Page 124 of American Royalty

ButPeople,Entertainment Weekly,TMZ,Radar,Daily Mail, and others had all asked some version of the same question: Were Liam and Duchess ready to reign as music’s new power couple?

It wasn’t true, but she couldn’t deny the coverage helped her case with Genesis. The possible secret romance between two music stars would win out over a one-sided feud. And, as an added bonus, if the press was focused on that relationship, they wouldn’t be attuned to anything going on between her and Jay. She’d vowed to get him to understand that when she called him, but she could tell by his voice that he’d been tired and not in an understanding mood.

After the charity event yesterday, Dani had headed to the concert venue for a full dress rehearsal. The show was two days away and they’d needed to make sure everything would run smoothly. Apparently, Jameson had spent that time with his grandmother.

The queen hadn’t been happy with the press coverage. The incident with Samantha Banks had overshadowed Jay’s announcement of the prize honoring Prince John and the work Bloom Urban had been doing. Dani hadn’t been happy because she knew how important the prize was to Jay and how much it meant to him to honor his grandfather. And Jameson hadn’t been happy because of all the speculation about Dani and Liam being a new couple.

“But it’s not true. And if it keeps the press off us, isn’t that a good thing?” she’d asked him during their FaceTime call.

“I get it,” Jameson had said, shirtless in bed, his expression tense. “But I don’t like it.”

“I know. But you like me, don’t you?”

“I do like you, so show me some of the things I like most,” he’d said.

Which had led to a very hot and satisfying mutual masturbation session.

Even though it had ended “happily,” the call was the first time she’d understood how their goals might be in opposition to one another.

But she didn’t blame him. Because she didn’t like it, either. Lady Imogen had been a part of the select group invited to these events, and though Dani knew there was nothing going on between her and Jameson, it was still painful to see them together.

Which was why she’d been avoiding looking down at the court, where Jameson stood talking to Louisa and Imogen.

What that man could do to an ordinary outfit...

On anyone else, the suit would look classic and pedestrian, butJameson filled it out quite nicely, the light bluish gray color and slim fit giving it a younger, more modern feel that attracted many a gaze.

Don’t worry about it. He’s not interested in her. He’s with you.

Except it looked like he was with Imogen. The same coverage that harped on her and Liam couldn’t help but comment on Jameson and Imogen.

How great they looked together.

How long their families had known each other.

How she would make a great duchess.

That one hurt.

Dani didn’t do jealousy over a man. But she was feeling some kind of way about Jameson.

Not that she didn’t trust him. She did. But she also wanted to claim him. To go down there, grab the microphone, and let everyone know he belonged to her.

“Are you okay?”

Liam’s hand rested on hers, causing her to realize she’d curled her fingers into fists. She flexed her hand, disrupting his hold.

“I’m good. Getting a little impatient, I guess.”

“Don’t worry. It’ll start soon. Until then, I’ll have to do better to keep you entertained,” he said, sliding an arm around her shoulder. She started and looked at him, surprised to find his face only inches from hers.

More shutter clicks and flashes.

This is a good thing. This is a good thing.

She’d keep saying it until she believed it.

“Duchess?” A young page stood at the end of her row. “There’s someone who wanted to say hi.”