Page 28 of The Thing About My Prince

“Oh,American,” he says as if he’s still stinging over the Boston Tea Party.

“I am, yes. Where are you from?” Lexi asks. There’s no tone to suggest she’s already had enough of this rubbish. But I’m pretty sure that’s what her question means.

“Nowhere you’d have heard of,” he says dismissively. “Anyway, I just popped along to let you know that, since Prince Oliver did not alert us to the fact he was bringing you, I’ve had Flora quickly make up a room. I’ll show you there now. Follow me.” He turns toward the door. “We’re heading for the north tower.”

“Wow, that sounds veryoff with her head,” Lexi says under her breath.

I don’t even try to disguise my snort of laughter.

Also, fuck Giles. “Let’s not put her all the way over on the other side of the house with Dane and Cole.”

“How far is that from your room?” Lexi says softly as she wraps her other arm around my front so she’s now totally circling my waist, indicating she’s going nowhere.

“Virtually a different county,” I say.

My dad coughs and my mum wrings her hands.

“I didn’t realize we’d have to be in separate rooms.” This time, Lexi’s pouty whisper is clearly intended for everyone’s ears.

“Decorum, miss,” Giles says from over by the door. “Now if you’d like to follow me.”

“Can we really not be in the same room?” Her words are accompanied by a pinch at my waist and an imploring look that’s begging me to read her mind.

Shit. I see what she’s getting at. We need to be in the same room for her to interview me in private without anyone being suspicious.

“Of course we can,” I answer Lexi while glaring at Giles, who’s staring at me.

This is an opportunity for one of my favorite pastimes. Standing up to the bullshit in general and pissing off Giles specifically. “Shame you wasted Flora’s time. But you can bring Lexi’s luggage back over. She’ll be staying with me.”

“It’s all decided, sir.” He turns away again. “Follow me, Miss Lane.”

“You’ll be nice and cozy in the north tower,” my mother says.

“Not as nice and cozy as she’ll be with me.” And she does, indeed, feel nice and cozy snuggled against me right now.

“Sir.” Giles spins around to face us and lets out an exasperated sigh. “It’sarranged.”

“Not by me, Giles. I have arranged nothing.”

“No. And that’s precisely the point,” my mother says. “Itwould have been handy if you had made some plans. Like letting us know you were bringing your girlfriend with you. Or that you evenhavea girlfriend.”

How lovely of her to speak about Lexi as if she’s not here.

“It’ll be fine, Josie.” Dad pats Mum on the back like she’s an old friend who requires reassurance.

I ignore my parents since they are not the issue here—Giles is.

“Giles.” Somehow it’s easier to sound firm and confident with Lexi next to me. “Please have Lexi’s things brought to my room. Thank you.”

The fact I managed apleaseis quite the accomplishment under the circumstances.

“In the meantime, I’ll show her around.” I peel her arms from my waist, take her hand, and lead her through the door past Giles’s simmering face. “Come on, darling, I’ll give you the grand tour.”

CHAPTER TEN

LEXI

That was alot.