Page 94 of Risky Match
The only thing I’ve heard is that Harrington tried to convince Blake that playing will distance him from news of the arrests. I’m not sure Blake trusts anything anyone tells him at this point though. Who can blame him?
Harrington is also trying to appease the higher ups at Wimbledon. With Marco’s arrest, he’s out of singles, and Thomas had to withdraw from men’s doubles. He couldn’t play without his partner. Wimbledon won’t be happy if Blake and I drop out too. That would cancel the mixed doubles championship match. I’d never be invited to play at Wimbledon again.
More importantly, I’m aching to my core, knowing that I hurt Blake by spying on him and doubting his innocence. It’s been a hard lesson. Being a royal spy means it’s virtually impossible to have a relationship with the people I’m around. It’s too complicated. I need to close the door on that dream and stay focused on tennis, my duties to Catalinius, and on the Covert Royals. Love can’t survive the secrets and lies my missions require.
The pain is killing me. One moment I want to cry, and the next I want to scream at Blake for the horrendous things he said and thinks about me. It’s true I was part of a covert operation to break a smuggling ring, but nothing that happened between us was part of that mission. Hell, I tried to stay away from him, but the attraction between us was too great.
We were both victims of the situation. Had they trusted us to play our roles, we could have trusted each other.
In reality, I only have myself to blame. I signed up for the Covert Royals. I begged for more important missions. I knew I’d only be given the necessary information for my role. I just never expected they wouldlieto me. They crossed the line. And as far as I’m concerned, this was my last mission.
This raises other questions. Did Stephen and Adrian know about the lies? What about my parents? Did they know? If so, for how long?
My trust is shattered. Blake doesn’t want anything to do with me. My tennis career is likely over. And I’m leaving the Covert Royals.
I’m left with a life of ribbon cutting at dedication ceremonies.
I flop across my bed, tears cascading onto my pillow. The bleak reality sinks in. Everything I care about is gone.
Sometime later, I hear Erin’s distinctive knock.
“I need to be alone,” I say, my voice hoarse.
“I’m sorry, but your parents and Blake’s parents are downstairs. Blake and Josh are nowhere to be found, so your parents suggested Fausto cook dinner for the five of you.”
“No way. I can’t sit through dinner tonight.”
“I pulled your mother aside and attempted to explain the situation. It appears that Deputy Harrington already spoke with them. To quote your mother, she said to tell you that duty calls.”
“No! Tell her that duty is on vacation.”
“Brianna, I respect your privacy, but I have a key and am coming in.”
The door opens and then quickly clicks shut. I roll over to face her, whispering, “I can’t do this.”
“You can. I’m going to help you. A little concealer and makeup will do wonders. I also brought you a flask of brandy. Take a gulp. It will help.”
“Thanks, Erin. I never know what you’ll pull from your jacket.”
“Don’t forget, I’m still your friend. We’ll get through this.”
“I’m not sure I’ll ever recover from this disaster.”
“You will. You have your family and me.”
“I thought I could have Blake too.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
“Me too. I’m not even sure he’ll show up to play our match, no matter what his coach or Harrington says.”
“Blake doesn’t seem any happier than you. Josh took him out tonight to talk.”
“He may not want to do anything for me, but I’d think he’d want to try for the title even if it’s doubles instead of singles. Wouldn’t you?”
“We can only hope.”
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