Page 81 of Royal Deception
Her words sink in, and I feel something inside me shift as I come to terms with the fact that there’s a kid inside her right now. My kid. It’s still so surreal.
After a beat, she adds, “I’ve had plenty of time to get used to the idea. If it’s okay to say, I’m actually excited about it. Weirdly excited. I think it’s going to be a good thing.”
A strange warmth blooms in my chest, something I wasn’t expecting. It’s like everything that didn’t make sense before is starting to piece together. I can’t help but feel relieved that she’s this open with me now. She laughs, but there’s nervousness in it.
“I actually found out because of Miranda,” she says, almost sheepishly. “She had suggested it back when we were planning Darcy’s baby shower, and it turns out she was right.”
I pour her some water, trying to wrap my head around everything she’s telling me. It’s a lot, but she’s been carrying all of it alone.
“Where did you end up after leaving the penthouse?” I ask, suddenly hoping she’s been safe.
“I’m staying with Miranda right now,” she explains. “She’s been mentoring me.”
I nod, processing that. It feels strange, hearing her talk about Miranda like this. “I’m glad you have someone like that in your life,” I tell her, my voice softening with sincerity. “You deserve it.”
She looks at me, something in her eyes I can't quite place, then adds, “She’s been so good to me. Like, I guess, being pregnant made me think about what I really want for myself. Miranda has been encouraging me in my dream to go to fashion school. I guess I never told you about that."
I blink, the words sinking in. “Fashion school?” The surprise is clear in my voice, but it's mixed with awe. “Wow. Yeah, I never knew that.”
She continues, a little embarrassed, but also with a touch of excitement. "It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time, but I always thought it was out of reach. It always just felt like a pipe dream.”
“There’s so much I never knew about you,” I say, feeling almost regretful. I’m learning more about her in this one conversation than I did in all the time we spent together. “I know how you like your coffee. I know you listen to classical music when you’re working. I know you like pretty, pastel colors. But I feel like there’s so much about you I never really saw.”
She laughs lightly, and I can hear the hint of something in her voice. “We did everything backward. I got pregnant, then we tried getting too serious too fast, and now we’re what… casually dating?”
I shrug, the smile tugging at my lips. “I guess we’re just taking it one day at a time for now. But I don’t want you to think I’m running off. I’m not going anywhere. You and the baby are too important to me.”
Her eyes soften, and the weight of my words sinks in. She’s quiet for a moment, and then she whispers, “I’m glad.”
I feel something twist in my chest, and I can’t help but reach out to touch her cheek. “You’re amazing,” I say, my words sincere. “God. I don’t know how I missed that before. The strength you had to deal with all this, your huge heart… it’s like I’m seeing you for the first time.”
Her smile makes something in my chest tighten, and before I know what’s happening, Clary leans in, kissing me.
It’s soft at first, like she’s testing the waters. But then it deepens, and everything between us shifts. It’s like the weight of everything—everything we’ve been through—starts to fade away.
34
CLARY
The way Rory looks at me right now has butterflies fluttering around in my stomach. Hearing him talk about how much he admires me, how he finally sees me… it makes me melt. Without thinking, I surge forward and kiss him, soft at first, but as the kissing grows more heated, Rory’s hands come up to tug me into his lap.
He’s being so gentle, and I can’t get enough of it. His hands gently roam over my back, brushing up and down the curve of my spine as he kisses me.
Rory pulls back for a moment, and the two of us look at each other, both a little breathless. He brushes his thumb over my cheek, as if memorizing this moment. Leaning in, he whispers into my ear, his breath tickling my neck as he asks, “Are you sure about this, Clary?”
I nod, my eyes soft and full of something deeper than simple desire. “I want this, Rory,” I whisper back. “I want you.”
He’s kissing me again, this time with an unhurried pace. Our mouths fuse together, tongues tangling as we explore each other’s mouth. Arousal pools low in my gut, and I marvel at theway he seems to justknowwhat I want, his teeth nipping at my lower lip, his hands stroking my arms.
Everything feels like it’s happening in slow motion as Rory pulls back again, this time scooping me up to lay me out on the picnic blanket, his hands gentle as he traces over my body. His movements are gentle, reverent, as though he’s discovering me for the first time.
I close my eyes, a small giggle escaping me at the ticklish sensation of his fingers grazing over my belly. Then he leans down and presses a kiss there, murmuring, “You are so incredibly amazing, Clary.”
I blush at his words, my hands going up to cover my face, but he takes my wrist in his hand, gently tugging it away. “Don’t be shy, sweetheart,” he says, his voice quiet in this picturesque landscape.
The trees sway in the soft breeze overhead, and I look toward the clouds, swept up in the moment. Every touch, every kiss he gives me is slow and meaningful.
“You’re so beautiful, love,” he whispers. “I’ve never felt like this before with anyone else. You make me want to be the man you deserve.”
