Page 112 of American Royalty

If Dani was always by my side, I wouldn’t mind attending more of these formal events. Having her near would make them bearable.

The unbidden thought popped into his head, leaving him shocked by the desire it revealed.

They’d agreed this was temporary. Neither had mentioned the possibility of their affair enduring beyond her time here. But hewas clearly considering it. Which was folly. These events were the countdown to her leaving. And like Cinderella, when the ball ended in a week, she would disappear.

You’re being a tad dramatic.

Fine.

She wouldn’t disappear. She’d go back home and jump into her new business venture. But the outcome would be the same.

She’d be gone.

The pain that lanced through him at that unwelcome reminder would’ve felled him had he not been sitting.

“Everyone is excited for this celebration. It’s all anyone has talked about for the past few months,” Imogen said, snapping him from his thoughts and bringing him back to his immediate surroundings.

He smiled and nodded, which was enough for her to keep going.

That was uncharitable, Jameson.

Lady Imogen Harrington was a nice woman and he’d enjoyed their time together when they’d briefly dated two years ago. Their coupling had been looked upon with favor by the Palace. But Imogen had been looking for someone who was more than a royal in name only. They’d parted ways cordially and had maintained an amicable relationship. Any other time he would’ve enjoyed being seated next to her.

Unfortunately, at this moment, he only wanted to sit next to Dani.

She’s a lovely young woman and perfect on paper, but she doesn’t affect you like this.His mother had been right about Imogen.

He risked a glance down the table to find Dani holding court with the guests seated on either side of her. His eyes couldn’t quite decide where they wanted to focus. On her face, or on her cleavage, tantalizingly displayed by that incredible dress.

She’d shown him the dress before he left for the palace. The liquidity of the material had looked inviting on the hanger, but—

“No one else will be dressed like this.”

“Don’t you like it?”

“I love it.”

But it was so... flamboyant. All eyes would be on her.

Pressure tightened in his chest. “Maybe you should choose something more like what Catherine or Bettina will wear.”

“Why? I’m not a member of the royal family or of British high society and I’m not trying to be anyone else but me.”

And she’d been right. She was a peacock in a field of wrens, a ruby in a bag of colorful glass, an orchid in a bouquet of carnations. On her body, the dazzling dress should’ve been outlawed. From the bodice the liquid gold fabric seemed to fit her as if it had been painted on, flaring out just above her knees to allow her to walk. When she’d crossed the room, the material had flowed behind her like a pied piper, her curves a lure that had been difficult to resist.

Blood engorged his throbbing cock and he shifted in his chair. He hoped he’d be able to make it through the event at this rate.

Cooper ruined the picture, leaning over and whispering in her ear.

“Is everything all right?” Imogen asked.

“Of course. Why do you ask?”

“The expression on your face. As if you’ve seen something that’s displeased you?”

Yeah, fucking Liam Cooper appears to have issues with personal space!

“No. Everything’s fine.”