I turn and nearly pass out on the floor, because holy hell, my husband ishot. He’s wearing a classic black tuxedo complete with a bowtie, the suit fitting so perfectly over his tall frame, broad shoulders, muscular arms, and trim waist that it’s obvious the thing was created just for him. He shaved, making his strong, square jawline and dimpled chin look nothing short of edible. Plus, he smells good. Like seriously freaking good.
I would take a bath in his cologne if I could.
“You’re staring and now startingto drool.”
My jaw snaps shut, but I can’t fight my giggle. “Stop looking so hot or drooling might be something I do regularly on this trip. Incidentally, can you see my bump?”
He peers down, his gaze sweeping over every line and curve I’m comprised of. “A little, maybe, but I don’t think it’s anything that anyone would notice let alone comment on. At some point, we will have to let the world know.”
“After my ultrasound next week.”
“That sounds reasonable.”
I nod. “Okay. Let’s go meet all these people. Yay. I’m so excited.”
He raises an eyebrow at my sardonic tone but reaches out and takes my hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. “You’ve shown time and time again that you’re strong, capable, and deserving of respect. And besides,” he leans in, his lips brushing against my ear, “I seem to remember a woman who came into my palace uninvited, broke a priceless bust, and then stood up to the king when he challenged her on it.”
“God, that feels like a lifetime ago.”
“Remember who you are, Bellamy. You’re still that same woman who never fails to give me shit. We’ll navigate this high society dinner together.”
I’m being a wimp. I know I am. I straighten my posture and take a deep breath, allowing his reassurance to fill my lungs.
“You’re right,” I say, determination making my voice steady. “I’m ready.”
Sebastian’s smile dazzles and he offers me his arm. As I take it, my heart swells with gratitude for the man who has become not only my king but my partner in every sense of the word. With him by my side I know I will face whatever challenges come at us—starting with tonight’s dinner.
Althea greets us just outside of our suite looking beautiful in a crimson gown.
“Oh, Bellamy. You are radiant.”
I air-kiss her cheeks so we don’t swap lipstick rings. “Thank you. Same to you. I love that color on you.”
“Same as the color on your lips.” She gives me a grin, and Sebastian offers her his other arm, and the three of us along with the royal attendants we have for security go down the elevator and climb into the waiting limo before we race out into the icy, dark night.
Ten minutes later the door is opened for us, and we step out, once again escorted by Sebastian. My heart pounds against my chest like a caged animal, desperate to escape. I can feel the clamminess of my palms as I clutch my gown, trying to keep it from dragging on the polished marble floor.
“Remember to smile, Bellamy,” Sebastian whispers tauntingly into my ear, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine.
“That’s sort of the pot calling the kettle black, Your Majesty,” I retort, making him nip at my ear.
“No one expects me to smile. I’m an asshole.”
I cackle out a laugh, drawing the eyes of a few people, and I quickly get my shit back together. “You can’t do that to me again. You know how it amuses me to no end when you call yourself an asshole.”
“My apologies.”
He doesn’t mean it. I know he doesn’t.
Opulent chandeliers cast a warm aura over the room, and the murmur of polite small talk fills the air as I glance around at the various attendees. A string quartet plays background classical music and there are enough diamonds, designer digs, and fake smiles to make this feel like the seventh ring of hell.
“Everyone is staring,” I murmur, and I move my hand over the front of my body. My baby bump is barely noticeable under the flowing gown, but I still feel as if it’s on full display for everyone to see. Or maybe that’s just me.
“Let them stare,” Sebastian says softly, squeezing my handreassuringly. “You are the most beautiful woman in this room. Besides, after Nora’s death, our whirlwind romance, and the double assassination attempt, they’re going to talk about us.”
“Fair. That’s fair. I’d be staring too.”
“Ah, King Sebastian. Finally in the flesh.” A jovial voice draws my attention away from the mass of eyes boring into me as a portly man with a bushy mustache approaches, his eyes twinkling with warmth.
