“I guess we’ll just have to work on that then.” The jest in his eyes gives way to something else. Something almost like lust and longing. But that can’t be possible, right? We were thrust into the most unlikely of situations and have only known each other a short time.
“Prince James. Lady Zara. How lovely of the two of you to join us this evening.”
An older man wearing a pinstripe suit and an oversized moustache greets us at the door.
“Dr. Sharpe. It’s a pleasure to see you again. May I introduce you to Lady Zara Cross?”
“It’s a pleasure. I am so happy the two of you could join us this evening.” Excitement is dripping from every pore as he leads us into the crowded museum. “All of the exhibits are open. Wine and cocktails are being served, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know.” He bows as he backs away from us.
A server walks by with a tray of champagne, and James grabs two, one for each of us. “To a night of fun.” He winks at me before clinking his glass against mine.
“Cheers.”
“So, care to work the room with me?” James gives me his arm as we mingle amongst the guests.
“How many of these people do you actually know?” Being the daughter of a duke, I recognise certain faces, but everyone’s face tonight is a blur. It’s the first official event the two of us are attending together. Trying to put my best foot forward is even more nerve-wracking than I thought it would be. One false move, and we’ll both be making headlines tomorrow.
“I know a lot of them, but a lot are new. Take that guy.” James points in the direction of a tall, older man with a young woman on his arm. “That’s his third wife, I believe. Could be number four. He’s always a good person to chat up. Likes people to know he has money and will spend it.”
It’s hard to hear a word of what James is saying because “—you can’t get past her tits, right?” James finishes my thought for me.
“I mean, would you look at those?” My voice is a loud whisper as I take in the woman’s appearance. “They can’t be real. They’re like two water balloons!”
“Shh, you don’t want anyone to hear you. We can’t be judging the people we’re trying to schmooze.” His voice is filled with laughter as he takes me in that direction.
“Prince James! Who is this gorgeous woman on your arm?” asks the gentleman as we approach. The woman with him shoots me a menacing glare.
“Lord Paxton. This is Zara Cross. You may know her father, the Duke of Kendall?” Lord Paxton gives me an appraising look.
“Ahh, yes. How is the duke doing these days?”
“He’s quite well, thank you.” I tip my head in his direction.
“Splendid to hear. It’s nice to see you young folks supporting such a marvellous cause. One can never get enough of our own history.”
“The National Museum has always been a cause near and dear to my heart.” James is so full of shit, yet this portly man is hanging on his every word. James’s eyes are sparkling with amusement as they carry on their conversation. The young woman pays me no mind. It’s just as well. I should get used to being invisible.
“Yes, well, I’ll be sure to match my donation from last year. I don’t want to keep you. I’m sure everyone wants to meet this beauty on your arm.” Lord Paxton bows low in our direction, as an uneasy feeling washes over me.
“Do they always make you feel so slimy?” I whisper to James as we walk away.
“Those old men? Yes. I don’t see him often, so at least there’s that.”
“Thank goodness for that.”
James stops and pulls me into a small alcove, hidden from the eyes of onlookers.
“Are you uncomfortable being here?” His eyes hold mine captive.
“Not uncomfortable. It is just different than I thought it would be.” It’s hard to explain. “That man seemed to look right through me, yet was also looking at me like he wanted to make me his next wife.”
“Well rest assured, you’re no one’s wife but mine.” His smile is dazzling, bright white teeth standing out in the dark corner, as he moves in closer to me, caging me in.
“Doesn’t that sound medieval?” I poke him in his hard chest.
“Your dad and my mum arranging our marriage is medieval. I can’t help it if that means that no one else gets to look at you like that.”
This protectiveness shouldn’t be as captivating as it is. And yet, I’m finding myself completely taken with this man.
