Page 53 of Royal Deception

It feels like everything I’ve ever wanted.

At least, I think so.

There’s a little niggle of doubt in the back of my mind, questioning,is thisreallywhat you want from him?

I zip up the last empty suitcase, securing the handle with a quick tug. Taking a deep breath, I shove the thought frommy mind, releasing the tension from my shoulders as I glance around the room.

The space is large but tidy, everything in its place, exactly how Rory likes it. There’s a certain orderliness to everything, from the sharp lines of the furniture to the carefully curated bookshelves and sleek, modern decor.

I feel a pang as I glance around and realize that nothing in this room is mine. None of my stuff is in the living areas. It’s all confined to the bedroom.

As I step over to the window, looking out at the city stretching beyond, I wonder if this is how it’s always going to feel—like I’m an outsider in his world.

But I force myself to smile. I won’t be an outsider forever, right? I look at the neatness around me, the starkness of it all. He’s made this space his own, and I’ve just slotted myself into it, like I’m just another piece in his carefully constructed puzzle. The thought lingers, even as I force myself to push it down.

I’ll just go shopping, maybe pick out a few items to spruce the place up, make my mark.

Don’t you think he’d be mad if you touched his space?

I sit down on the window seat, suddenly feeling dizzy.

I’m not his girlfriend.

I don’t have the right to change his space.

We might be living together, but I’m just his… his live-in submissive. It’s the role I agreed to play. I wanted this, so why does it feel like I’ve gone from one gilded cage to another?

I turn away from the window, the reflection of myself in the glass almost startling as I consider the weight of the situation. Am I okay with this? With being here, with being his toy, his pet?

A soft sigh escapes me as I move to sit down on the couch, the reality of it all settling in. I just need to settle in, to get used to living here. It’ll all start making sense soon.

I took the day off to move my things in, but it took much less time than I expected, and now I don’t know what to do with myself until Rory gets home. I lounge on the couch, flipping through a magazine, then scroll on my social media feed for a while.

Callie Fitzgerald’s face beams back at me from Instagram, the announcement of her upcoming book premiere plastered all over my feed. Irritation rises, but I shove it down. I know that I’m only Rory’s sub, but I’m the one who’s living here, so I shouldn’t get jealous of how much time they spend together.

Even if the lingering glances, charming smiles, and subtle compliments he gives her are suddenly swimming in my mind.

A quick glance at the clock above the mantel tells me it’s nearly time for Rory to arrive home. I decide to start getting ready for him to arrive home, hoping that will take my mind off my own insecurities.

As I neatly fold my clothes, I retrieve my collar and fasten it around my neck. I kneel on the pillow, hands behind my back, eyes cast down at my thighs, feeling a sense of quiet anticipation building within me.

The door opens, but instead of the warm greeting I expect, Rory sighs. I glance up to find him on the phone. He holds up a finger, signaling for a minute, then heads for his study.

I sit perfectly still, straining to catch Rory’s voice from the study.

“They might make a move at the gala. It’s too close to call.”

My pulse quickens.The gala?I lean forward, trying to hear more.

Rory’s voice drops, firm. “If they show up, we’ll be ready for them. They won’t get to her, not on my watch. She’s too important to me. I’d do anything to protect her.”

His words hang in the air, leaving me frozen, unsure. Who is he talking about?

Me? Or Callie?

23

RORY