“Here we go.” Cal turns my phone to read her text aloud. “We need to talk.”
I lean forward again, putting my hand over my mouth as I try to sort this out. Of all things, my mother had to see me getting a blowjob from an unnamed female. She won’t be angry at the act necessarily—just that I got caught.
“Chin up. It could be worse.” My brother stretches his legs. “It’s not like your royal ass was in the air or you were caught in a ménage.”
“Both of which you’ve already done.”
He exhales dramatically, “It’s been a while, my brother.”
“Two days?”
That only makes him smile, and he slaps my shoulder. “Think of it this way, getting a hummer from an attractive young courtier is the royal way. You’re just keeping with tradition. Shows you’re a man.”
“More like a careless frat boy. Not the future leader of our country.”
“It didn’t hurt the President of the United States, and they’re supposedly the world leaders.”
“I’d hardly model my personal life after a U.S. President. They’re all commoners.”
The car stops in front of our seaside estate, and I glance down at my racing suit and dirty hands. At least the sweat is dry from our air-conditioned ride. “I suppose I should get this over with now.”
Hajib opens the door, and I step out, not missing his attempt to hold back a smirk. I can’t believe I’m plastered all over the fucking tabloids…
“You could’ve been experimenting with coke,” Cal continues as we jog up the white front steps to the grand entrance.
“Again, something you’ve already done,” I retort.
“It was only once. The sex was insane, let me tell you.”
My mother is standing in the foyer waiting for us. She’s dressed in an olive green suit, and her silver hair is smoothed back in a controlled helmet. A three-stranded pearl necklace is precisely positioned at her throat. Everything about her is planned, controlled, and exactly as it should be.
“Your royal highness,” she says to me, a definite tone in her voice. “Would you step with me into the parlor?”
“Of course,” I say.
She leads the way, and my brother is right on my heels, never one to miss a royal scolding.
“Close the door please, Cal,” she says, turning to sit on the edge of a chaise upholstered in yellow satin.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll stand.” I say, doing a slight nod. “I’ve been at the track.”
“Certainly,” Mother’s voice is sharp. “This won’t take long. I suppose you’ve seen the news.”
“Just now. Cal noticed—”
“Your great aunt Daphne
brought it to my attention. You know how I despise that woman.” Straightening, she runs her palms down the front of her light blazer. “You know, Rowan, when you first took over after your father’s death, you made several bold moves. Exiling Hubert and Reggie, although I don’t know I agree with the latter, you demonstrated strength, that you were not afraid to crush insubordination. I was proud of you.”
“Thank you,” I say, knowing exactly where this is headed.
“You also have powerful critics, who think you’re young, inexperienced, and reckless. Your racing hobby, for instance, and now this.”
“I can assure you, Mother—”
“I’m not angry, Rowan. You’re a man, after all.” Her lips are tight, and her ice blue eyes fix on mine. “You’re very handsome, you’re twenty seven, you have needs.”
Actually, I’ve changed my mind. I have no idea where this is headed. “What are you saying?”