Page 98 of Prince of the Palisades

Reiss barely pulls away to say, “Yes, I’ll be your royal whatever.”

“Boyfriend,” I repeat, kissing him again.

17

PRINCE DASHING?

An American and Réverian royal meeting ended abruptly Friday night. Sources say Prince Jadon arrived for a VIP dinner party, guests including Princess Annika and Democratic Senator Andrew Miller, but made an early exit from The Sizzle, a swanky fusion restaurant. Still no confirmation on why the brooding royal ditched the dinner so quickly. Noticeably absent was Léon Barnard. Has their recently rekindled romance already Sizzled out? Is another controversial video in Jadon’s future?

On Monday morning, Ajani opens the rear door of our black Range Rover. I step onto the private sidewalk outside Willow Wood, fixing the cuffs of my blazer before reaching back. With a helpless smile, I grip Reiss’s hand.

“Those seats,” he gushes. “Soft as butter. It was like sitting on a cloud. And the individual climate controls—is that what your life is like every day?”

I shrug. “Mostly.”

He shakes his head. “Ethically, that’s a gross waste of money.”

“Should I cancel the car for the afternoon?” Ajani offers.

Reiss spins to face her. “Don’t you dare.”

Her lips twitch up. Mine do too. It’s hard to explain what this is like. The lightness in my chest, the constant crashing waves in my stomach. The hope and excitement and heavy fear.

I have anAmerican boyfriend.

What does that mean for my plan? For going home?

I’ve done my best not to think about it all weekend. But Reiss has been busy editing his Oceanfront Film Fest project, and there’s only so many hours I can spend practicing my lines for the play or writing my Sunset Ball speech.

Still, here he is—wearing a gray Willow Wood Academy hoodie over his Oxford. Crinkly-eyed smile. Holding my hand.

My boyfriend.

I look toward the arches outside the courtyard. “Are you sure about this?” I ask Reiss. “I thought you didn’t like the spotlight?”

“I don’t,” he says, slightly defensive. Then, he beams at me. “But I like you. Sometimes. Listen, sacrifices are being made here.”

“I’m so honored.”

“You should be.” He squeezes my hand. “How should we do it?”

My left eyebrow quirks. “Do what?”

“Walk in. As a couple.”

I fight to keep the laugh in my throat. “You’ve really never done this before.”

“It’s not funny.” His eyes narrow. “I want to get it right. So, arm around the back? Should I put my hand in your back pocket—”

“Is that just a reason to touch my ass?”

His face goes neon pink.

I casually rest an arm around his shoulders. “Trust me, it’s not that hard.” His cheeks go a shade darker, and it takes everything not to see what else I can get away with saying. Instead, I brush my lips against his ear, whisper, “Time to greet your loyal subjects.”

“Hold on.”

Reiss jerks to a stop. I tilt my head curiously. He’s counting backward under his breath, still red-faced, looking down like he’s waiting for something to happen and—

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