Page 81 of Royally Redeemed
“I get it. People could assume she slept her way to the top, but she didn’t. She’s bloody amazing at her job. And she’s the only reason I survived at Valley. She was the best distraction and someone to come home to, which I needed. She kept me in line, but she’s fair. This isn’t just me wanting to shag an available younger woman, John. You must trust me. I would like for this to continue well after I return to the UK.”
He was surprised. “You hid it well.”
“She’s brilliant at hiding things.”
“It was her job—is, I suppose.”
“Can we keep it from being awkward?” I winced. “Let’s treat her as a professional and ignore the fact that she and I are something.”
“A couple?”
“I don’t know if that is accurate.”
“Are you… together?”
“We’re exclusive. That was a stipulation on both our parts.”
“Then, it would seem you are, yes.”
“Please do not mention this to Mum. And give me time to explain this to Ella,.”
John nodded. “That seems fair. I wish you the best. She is good for you, no doubt.”
And she was. Ella was the best thing that had happened to me in years.
48
THE CONFESSIONAL
DUNCAN
“What is the best part of your work?” Cressida asked.
I toiled all day before sitting down to chat. Now, I had totalkabout it. Every tour stop included walkabouts. I survived those. The minute I had to discuss them in impressive detail, I locked up.
“I don’t know. People.”
I could tell by Cressida’s body language, that wasn’t good enough.
“Look, this isn’t my thing. I’m not a reality TV star. I loathe that sort of thing—no offense. I am much better when just talking to everyday people.”
She nodded. “I get that.”
“And I’m so knackered. I just… could I take a minute and get something to drink? Perhaps everyone could?”
“Of course,” Cressida said. “Cut! We’re breaking.”
Eloise swept in with a Cherry Coke, something delightful I’d discovered. She read me impossibly well and always had one at the ready. I took a few swigs, then ducked the two camerascrammed into my hotel suite’s living room. I stood, turned off my mic, and sat it on the chair
“You’re a bloody angel,” I said. “Always.”
“You are doing great. I know this isn’t easy,” she said sympathetically.
“Not at all.”
“You need to let down your guard and be the man I know,” Eloise said tenderly. “Be effusive. Be funny. Be genuine.”
“That isn’t what royals do.”
