talk of Owen and Blake and their upcoming nuptials is pushed aside as we devour each other’s mouths.
I guide him back a few steps until he’s pressed up against the bedroom wall, groaning against his lips as our cocks grind together.
Jai tugs at my clothes, breaking our kiss to demand, “Off. Off. Everything off!”
I let out a soft chuckle. “So impatient.” I nonetheless comply with his order, stripping out of my clothes as quickly as I can and watching as he does the same. Once we’re both completely naked, I waste no time in pushing him back against the wall, molding my naked skin to his.
I swallow his groan with a kiss, our tongues battling fiercely as our cocks slide against each other. I close my hand around both of us, using our precum as I stroke back and forth.