Chapter 20

20

ADRIAN

"I have something I want you to see. I think you'll like it." I lead Isaac from his room to mine.

He laughs as soon as we step through the doorway. "I think I've seen this before. I definitely like it."

"That's not what I mean. This is my special place—Isaac, stop."

He waggles his eyebrows at me. Such a goof. I grab his hand and pull him through my room and into the adjoining one. His laughter stops.

My stomach churns as I watch his face. This is my place. All mine. But it's still just a bathroom. A large bathroom with a waterfall shower, a porcelain tub, and gold-and-white marble floors.

His eyes are enormous as they dart from the room to me and back. "You have a chandelier. In your bathroom."

"I didn't put it here. The only thing I added was the waterfall shower. Because why have money if you can't enjoy it?" Then my words catch up to me. "Oh my God, Isaac. I'm sorry."

Isaac crowds me against the door and crushes our mouths together. After several minutes of kissing, he pulls back. "Stop apologizing." He raises a finger. "I mean it."

I can't help it. I kiss him again. "Do you like it? My bathroom?"

"Yes, now stop stalling and seduce me with this ridiculously lavish bathtub."

I'm prepared to do just that. The lighting adjusts to a romantic level, but I add candles that smell like lilacs. We fit easily in the bathtub, with Isaac lying against my chest. The water swirls around us as we kiss and tease each other. I lean him forward so I can feast on the ridges of his back. He turns, sliding against me. His hand strokes me as I squeeze the globes of his ass. The water sloshes over the side, but I don't care. There's no hurry. No rush.

The flickering lights from the candles turn his hair gold, and I kiss his temple. His cheek. He strokes faster until kissing is impossible and there's nothing but Isaac and his hand, his fingers cupping my balls, touching me where no man has ever touched. I don't last as long as I wish, but I return the favor. Watching Isaac fall apart is something I will never forget.

Afterward, we wash each other. And I choke up with emotion at the care he takes with me. As if I'm someone important. Not because of my wealth or the crown.

I'm hopelessly in love with this man. It seems impossible. Improbable. But that doesn't make it any less true.

"Are you okay?" he asks as we dry ourselves with thick towels.

"I'm good. Very good. I'm…happy."

His eyes crinkle as he smiles, and I hold the memory of it long after he's gone to his room and I'm all alone.

Simon is headed for a meltdown, and I have the power to prevent it. Not royal power. I have what he wants. But I'm trying not to interfere with Isaac when he's in daddy-mode. I think that's what Zye calls it. I have two reasons: the first is that I try very hard not to undermine his authority with Simon by contradicting him. The other isn't as noble. Isaac in daddy-mode is embarrassingly attractive. Embarrassing to me since my body reacts in a way that is unbecoming of a prince. At least when others are around.

The sun sparkles off the pool invitingly, and I completely understand Simon's frustration.

"But I want to swim," he says again. Each time, his volume increases.

Isaac takes a deep breath and tries to temper his response. The King and Queen are not out enjoying the sun or the pool. But there are servants, and Phillipe has graced us with his presence. Isaac doesn't want to make a scene, and I respect that. But I'm not sure Simon is going to give him much choice. "It's not warm enough."

"It's summer," he says, crossing his arms.

"Simon," Isaac says with so much patience that I'm in awe, "we aren't at home. And it's too cold to swim. The water will be freezing."

Reginald glances over at me, and I raise my hand slightly. He settles back into his chair. He's dressed in shorts and showing off more skin than usual. Is he trying to seem casual while hanging out? He doesn't need to be here, but I get the impression he wants to be.

It's twenty-six degrees Celsius, so it's not really cold, but I understand his concern.

"Daddy…"

"You're not swimming, and that's final." Then Isaac turns to me, his eyes blazing. "Do you have something to say, Adrian?" I bite my lips and shake my head. He sighs, and his body slumps. "I'm sorry. But you're practically vibrating. Just say it already."

I lean over and kiss his cheek. "I don't want to undermine your authority."

"But…?"

"But," I say in a low voice so Simon doesn't hear, "the pool is heated."

He jerks back and stares at me. "Why didn't you tell me before I hit the that's-final button?"

"I…well, you see…" It's difficult to think when he's glaring at me and my body thinks it's foreplay.

"What?" he says loudly, waving his arms.

I clear my throat. The servants don't stare at someone reprimanding the prince, but that's only because they've been trained not to react. My quick glance at Anton bringing Isaac another drink while not looking at us doesn't go unnoticed.

"Oh my God, Adrian," Isaac says in a rushed whisper. "I'm so sorry. I forget you aren't like everyone else." His eyes widen adorably. "That's not what I meant. You're just?—"

"Dearest, I know what you mean." I kiss his mouth. Let the servants talk about that among themselves. "That's one of my favorite things about you. I want to be treated like Adrian. Not a prince. Although, when we are among the people of Lutiana, you might bring it down just a notch."

Isaac laughs, his cheeks still pink from embarrassment or a little too much sun. "Why didn't you mention the pool was heated before," he asks, keeping his voice even.

"I didn't want to contradict you. Normally, you don't jump to conclusions, so I thought there might be another reason. And," I say, leaning in so absolutely no one can hear, not even nosy Nella, handing Simon another root beer, "I love when you boss me around. My body reacts accordingly."

His face turns red, and this time, I know it's not the sun. "O.M.G. Stop." He laughs and shoves me away. Then he takes a deep breath. "Simon, if you stop pouting and ask Adrian nicely, you can swim in his pool."

The way his eyes light up and his smile overtakes his face has my heart melting. I'd give him anything he wanted. And his dad. If I don't watch out, I'll be in serious trouble for never wanting to let either of them go.

Simon enjoys his time in the pool and even convinces Isaac and me to join in while Phillipe and Reginald watch. It's fun and relaxing in a way I'm not used to.

After swimming and showering, we meet again with the royal tailor and try on our suits. He does a remarkable job. Isaac is stunning in his tuxedo, and I can't stop staring at him. He pushes my face away.

"How do I look, Prince Adrian?"

"Absolutely amazing, Master Simon."

"Your Highness," Anton says, startling me. I'm seriously off my game. "I don't mean to interrupt, but the Queen would like to see you. She says it is urgent."

Isaac chews on his bottom lip. "I hope everything is okay."

I can see the worry in his eyes intensifying, but my mother thinks everything is urgent. I kiss his forehead. "Everything is fine. I'll find you afterward, all right?"

Mother wants to go over the details of the event to make sure everything is ready. When that is taken care of, she says, "I like this boy."

"Simon?"

Her stare could intimidate entire armies. "The father. Isaac."

"I'm glad you approve."

"Adrian, I never said I approve." She holds her hand up and my mouth snaps shut. "But I don't disapprove, either."

"Yes, Mother."

"He's not a simpering fool. He reminds me of Jasella in that regard. You have a type, it seems."

I don't respond to that. If I wait, she will eventually get to the point.

"But in public, he will need to be appropriately respectful." Her eyes make her point for her.

"We've discussed it."

"Adrian…there is another thing we must discuss." She hesitates, and my mother never hesitates. I can't take it any longer.

"What is your concern, Mother?"

"You come from different worlds. You cannot live in America. I?—"

I'm fairly sure forbid was going to be the next word out of her mouth. That she caught herself speaks volumes. "I know my duty. My responsibilities are here."

"You've ignored your responsibilities for the last two weeks."

"I don't know how this can work, but…" I catch her gaze. "I really want it to. Isaac is…I've never felt this way about anyone."

"Just be careful. For your sake and for theirs."

"I will, Mother. Thank you." I kiss her cheek and turn to leave.

"Adrian? Does Isaac know Jasella will be at the event tonight? Have you reminded him the press will also be there? We do not need a repeat of four years ago. And you can inform your brother that I had Mr. Weiss uninvited. I'm not sure what Phillipe was thinking."

Pretending to not hear the Queen breaks palace rules. Pretending to not hear my mother has been a theme throughout my life.

We've discussed the proper etiquette for an event such as this, and Simon is taking it very seriously. Isaac? I'm not sure. Normally, the guests are announced first and the royal family last. But Isaac is my date. My mother initially disagreed. It's too soon after the canceled wedding. I understand her concerns, but I insisted. She finally allowed it.

Isaac is visibly shaking as we wait to be announced. I squeeze his hand, and Simon grabs his other one.

"It's okay, Daddy. Reggie said they are all here to see us, so there's no reason to be scared."

"Thank you, Simon." He smiles at his son. "That helps."

"Does it?" I ask, my voice low.

"Not in the least."

I laugh, and Isaac reluctantly grins, shaking his head. Just as we've relaxed, our names are called.

"Prince Adrian Nicholas Edward Cordolini the Third, His Royal Highness, Prince of Lutiana, Mr. Isaac Spencer Brandt, and Master Simon Garrett Brandt."

We glide through the room, greeting and nodding to guests. Isaac smiles and nervously says a few words. And all seems to be well until we reach Jasella. I feel the stares as if everyone has been poised for this moment and the expected drama. They will be sorely disappointed.

"Jasella, you look beautiful." I kiss her hand as she bows prettily. She looks gorgeous in a teal chiffon gown. But she does nothing for me.

"Thank you, Prince Adrian. This must be your young man I've been hearing about."

"Hello, Lady Jasella," Isaac says smoothly, even though his hand trembles in mine. I'm glad now that I told him so he could prepare. Or rather, I'm glad Isaac didn't let it go. The man is tenacious. Isaac's cheeks turn pink, and, in that moment, I realize he is still Isaac. And I know what he's going to say before he says it. "I am so, so?—"

I pinch him in the side to stop him. He cannot apologize to her.

"—so glad to finally meet you. You're beautiful."

That's probably not much better. Jasella smiles.

"I'm Simon. Are you a friend of Prince Adrian? He's our friend."

Bless this child.

Once we are finished greeting everyone and being greeted, Isaac leans closer and whispers, "I can't believe you intended to keep the fact that the gala is a wedding reception for Jasella's sister a secret." He's clearly not completely over this.

"You were anxious about being at a social event with my ex-fiancée and her family while the world was watching, were you not?"

"All social events make me anxious."

"Exactly my point. So not telling you wasn't a terrible idea."

He turns, his eyes flashing, and I grin at him. "Obviously, I'm joking."

His frown disappears, and after a few deep breaths, a smile so tiny you might miss it slips out. "You are not that cute."

I can't keep the wide grin off my face. To hell with everyone here because I need to kiss him. But I make it quick as I brush our lips together. "You are that cute."

The highlight of the evening is holding Isaac in my arms as we dance. I love touching him. Holding him. I never in my wildest dreams would have considered being able to do this. Dance at a royal ball with a man. And not just any man. This man. A man I chose. A man who chose me.

"Is this a dream?" Isaac asks, staring into my eyes. They are full of emotion. Adoration? For me?

"I hope not." How did I get so lucky to have this amazing man in my life? And how can I make it last forever? "You're beautiful."

His eyes narrow. "More beautiful than Jasella?"

I realize I used the same adjective for her. That will not do. "You're gorgeous." I lean closer. "Delectable. As in, I can't wait to get another taste."

"Oh my God, Adrian—Prince Adrian, stop."

I laugh and pull him tighter in my arms.

Simon also wants to dance, which goes as wildly as one might expect. The night is a smashing success.

Until it isn't.

When I return from getting punch for Isaac and Simon, Isaac is staring at his mobile phone. His eyes dart from the mobile to me to the crowd and back. His lip trembles, and I've never seen him this upset.

I rush to his side. "What's wrong, Isaac?"

"I can't—I have to go. Right now. Where's Simon?"

"Isaac, please…?" But he's taken off. I give the punch to a passing server and rush from the ballroom. I can hear the murmurs from the other guests, but I don't care.

I find him in his room with Simon. Packing.

Isaac has his tuxedo half off, and he's stuffing his clothes in his suitcase.

"I don't want to go home," Simon huffs, throwing his clothes on the floor.

I sit on the bed and put my hand over Isaac's to stop him from packing. "Talk to me, please."

His eyes stare at me helplessly, begging me to understand. I don't. But it must be something terrible. "You'll need the plane and a car. I'll arrange everything. But please don't shut me out, Isaac. Please?" I'm begging at this point, but the feeling that I'm losing him, losing everything, has me barely able to breathe. "Maybe I can help."

He collapses on the bed, covering his face with his hands. I wrap my arm around him.

"Zye called." He leans against me and brushes the tears from his eyes. "There are reporters everywhere. Evidently, the story was leaked."

"I'm so sorry." I kiss his temple. This was one of his greatest fears.

"That's not the worst part."

I brace myself. What could be worse? "Isaac?"

"Zye found a note when he checked my mail. I have a certified letter." He glances over at Simon. He's stuffing things in his bag while pouting. "It's from my attorney."

"That doesn't mean it's—" I can't even say the words.

His eyes are stormy as he turns to face me. "This is exactly what I was worried about," he says in a furious whisper. "The reporters. Jane trying to get visits, or worse, custody." He chokes on his words. "I can't let that happen. I can't. I'm sorry, Adrian. I'm not sure I can do this anymore."