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queen-arabella-of-cordonia · 7 days

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The De Facto Queen Chapter 5: Come Together

Series: The De Facto Queen

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Riley x Drake, Riley x Liam

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: language, destruction of apple orchards

Word Count: 3,907 (approximately 30 minutes reading time)

Summary: Riley and Drake awake to devastating news about the orchards at Applewood.

A/N: I started this chapter thinking it would be the last chapter. Halfway through, I still thought that. Maybe three-fourths of the way through I was like...oh, no. This doesn't wrap up so neatly or so soon.

My other stuff: Master List.

The sun wasn’t even completely up when the shrillness of a phone cut through the early morning silence. Riley moaned in protest and scooted her body back, snuggling closer into the warmth of the man wrapped around her.

Drake’s arm tightened around her, and he drew her closer as his eyes blinked open, taking in the earliness of the hour. They weren’t scheduled to leave until after breakfast. There was no valid reason for anyone to be calling him at this hour unless something had gone wrong somewhere. “Sorry, babe.” He mumbled as he released her to roll over and grab his phone off the nightstand. One glance at the caller ID and he was wide awake. He sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed as he answered. “Bas. What’s wrong?”

Riley tried to go back to sleep, but the hard edge in Drake’s tone, despite his attempt to keep his voice low as he disappeared into the bathroom to keep from waking her, alerted her that something was amiss. She pushed out of the covers and reached for her robe. She had barely finished tying it when a knock sounded at the door.

Riley froze as her eyes tracked to the bathroom and back. Drake was still in there on the phone with Bastien. Whoever was at the door had to have gotten past her security detail, so she decided it was safe to open it.

She hesitated as her hand hovered over the knob. Something was clearly wrong, or the head of the Royal Guard wouldn’t be on the phone with her fiancé. The memory of being shot at engulfed her. The smell of gunpowder in her nose, the thunderous booming of the gun in her ears, the wet stickiness of Drake’s blood on her skin, and the crippling fear of loss all washed over her with incapacitating suddenness.

The knock sounded again. She jumped, jerking away from the door as if she’d been scalded. “Who is it?”

“Riley? It’s Liam.”

The brokenness in his voice obliterated her fear and spurred her into action. She flung the door open, her eyes widening in shock and concern as she took in his expression.

Liam stumbled into the room and, without warning or preamble, fell into her arms. His face pressed into her chest as a shuddering sob broke free.

Her arms wrapped instinctively around him. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

His arms tightened around her as he pressed his face harder into her body. Half-coherent words fell from his lips as his body shook with tears. “Terrorists…. the orchards…. burned….”

She understood instantly why he was in her room, in her arms. She might not understand yet what had transpired, but she understood that he could not, and would not, show weakness to the world.

Not that caring, tears or grief were weaknesses. No, she counted those things as strengths.

Nonetheless, his father had instilled in him a deep shame of those very qualities. But Constantine had never broken Liam, merely forced the better parts of him into hiding.

She was the safe place for him to show all of his vulnerability. She wouldn’t judge him; she wouldn’t question his fitness for the throne. She would support him; she would console him. That part of their relationship had never changed, and it never would.

Instead of questioning him, she did her best to soothe him. Her fingers ran through his hair, her hand patted his back as she murmured quiet words of comfort to him. Her eyes flicked to the door to ensure it was closed.

His emotions didn’t make him weak, but there was no point in having a servant or a guard witness their king’s most vulnerable moment. The people of Cordonia would need to see him strong and steadfast when he dealt with whatever had happened.

Crying was for private moments. Stoicism and strength were for the public. Unwavering surety in their next course of action.

They clung together, sympathetic tears streaming down her face. She didn’t need to know what had happened to feel his pain and that was enough to stir her own.

Terrorists…. burnt orchards…..it was enough for her to gather there had been another attack. Just days after Liam had confessed his insecurities about being a good enough ruler to her.

Liam, in tears in her arms, and Drake on the phone with Bastien before dawn, hinted at just how dire the situation was. Her jaw set with resolve. “Whatever happened, we will get through it together and we will fix it, okay?”

He nodded, his tears slacked, but he remained still and silent in her embrace.

Drake exited the bathroom with a grim expression. His eyes darted from the empty bed to the sight that greeted him at the doorway of the bedroom.

The king of Cordonian was wrapped in his fiancée’s arms.

Riley’s eyes met his over Liam’s shoulder. He nodded at her as he read everything he needed to know in her expression.

Drake made his way across the room and then cleared his throat to get Liam’s attention. “I just got off the phone with Bas…”

Liam’s head jerked up, and he stepped away from Riley guiltily. “I’m sorry…I just…”

“Hey,” Drake’s voice softened considerably as he clasped a hand on the other man’s shoulder. “Don’t be sorry for being human, Li. That’s a good thing. Unfeeling rulers are the dangerous ones.”

Drake’s eyes flicked up to Riley’s again, acknowledging to himself that she brought out the softer, more in touch with his humanity side of his best friend and that it was a good thing.

Of course, Liam was upset. It wasn’t just an attack on his country. Applewood was the seat of House Rys, his ancestral home. It was a strike at his very heart. Nothing represented Cordonia more than the apple orchards at Applewood. It was a clear message that Liam could protect nothing and no one.

It could not be allowed to stand.

Liam stared back into his friend’s eyes for a moment, then nodded. “Thank you.”

Drake’s jaw clenched. “Don’t thank me until we catch the bastards that did this.”

“Would one of you like to fill me in on what’s going on?” Riley looked expectantly back and forth between them.

Drake pulled out his phone and handed it to her.

She watched the video in horror.

The extensive and ancient orchards at Applewood had been razed. The terror group Sons of the Earth was taking credit.

“Oh…” tears streaked down her face again.

Drake looped an arm around her as he retrieved his phone from her grasp. “It’s going to be okay, baby, I promise.”

Her grief steeled Liam’s resolve. He pulled himself completely upright as he decided, “We’re diverting the unity tour. We have to go to Applewood. Get Katarina looped in. She can meet us there with the PR team. We need to address this publicly as quickly as possible.”

“On it.” Drake was already dialing the palace press secretary, Katarina Trakas, as he released Riley and stepped away to make the arrangements.

Less than half an hour later, they were in the back of a bulletproof SUV on their way to Applewood, joined by Max and Hana.

Riley sat in the middle, Liam on one side of her, Drake on the other. Max and Hana were across from her. Liam’s face darkened as he recounted all the information he had on the situation at Applewood. She reached for his hand without thought, instinctively comforting him.

He looked over at her in surprise, then gave her a grateful smile as he squeezed her hand. His gaze went to Drake, then back to Riley, indecision creasing his brow briefly before coming to some sort of decision. He went back to the conversation without releasing her hand.

She watched his face for a moment. Stress shown in the grim lines of his face, but there was a subtle relaxing of his shoulders, a slight but noticeable easing of tension in his body at her touch.

Riley’s head swung around to find her fiancé, anxiety gripping her as she anticipated his response. Drake met her gaze with equanimity. He gave her a reassuring smile as he reached for her other hand. There was nothing but love and acceptance in his eyes as his thumb stroked the back of her hand.

A little thrill ran through her, despite the gravity of the situation. She was suddenly and intensely aware of the proximity of both men. Their body heat, the smoothness of Liam’s palm in hers, the roughness of Drake’s. Her heart beat a little faster.

Riley’s eyes lifted to meet Hana’s. Her best friend lifted an eyebrow in question. Riley widened her eyes a little to convey her uncertainty about what was going on.

While she struggled to put her focus back where it belonged, Liam and Drake coordinated over secured lines with the head of the King Guard and the Royal Press Secretary. Liam wanted to hit the ground running the moment they arrived. Drake was determined to have as much information as humanly possible before Liam set foot in front of a podium.

“I’m just saying it would be safer to just televise the press conference from a secure location to ensure that—”

“No,” Liam cut him off, “I won’t hide. That would send the exact wrong message.”

“It wouldn’t be hiding—”

“We’ll do the conference on the west lawn,” Liam said firmly, with finality.

“Fine,” Drake grunted with a shake of his head. His best friend was about to risk an assassination attempt and all he could do was quadruple security and search every person who stepped foot on Applewood grounds and hope it was enough.

Even worse, Riley would be on that stage with him. He clamped his mouth shut with a great deal of effort. What was he going to say? He had encouraged her to accept this role. Some degree of danger would always be present. It came with the territory. He squeezed her hand tighter as his mind whirled with ways to minimize the risk. An idea seized him.

He leaned forward in his seat and turned sideways so he had a clear view of both Riley and Liam. “You’ll both wear body armor.”

Liam tried to protest. “I don’t think—”

“The ultra-light stuff. Under your clothes. Trust me, no one will know it’s there.”

Liam hesitated as he considered it.

“Do it so I can focus on the security.” Drake pushed the one trump card he knew would sway Liam. Riley’s safety. “I won’t be able to think straight if she’s up there unprotected.”

It was the thought of Riley being shot at again that convinced him. With a curt nod, the king agreed. His eyes cut sideways at her as he gripped her hand a little firmer.

He couldn’t…he wouldn’t risk her life.

Drake let out an audible sigh of relief as he released her hand and typed furiously into his phone. “Everything will be ready when we arrive.”

Two hours later, Riley was fidgeting nervously as she read over the notes Madeleine had thrust into her hands while Drake was strapping her into the bulletproof vest.

“Would you stand still?” He grunted in annoyance as he tugged one of her side straps a little tighter.

“Sorry,” she murmured as her eyes flicked from the notecards in her hand to the blond who was giving her instructions as if she’d never done a press conference before.

“And remember,” Madeleine chided as she shuffled the notecards in her own hands, “You are representing Cordonia up there so for the love of God, remember to keep your back straight, make eye contact with a few of the reporters, and don’t forget your facial expressions! You want to convey—”

“That’s enough!” The usually restrained and controlled Drake spun on the countess, the fury dancing in his eyes enough to cause her to jerk back in startlement. He released Riley and took a step in her direction as he fumed. “Could you lay off her for one goddamn minute? We have five minutes before they have to be on stage and I’m trying to save her fucking life!”

“I—” Madeleine gulped as she took another step backward.

Drake swiped the cards from her hands as he fixed her with a death glare. “She’s done dozens of these. She knows how to fucking stand!”

Madeleine’s already anemic pallor went even paler. “I just—”

“Drake!” Riley touched his shoulder. “It’s okay! She’s just doing her job. The one I asked her to do!”

Drake’s eyes fluttered briefly shut as he beat his fear, anger, and anxiety back. He blew out a careful breath before turning back to face her. “I’m sorry, baby. I just need you to focus on the thing that’s going to keep you alive before worrying about the rest.”

Riley nodded vigorously. “I am. I will! Please finish helping me with the vest. I’ll read the cards after we’re done.”

His shoulders relaxed as some of the tension eased out of his body. He resumed fussing with the vest as he told Madeleine without looking back. “Sorry. This is just stressful.”

“For all of us.” The countess sniffed. She looked down at her shaking hands then back up at Riley, watching as Drake strapped her into a bulletproof vest, knowing she was about to step onto a public stage outside in broad daylight where she could be the potential target of another assignation attempt. “I didn’t mean any disrespect. This is just…all I can contribute.”

“It’s fine.” Drake finished, stepping back to inspect his handiwork with a critical eye. “Okay, you can get dressed now.”

Riley hurriedly dressed as she directed her next remark to Madeleine. “Could you please go let Liam know that I need two more minutes?”

“But the press—”

“Can wait.”

Madeleine hesitated a fraction of a second, then nodded in acquiescence and retreated from the room.

Riley stepped into Drake’s arms and took his face in her hands. “I love you. I’ll be careful, I promise.”

“I’m holding you to that.” He whispered before pulling her into a long, lingering kiss. He poured all his love and fear for her into that kiss, wanting nothing more than to grab her, get back in the limo, and get her as far away from danger as possible. Instead, he released her and forced himself to step away. “Okay, it’s time.”

Applewood had been secured before they had arrived and swept again after they arrived. There were no buildings close enough to the manor for a sniper to hide in and, thanks to the orchard burning, no trees either. He was still a bundle of nerves as he watched her climb the steps to the stage.

Riley stood at the podium next to Liam, like she belonged there. It was becoming commonplace. Drake tried to remember the last press conference Liam held where Riley hadn’t been standing right beside him.

Perhaps when he’d announced the itinerary for the engagement tour. Madeleine had been beside him then and the stiffness in his posture had radiated his discomfort, at least to those who knew him well.

His body language when he was on stage next to Riley was different. More relaxed. More open. More at ease. Even in these exigent circumstances, a simple glance in her direction and his shoulders straightened almost imperceptibly. Confidence flooded back into his posture. Hope shone from his features.

Drake had to admit that Riley’s speech was well received by the public, perhaps even more so than Liam’s. They loved her. He didn’t blame them.

When the press conference was over, Riley joined Liam in the orchard to plant a new apple tree. A sapling. A symbol of Cordonia, of hope for the future. The area was cordoned off to keep the masses away from the royal couple.

Not that they were a couple, and only Liam was royal. Though the image they presented was very much one of a royal couple. A king and his beloved queen.

Drake shook his head to clear it of those thoughts as he circulated through the press of people, his eyes scanning the crowd for threats, his ears open for anything suspicious.

What he heard were hundreds of conversations about what Cordonia had lost by not having Riley as its queen.

“Would have been an amazing queen….”

“It’s a shame that scandal happened. I heard it was all a setup. She never…”

“They say that’s why the king ended his engagement with the countess….”

“The king still loves her…. “

“She’s so down to earth. Just want Cordonia needs…..”

“She should have been queen…”

The crowd cheered as Riley and Liam packed the dirt around the sapling. They stood and waved to the onlookers before the security team ushered them inside the manor.

Drake let out a long sigh of relief as the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders.

There had been no assassination attempt. Riley and Liam were safe inside Applewood.

His relief was short-lived.

The moment the last of the public was cleared from the property, Liam stepped out the front door with Riley on his arm.

“What the actual fuck?” Drake growled, taking a step in their direction. A firm hand on his arm stopped him.

He turned to find Bastien giving him a sympathetic shake of his head. “Let them be. The grounds have been cleared. Liam wants to see the damage up close. It’s his prerogative.”

Drake shook off his godfather’s touch as a shadow crossed his face, but he stayed put. Bastien was right. The grounds had been cleared and there was no immediate danger. He watched from a distance as Riley and Liam walked through the remnants of the once-verdant landscape.

Mere hours before, a vibrant, lush thousand-acre orchard had stood there. Living hues had painted the grounds. Deep greens and vibrant reds had delighted the eye. The crisp, apple-scented air had pleased the nose. Now charred stumps rose toward the sky, blackened husks dotted the scorched earth. The acrid scent of carbonized trees wafted on the breeze.

They walked cautiously across the blistered ground, tendrils of gray smoke curling around their ankles and rising into the late afternoon air.

Drake stood on the sidelines watching as his fiancée and best friend stopped walking and held each other in the middle of the charred orchard. Not in a sexual way. It was clear she was comforting him. What was even clearer was that it was working. Much of the tension had drained out of the king’s body as he returned her embrace. There was a genuine smile on his face as they pulled apart.

Drake himself had tried to make Liam feel better, but nothing he said had made an impression. He’d watched as Liam’s friends and family members had tried to offer advice, condolences, and comfort. No one had succeeded in that endeavor. No one but Riley. Because Liam was still in love with her, and his love for her was deep and it was true, and it was real. Just like his own.

Liam entwined his fingers with hers as they made their way back toward the manor.

Drake couldn’t stand still a moment longer. He charged across the grounds, intercepting them at the front door. “I need to speak to you both. Privately.”

“Oh, I…” Liam dropped Riley’s hand and stepped away from her. He shoved his hands in his pockets with a flush. “I hope I haven’t overstepped any bound—”

“That’s what I want to talk about.” Drake ushered them both through the entryway and into a small sitting room just off the main hall. He shut the door behind him and then turned to face his best friend. “You still love her.”

“Drake, I’m sorry I’ve tried—”

“There’s nothing to be sorry for,” Drake clasped, then released his shoulder quickly. “You love who you love.”

He would know. He had fought his feelings for her for months and failed abysmally. Turning to face his fiancée, he stated, “You still love him, too. It’s obvious.”

Riley’s lower lip started to tremble. This was exactly what she didn’t want. Her head shook back and forth. “We talked about this! I thought—”

He nodded impatiently. “We did talk about it, and I’ve realized something.”

“What?” she asked with trepidation.

“I don’t want to spend our lives together constantly worrying about you and Liam fighting these feelings.”

“Drake! I love—”

“I know.” He held a hand up to stop her. “I’m not questioning that one bit. I love you too, Riley, and I’m not breaking up with you. Would you just listen?”

Riley pressed her lips together with a fair amount of effort.

“There is a way for all three of us to be happy.”

Riley blinked. “What do you mean?”

Liam’s body froze as his head jerked up, his gaze suddenly penetrating and intense as he watched the exchange.

“I mean…” he took her hand in his and pulled her into his body, “What if you didn’t have to choose?”

Her brows pulled together in confusion. “I already chose—”

“You chose to marry me and to spend the rest of your life with me, and for that, I will be eternally grateful. But you also chose to close off a part of yourself and fight your feelings for Liam. Believe me, I have some experience with that. I’m telling you that you don’t have to.”

“Wait…” Riley’s mind spun. “Are you saying that you’re okay with me having…with Liam and I…. what are you saying, exactly?”

“I’m telling you that I would be okay with you continuing your relationship with Liam. I’m amenable to an open marriage. Well….” His eyes darted to Liam and then back to Riley. “Maybe not entirely open, but I’m willing to make room for Liam in a triad situation.”

Riley shot a sidelong glance at Liam before responding. “Drake. That’s incredibly generous of you…”

“But?”

“What would that even look like?”

He lifted his shoulders expansively. “We’ll figure that out together.”

Riley stared at him for a long moment as confusion turned into astonishment. “You’re serious!”

Drake nodded with equanimity. “Mm-hm.”

“May I speak?” Liam’s voice was quiet but filled with restrained hopefulness.

“Please do.” Drake gave a respectful nod as he stepped back and turned so that he was looking at Liam instead of Riley.

Liam moved closer to Riley, then hesitated, shooting a glance at Drake. When he found nothing but encouragement there, he reached for her hand. “Please give this proposal due consideration before you make a decision. I implore you not to dismiss it out of hand. This is something that I want…. you have no idea how much…. but I won’t pressure you and I won’t rush you. Take all the time you need.” His eyes flicked back to Drake. “Both of you. If we move forward with this, we must all be on the same page. I want no room for misunderstandings or resentment.”

Her resolve to reject Drake’s offer out of a sense of loyalty faltered in the face of Liam’s impassioned plea. Dropping her eyes from his, she nodded. Her voice was barely a whisper as she told the floor, “Okay, I’ll consider it.”

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queen-arabella-of-cordonia · 2 months

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Midnights Like This Part Fifteen: Hold Me Tight

Miniseries Premise: Riley Brooks leaves everything behind to move to Cordonia after accepting her dream job designing clothing for the upcoming royal wedding. Drowning her sorrows one night, she meets Leo. The pair form an unlikely friendship, having more in common than either expected. Their feelings evolve, but neither wants to ruin the friendship. Will they take a chance or be content to stay friends?

Catch Up Here

Chapter Summary: Riley deals with her father, Leo and Riley spend time together

Book: The Royal Romance/Rules of Engagement

Pairings: Leo x Riley (OC), Liam x Marena (MC)

Rating: M

TW: Language, 🍋

Word Count: 3155

Music Inspo: Would That I—Hozier

Thank you to everyone who reads, likes, comments, and/or reblogs this. I appreciate it so much. ❤️

“Is that any way to greet your father?” Grant shook his head slightly, the disappointment in his features evident. “You haven’t answered my calls, Aurora.”

“So you got on a plane?” Riley blinked, bewildered. “I thought you were busy with your book or the exploratory committee or something.”

“That is precisely why I tried to get in touch with you,” Grant crossed his arms over his chest. “The committee went as I hoped. I haven’t formally announced it, but there’s a date set. I’d like you beside me at the press conference.”

A hysterical laugh spilled from Riley’s lips. “You’re not serious.”

Grant glanced around as though the stoic guard wanted to hear their conversation. “If you let me inside, I can give you more details. We can speak more easily. ”

Numb, Riley stepped aside to let her father into the apartment. She knew he would judge the inside but found it hard to care.

“Hmph,” Grant pulled a chair from the small circular table in her kitchen and motioned for Riley to sit. She stood straighter, refusing. “I know why there’s a guard out there. I have contacts, of course. Another reason you should be on the campaign trail where I can protect you.”

“Protect me?” Riley willed her brain to unfreeze. Her father’s presence, here in her apartment, was throwing her more than she’d anticipated. She hadn’t expected him to show up. She’d planned on answering a call, two calls from now.

“Yes,” Grant flicked a piece of lint from the shoulder of his dark blue suit. “This country is obviously dangerous.”

“Is that the excuse now?” Riley crossed her arms across her chest. “That isn’t what you told Ana.”

If Grant were surprised, his face didn’t reveal as much. “Forgive me for seeing my only daughter playing dress up and wanting more for her.”

“You mean you wanted to dictate my career path,” Riley challenged.

“Evening, Stephen,” Leo nodded to the guard beside Riley’s door, about to knock when the man interrupted him.

“Her father is here,” Stephen whispered. “He arrived almost a half hour ago.”

“Her father?” Leo’s eyebrows shot toward his hairline. Without another word, he rapped on the door. “Shit.”

Riley opened the door, relief washing across her features. Leo couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she looked, her hair falling around her shoulders. He brushed a lock behind her ear, his fingers lingering. “Hi.”

“Hi,” Riley’s face relaxed, a smile touching her lips. “My dad-”

“Stephen told me,” Leo stepped over the threshold. “Where do you want me?”

Riley blinked a few times, looking up at Leo in confusion. “Huh?”

“Backup or silent witness?”

“Both?” Riley clutched Leo’s hand. He expected nervousness, her fingers to be trembling. Riley’s grip was firm. She was holding it together just fine.

“I can do that,” Leo whispered, eyeing the back of Grant’s head. “How are you?”

Riley felt some of the tension in her shoulders melt away. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Leo drew Riley into a quick hug. “So am I.”

Grant glanced at Leo as he and Riley walked past, choosing to continue the conversation he’d been trying to have with his daughter.

“You are meant for greater things, Aurora,” Grant rose from the chair, standing to his full height. “The opportunity of joining me on the campaign trail will be too good to miss.”

Leo watched Riley from the corner of his eye, ready to jump in if needed.

Riley felt Leo’s hand brush hers and wrapped her finger around one of his before taking a deep breath.

“This is Leo,” Riley said. “He-”

“Abdicated the throne yet still works for the crown,” Grant interrupted, aiming a terse nod in Leo's direction. “I’m aware of who he is. Why won’t you return Donovan’s calls?”

“What?” Riley’s eyebrows shot up at the mention of her ex. “He hasn’t called me, and even if he did, we have nothing to discuss.”

Leo wondered if Grant knew how obvious he was being. Leo suspected it was intentional. It was something Constantine would do.

“Donovan is lost without you,” Grant deliberately caught Leo’s eye, recoiling when Leo shot him a wink. “He was confused; he didn’t want to uproot his life.”

“I never asked him to move,” Riley sighed. “He’s irrelevant.”

Last Riley had heard, Donovan had moved on with a woman from work. That was just before she left New York, and she didn’t keep track of him. Her father was trying to throw her off, and she wasn’t playing into his hand.

“Why?” Grant cocked his head to one side. “Because you’re with Leo now?”

Leo hid a smirk, but also hoped Grant and Constantine never crossed paths. They’d become best friends.

Riley narrowed her eyes. Grant was making a guess, or he was back to his old tricks.

Riley knew what she and Leo’s friendship looked like from the outside. Marena and Olivia’s shared knowing looks when they thought Riley wasn’t paying attention was obvious, in addition to Marena telling her how grateful she was Leo and Riley had so much in common and were able to lean on each other.

“Having Carl spy on me again, right?” Riley was annoyed she hadn’t considered this sooner. “Predictable.”

“You’re the one who decided to pick and choose when you spoke to me,” Grant challenged.

“You don’t get to decide what you know about my life,” Riley shot back. “I decide.”

A tense silence stretched, Grant waiting for her to apologize.

Riley stalked to the door, twisting the knob. “I don’t have anything left to say to you.”

Leo stood beside her, hoping his presence was helping. He was ready to jump in if she needed, but Riley was handling her father perfectly. Riley shifted on her feet, moving closer to Leo.

Grant didn’t move to follow. “We need to discuss security and schedules-”

“I don’t need security,” Riley interrupted. “A handful of people know who I am and no one cares. As previously discussed, I am not campaigning with you.”

“There was almost an attack!” Grant slammed his fist on the table, rattling the salt and pepper shakers. “You do need security-”

“As you can see,” Leo interrupted. “I have protection for Riley handled. Our resources are far superior to yours.”

Riley saw frustration and irritation in her father’s expression. Words she’d been longing to say for years bubbled up, and she decided to let them out.

“I wish you would consider me at all before you made these decisions,” Riley’s voice broke, and she cleared her throat. “For once, think about how it will affect me, rather than what it will do for you.”

Grant took a step back, as though Riley struck him. “All I do is consider you, Aurora. Everything I do is for you.”

Riley couldn’t help but shake her head. “Maybe that’s what you tell yourself so you don’t feel guilty about never being there when I needed you. Like when Mom died, and I cried myself to sleep for months.”

Leo enclosed Riley’s hand in his. While discussing their respective childhoods bonded them, he hated that they were so similar.

“I was up for reelection,” Grant argued. “I couldn’t stop living.”

Riley didn’t flinch; she expected the response. Leo glanced at Riley, wondering if she’d caught the slight wistfulness in Grant’s words. As if he’d wanted to stop, but threw himself into his work instead.

“No one asked you to give up,” Riley sighed. “I needed my father. You shipped me off to boarding schools instead. I’ve always done what you’ve asked of me. I won’t anymore. No campaign.”

“Aurora-“

“No,” Riley said harshly. “We’re done.”

Grant shook his head angrily. “I’ll be in the country the rest of the week. We can speak when you’ve calmed down.”

With that, he stalked out the open door before Riley could reply.

Silence seemed to echo, and Riley felt profoundly sad. Not that she missed her father, but she missed the potential relationship they could have had. She let the door close, dropping into the chair opposite where her father sat.

Leo knelt before her, taking her trembling hands in his. “You did amazing, you know that?” Leo said gently.

“It felt good,” Riley conceded. “I didn’t think I’d be telling him all that anytime soon. You know what I mean. He’s your dad, but he also sucks, and you have to figure out how to reconcile the two.”

“Preaching to the choir, lovely,” Leo’s eyes crinkled as he rose, pulling Riley up with him. Riley’s stomach fluttered at the term of endearment.

Riley’s chest constricted, and she couldn’t keep the tears back any longer. Leo folded her into his chest, rubbing soothing circles into her back as she cried.

“I caught a terrible movie the other night,” Leo murmured. “You’d probably love it.”

Riley laughed thickly, sniffing. She’d wanted tonight to be completely different. It was so like her father to show up at the exact moment she didn’t expect him.

“Are you still up for dinner?” Leo dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “We can reschedule.”

Riley contemplated this. She didn’t feel drained; that conversation had been a long time coming. She’d be damned if her father screwed up her night with Leo. “Order in or go out?”

“I thought we could go to the bar we first met,” Leo suggested. “With nobody holding anyone’s hair back this time.”

Riley snorted, stepping out of the embrace. “Even with the creepy bartender?”

“He doesn’t work there anymore,” Leo shrugged. “I’m friendly with the owner and told him about that night.”

Riley’s jaw dropped. “What?”

“If I hadn’t been there, I don’t want to think about what might have happened,” Leo brushed a stray tear off Riley’s cheek with his thumb. “I didn’t want anyone else to have a bad day, try to blow off steam, and have that asshole prey on them.”

Riley threw her arms around Leo’s neck, her lips crashing against his. His stubble scratched her chin deliciously; Riley was surprised at the change; Leo was always clean-shaven. Leo pulled her against him, his tongue sweeping past her lips. The kiss warmed her, the way Leo kissed her as if they had all the time in the world.

Leo thought back to the many nights spent in her living room, how she’d sit just close enough that he could smell her perfume. Now, he was surrounded by her scent; her body was pressed against his, and it was better than he could have imagined. It wasn’t their first kiss, but it somehow felt like it was.

“I can’t believe you did that,” Riley whispered.

“Anyone would have,” Leo rested his palm along the side of her neck, his thumb tracing her cheekbone before moving to her bottom lip. “It’s not a big deal.”

“You haven’t met most people,” Riley brushed her lips on the tip of his thumb. “Thank you.”

“Do you know how grateful I am to have met you that night?” Leo felt a flash of emotion. What would he have done without her?

“That feeling is very mutual,” Riley caught his eye, smiling up at him. Leo couldn’t help but return the smile.

Leo couldn’t help but kiss her again. Riley’s arms tightened around his torso, her heart beating in her ears. She lost herself in the feel of his arms, yelping in surprise as her waist bumped against the counter island.

Leo broke the kiss, “Are you all right?”

Riley nodded, gesturing behind her. “I guess we moved, and I didn’t notice.”

“Sorry,” Leo gave her a rueful smile.

Riley lifted on her toes, unable to reach Leo’s lips. He grinned, lifting her. Riley gasped, feeling the cool surface of the countertop beneath her. Leo cupped her cheek as he threaded his fingers through her hair.

“Riley?” Leo searched her face. “Shouldn’t we talk?”

I’m in love with you, is what Leo didn’t say. He thought she felt the same, but they hadn’t exactly gotten around to discussing anything yet. In this moment, he didn’t want to. He wanted to keep kissing her.

“Later,” Riley surged forward to kiss him deeply. “Is that okay?”

“More than okay,” Leo moved to stand between her legs, groaning softly as she wound them around his waist. He moved his lips to just below her ear, biting softly before swiping the spot with his tongue.

“Jesus,” Riley moaned.

“Leo is fine,” Leo murmured against her lips, feeling the edges quirk up.

Leo slipped his hands under her top, his fingers skating along her rib cage. Riley’s breath quickened as he caressed her. She clutched Leo, her legs tightening around him. Heat rose in her chest, and she marveled at how close she was, simply from kisses and a few touches. He knew exactly what to do, like he’d been made for her.

“Leo,” Riley rasped. “I need you.”

The words washed over Leo, his heart rate ticking up. Leo carefully unbuttoned her skirt; Riley lifted her hips as he slid it down her legs with her tights. “I’d rip them off, but I know how you are about clothes.”

“Much appreciated,” Riley laughed softly, heat pooling in her belly.

Leo slipped her shirt over her head, his breath catching at her gorgeous, almost bare form. “I can’t decide where to start with you.”

“Here,” Riley brought Leo’s fingers to her mouth, kissing them gently. She moved his hand down her breasts, her stomach agonizingly slowly.

Leo slipped his hand from Riley’s grasp once he brushed her thigh. Their eyes locked as he pushed her thong to the side, her breath hot on his neck as he plunged one finger inside her. Riley dug her nails into Leo’s arm, grinding against him. “Here. That’s where I want to be most.”

Riley writhed beneath his touch, small gasps falling off her lips as he used his thumb to circle her bud.

Riley‘s breath hitched. “I’ve wanted this. You.”

“I’ve wanted you, too,” Leo whispered against her neck as he left little marks in his wake. He wanted to stay in this moment as long as he could, with Riley wrapped around him.

Riley moaned needily, her arms winding around Leo as he added another finger. “Fuck, I’m-”

Leo tilted Riley’s chin up with one hand, his mouth claiming hers as she fell apart. Before she could recover, Leo slipped the scrap of lace down her legs and tossed it aside.

Riley fumbled with his belt, her fingers slipping with nerves and anticipation. Leo leaned down and pressed his lips to hers as he finished the job she started. They broke apart long enough for Riley to rid Leo of his shirt.

Leo slid Riley to the edge of the counter, keeping one arm around her. Riley braced her palms against the surface, her eyes meeting Leo’s. Unlike the kiss last night, she knew there was no coming back from this. The same thought seemed to dawn on Leo; his brow furrowed for a brief moment before clearing.

Leo brushed Riley’s lips with his softly. She melted into him, deepening the kiss. His mouth swallowed Riley’s whimper as he buried himself inside her.

“Fuck.” Leo groaned low in his throat, “You’re everything.”

“So are you,” Riley’s knuckles turned white as one hand gripped the lip of the counter, Leo setting a rhythm that lit every one of her nerves on fire. “Jesus.”

“Leo,” Leo pulled Riley’s bottom lip between his, sucking gently. “Remember?”

Riley couldn’t help but shake her head at the joke, but the heat building in her core erased every thought from her brain. Her hips rolled to meet his thrusts, each movement bringing her closer to the edge.

Leo’s fingers dug into the soft skin of her waist, her name a whispered plea on his lips. Her chest rose and fell against his, her breath quickening. He covered her mouth with his, swirling his tongue with hers as he increased his thrusts. He felt her flutter around him, her moans muffled.

“Leo,” Riley whimpered against his lips. “I’m so close.”

“So am I,” Leo nipped at the sensitive skin of her neck. “Let go. I’ve got you, lovely.”

Riley’s back arched, her nails dug into Leo’s back as she rode out the waves of pleasure that crashed over her. Leo chased his own release, stilling and clutching Riley to him.

Leo brushed his lips against Riley’s forehead, tasting her in the sheen of sweat that covered her skin.

“Wow,” Riley breathed, resting her head against Leo’s shoulder. “Tonight’s been full of surprises.”

Leo’s chest vibrated against Riley’s cheek as he chuckled. “That’s one way of putting it.”

Leo hooked his arms around Riley’s legs, lifting her into an embrace. She draped her arms around his shoulders, brushing her lips along his jaw.

Riley felt perfectly at ease, even though they had crossed the line; she was naked in Leo’s arms right now, there was no awkwardness.

So why did she feel a pit in her stomach, a small one, that told her staying friends was the safer option? That she hadn’t thought this through. The realization that she could lose Leo slammed into her, and Riley swallowed over the lump in her throat.

She was getting ahead of herself. Wasn’t she?

“Riley?” Leo repeated. He’d said her name twice. The glazed look in her eye told him she was far away and she needed to come back.

“Sorry,” Riley mentally shook herself. “What were you saying?”

“Shower?” Leo began to walk down the short hallway before Riley could answer. “Then-”

“Food,” Riley finished, leaning against the vanity once Leo lowered her, getting her balance. “I have mac and cheese if you don’t want to go out, but I don’t think we want a repeat of last time.”

Leo and Riley shuddered. It turned out that there was a way to ruin boxed macaroni and cheese, especially if you didn’t completely follow the directions.

“We’ll figure it out,” Leo twisted the knob, running his hand under the water as he waited for it to warm. “After I wash your hair.”

“That’ll be a first,” Riley’s cheeks heated at Leo’s tender tone. “For us, I mean.”

“Lot of firsts tonight,” Leo pressed his lips against Riley’s.

Leo encircled Riley in his arms as she deepened the kiss, pulling her into him. He could tell she was having conflicting thoughts. The truth was, he wasn’t. He’d never been so sure about someone before. Not even Katie.

Leo knew Riley was the woman he’d been waiting for. He only hoped she felt the same way.

But, if Riley wanted to chalk up tonight as a one-time thing, the result of weeks of tension and curiosity, Leo wasn’t sure where that left them.

Leo led Riley into the shower, closing the glass door behind him. Later. They’d talk later.

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