Page 34 of Royal Deception

I feel like I’ve seen her constantly over the past few days, coming in and out of Rory’s office at all hours. I know ostensibly, it’s probably for her to go over security for her book release party, but when I see Rory step out of the room after her, a small smirk on his face as he stops to murmur something to her, I have to wonder.

She tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her vampy purple lips curving into a smile as she replies in a low whisper, something that makes him laugh.

My chest tightens and something ugly twists inside, something I refuse to name. It’s none of my business what Rory does or who he spends time with. I have no claim on him.

And yet the emotion lingers, pressing against my belly.

I try to push the thoughts away as I power up my laptop. I have too much on my plate right now to be distracted by petty jealousy. It doesn’t matter. Rory has made it clear that he’s not interested in a relationship, anyway.

At least, not one with you, my brain supplies as I open a browser tab.No. We’re not going there, I remind myself.Focus on work.

I try to focus, but as the afternoon wears on, my mind keeps drifting back to the way Rory and Callie smiled at each other. The way he looked at her. Their easy banter.

I need to get a grip. It’s nothing. I’m sure it’s nothing.

But what if it isn’t?

Shaking my head, I shove the intrusive thoughts away. This is ridiculous. I have no claim on Rory. He’s free to do whatever he wants with whomever he wants.

It’s just… I’ve never seen him act that way around anyone before. Not even his brothers.

I stab at my keyboard, scrolling through my inbox like I might actually accomplish something, but the nagging voice in the back of my mind won’t shut up. Callie’s been coming and going from his office so much lately. What if their meetings aren’t just about security planning?

What if he’s sleeping with her?

My stomach knots, and before I can stop myself, I pull up Rory’s inbox. I have access as part of my job, but only for business purposes.

My brain seems to shut down as I type in Callie’s email, telling myself I’m just making sure I’m on top of their meeting schedule.

I shouldn’t be doing this. This is insane.

But what if I find something? What if all my fears are about to be confirmed?

The sound of the office door opening snaps me out of my haze. My pulse skyrockets, panic flaring through me as I slam the browser closed like I’ve been caught red-handed. My hands tremble slightly as I force them into my lap, swallowing hard.

Oh, God. What am I doing?

A flush of shame burns my cheeks. I’m not like this. I don’t snoop through people’s emails. I don’t let jealousy make me act like a paranoid, suspicious mess. What the hell is wrong with me?

A slow, embarrassed chuckle escapes me as realization dawns. It has to be the pregnancy hormones. That’s the only explanation. I never give in to intrusive thoughts like this. The baby is messing with my head.

I shake my head and turn back to my work, refusing to let my mind wander to Callie and Rory again. I’m deep into working on some timesheets when I get a sudden text, pulling me from my thoughts.

When I glance down, my stomach swoops as I see the message.

Rory: Come to my place this evening.

There are no other messages, just this simple command. Suddenly, it dawns on me that this evening is supposed to start our arrangement.

Heat licks through my belly, and I don’t hesitate, shutting down my computer for the afternoon before I grab my sweater and head out.

By the time I arrive at the penthouse, my pulse is racing, a mix of anticipation and nerves thrumming through my skin. The place is quiet when I step inside, the only sign of Rory’s presence a single note left on the entryway table.

I pick it up, glancing it over, and clench my thighs, trying to keep myself calm.

There are only three instructions and they’re simple. Ordered.

Takeoff your clothes and fold themneatly. Leave them on the armchair.