Page 97 of American Royalty

“They could try.”

“They wouldn’t just try. They’d succeed.”

Her heart twisted at the concern and conviction glowing in his eyes. She recalled some of the comments his mother had made and her tone when talking about the queen and others. His family had really done a number on him.

“It doesn’t matter. None of it is going to happen. I’m going to kill it at all of the events next week and smash my concert performance. The coverage will be so spectacular that all of the companies who originally bowed out will come crawling back.”

“You had interest from more than Genesis?”

“I did.”

“That’s incredible.”

“It was. And that’s why me being here is so important and why this has to work. I can’t lose this deal.”

“It’s that important to you?”

“It’s the most important thing in my life.”

“Even more than music? Are you planning to stop performing?”

“Eventually. I’m good at rapping and I enjoy it, but it’s not my passion. I’d still like to be involved in some way, but on my terms, whatever I choose those to be.”

He hugged her. “You’re a woman of many talents, Dani Nelson.”

She decided to share another piece of herself with him. “Danielle. My first name is Danielle.”

“Danielle Nelson,” he breathed, as if inhaling her name into his soul. “You’re divine. I’ll do everything I can, behind the scenes. If you charm everyone else a fraction as much as you’ve charmed me, by the end of the week they’ll be saying, ‘Samantha who? We want more Duchess!’”

“I didn’t know Dame Maggie Smith was a fan,” she said, laughing at the crazy voice he’d pulled out of thin air.

“Why wouldn’t she be? I am.”

This celebration was abouthisfamily and he was concerned about how she’d do? Was it possible for her chest to contain a heart that had doubled in size?

Staring into his beautiful, earnest face, she knew he would always have her back.

No, not her.

The lucky lady who’d earn his heart. He’d make a wonderful husband and partner.

To that woman.

Smiling weakly, she pushed off his lap and grabbed a nearby bottle of water to wash the suddenly sour taste from her mouth.