Page 19 of Royal Darling
I close my eyes, nearly dozing off, when it hits me that Lucas could’ve mentioned that Jackson was with us. Crap. I know the guards and staff would never report back on my behavior unless I was in danger. Lucas is the weak link. Or it could be that Jackson and I are already plastered all over the internet. I donotwant Gabriel issuing a royal command that forces me home. I must obey my king. I’m about to ask Lucas what he was texting about when he turns to me and slowly shakes his head, his mouth drawn in a flat line.
My stomach drops. It’s over. My nails bite into my palms. The simplest thing, bringing a guest of my choice, and it’s gone.
Lucas whispers directly in my ear, “I just found out Anna told you not to bringhim.”
I nod.
“Gabriel is not happy.”
I grimace. “Is he forcing me home?” I whisper.
“I don’t know. Anna says she’s dealing with him. But, Emma, the press is—”
“Don’t tell me. Please.”
His gaze is direct, his tone sharp. “We’ll talk later.”
My eyes widen at his tone. He’s never sharp with me. He’s always warm and easygoing. Great. On top of everything else, now I’m going to get a lecture from the party guy.
It’s all too much. I close my eyes, shutting out the world, and doze off within minutes.
I wake to my brother nudging my arm. “We’re here.”
I step out of the car. The house is dark, so I can’t make out much. It’s a large multistory stone home right on the lakeshore. There’s some beachfront area, a pool with a smaller stone structure, and a patio.
The guards stick close to me as I trail Lucas with my luggage. Jackson follows behind. He’s probably regretting coming to my rescue and getting roped into this. Well, good news, Jackson, this will likely all be over tomorrow at the king’s command. Lucas does the security code for us by the front door and steps inside.
“Oh, how lovely,” I murmur, heading for the living room. It’s warm and cozy with stone walls and post and beam ceilings. The two plush beige sofas with red throw pillows and rustic-looking wood end tables and coffee table look so inviting. It’s so different from home, and I love it already. The floor is brick. It’s an open floor plan, the dining room just off to the side with a long wide-planked wooden table with chairs that have wicker seats.
I turn to Lucas. “Whose place is this? It’s so wonderfully rustic.”
“Blaze Tanner. And you don’t have to worry about him popping in for a visit. His wife just had twins and they’ll be in LA for a while.”
“Oh, I love his movies.”
Jackson remains quiet.
I turn to Lucas. “Thank you for your help today. Will you be heading back to Milan tonight or leaving in the morning?” I attempt to tamp down the urgency in my voice, knowing I might only get one night of freedom and don’t want an unnecessary chaperone.
“Let’s talk.” He inclines his head toward the living room. “You too, Jackson. By the way, big fan of Ignite.”
Jackson shoves his hands in his pockets. “Thanks.”
Lucas takes a seat on the sofa and gestures us over. “Come on, I don’t bite. Much.”
I take the seat next to him, and Jackson remains standing by the dining room.
Lucas cups his hand by his mouth. “I’ll have to yell for you to hear me.”
“It seems like a family discussion,” Jackson says.
“Actually it concerns you too!” Lucas shouts, exaggerating the distance between us.
Jackson ambles closer, but doesn’t join us on the sofa.
Lucas leans forward, elbows on his knees, and meets my eyes. “What’s going on with you, Emma? I’ve never seen you act like this before. You were always so by the book. Running away from your wedding to be with a rock star?”
“I had nothing to do with this,” Jackson barks. “Leave me out of it.”
