Page 62 of American Royalty

“Between our blowout in the kitchen last night and yesterday morning—”

“What happened yesterday morning?”

He winced. “I insulted her over breakfast.”

Rhys looked at his watch. “Dammit. I have to go. But I want to hear that story. Save it for tonight.”

“I’m glad my trauma provides you cheap entertainment.”

Rhys laughed and opened the door in time to see a young man and woman stop right outside.

“This is it. Professor Lloyd’s office.” The student adjusted his backpack. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

A hood hid most of the young woman’s face. Her hair was in two thick blond braids, and large black eyeglass frames couldn’t hide her light brown eyes and full lips...

There was something very familiar about her mouth.

“No. This is good,” she said, in an accent that was sort of British and an appalling mixture of different areas, most notably Birmingham and Wales with a touch of RP. “Thank you.”

Rhys shot wide eyes at Jameson over his shoulder and mouthed,“Dude has no chance!” before taking off with a cheery “See you tonight!”

Jameson rose and approached the door, his attention back on the couple. The young woman was heading toward him when the young man reached out and snagged the strap of her bag. Her eyes met Jameson’s and he saw something like impatience flicker in their depths, but she looked away.

Heat settled in his midsection and his cock hardened. What the fuck? He wasn’t some teenager. He didn’t get uncontrollable erections. In fact, the only time it had happened to him recently had been with his houseguest. But—

“Can you do something for me?” the young man asked her.

“What?”

“Can I have your number?”

She laughed. “You’re cute. Where are you going now?”

He knew that laugh. Had heard it the night before in his messy kitchen.

Dani?

“Meeting some friends at the Guild.”

“After I talk to Professor Lloyd, I’ll come find you.”

“Cool.” The guy took a step away and then turned back. “Are you sure we haven’t met before? You seem so familiar to me.”

“You say that to all the girls, don’t you?” She waved off his denials. “It’s fine. I have one of those faces.”

“No you don’t,” he blurted out before realizing what he’d said. He paled and began backpedaling. “Yeah, I’ll be over... no rush... take your time...”

Jameson hated him in that moment. Hated that this boy was also affected by her. Because it meant he wasn’t anything special. She caused a stir in everyone when she set out to do so.

Dani turned back to him. “May I?”

He stood back and gestured for her to enter. She passed and his body tightened.

Itwasher. His body had recognized her before his brain did.

Shutting the door, he went around his desk and took a seat. His office wasn’t large, but he’d been fortunate to obtain one with a window. The sun broke through the clouds and brightened the space. Or was it just her presence?

She sat in the chair Rhys had occupied and crossed her bare legs, the chunky motorcycle boot on her left foot dangling.