Nate groaned again, louder this time, and dragged his hand down his face. “Okay, bye, Jason.”
“Love you too,” Jason said cheerfully. “Call me when you’ve grown a spine.”
Chapter Fifteen
Clara:Sorry, can’t talk. Walls have ears.
Allegra pictured Clara half-curled on a gilt sofa beneath a portrait of some mustached ancestor, thumbs flying like pistons while pretending to listen to a briefing about an ambassador’s visit.
Allegra:Ominous. What’s the latest?
The typing bubble appeared immediately. Clara had always been a fast texter. Years of covert sibling communication under the dining table had honed her skills.
Clara:Bribed one of Papa’s assistants. Don’t ask which one. Plausible deniability.
Of course she had. Clara treated palace staff the way other women treated Sephora loyalty points.
Clara:They’re scouring every five-star in Geneva. Because obviously, you’d never lower yourself to a four.
Allegra rolled her eyes. She was currently sitting cross-legged on her narrow bed, springs nudging her ass, while a broken lamp slumped sideways on the bedside table. At least housekeeping had removed the trash bin with the used condom, so technically the place was improving.
Allegra:Okay. Buys me time at least.
Clara:Time for what?
That question hovered on the screen longer than it should have. Allegra glanced toward the window. Somewhere out there was Nate. Probably asleep. Probably shirtless. Definitely unfairly attractive.
Allegra:I’m seeing Nate again. Tomorrow.
There was a pause. Then:
Clara:OMG. OMG. OMG.
Another pause.
Clara:What’s the deal with you two anyway? He’s like your boyfriend now?
Allegra:No. NO.
Clara:Really?
Allegra: It’s complicated.
Clara:Interesting. Because I distinctly remember a speech. Something about no catching feelings.
Allegra pressed her lips together. That did sound like her.
Allegra:I’m not catching anything.
Clara:Sure.
Allegra:I’m not.
Clara:Allegra von Wildern.
She hated when Clara used her full name in text. It felt like being summoned to her father’s office.
Clara:You do realize you can’t keep saying “it’s complicated” like you’re in an OG Facebook relationship status, right?
