Page 97 of Wear It Like a Crown

“Hey, James?” Leo got up from his chair and crossed over to the window. Restlessness itched in his bones and buzzed in his fingertips, had him watching the sky with a mix of hope and apprehension. In just a few hours he’d be up there. Christ, it had been over a decade since he’d last been on a plane. Turning, he found James studying him with fond amusement, and Leo cleared his throat. “Do you know someone who might—my old passport is way expired.”

“Surprised you even have one,” James said. “Thought you might have left it behind so your parents wouldn’t find you.”

Leo gave a hollow laugh. “I really don’t think they even tried. But, yeah, that’s why I always used my fake ID. I was not so stupid as to run away without my passport though. Plenty stupid, yes, but that one I had covered.”

“Good thinking.” While James had never learned the specifics of Leo’s background, he merely smiled. “I can pull some strings.”

“Of course you can,” Leo said. Smiling back, he shifted his weightand tried to control the hectic pace of his pulse. Unsurprisingly, his success was limited. He probably wouldn’t get so much as a wink of sleep on the twelve-hour flight, would get high on complimentary snacks and sugary drinks instead.

God, please let there still be a free seat for him when he got out of here. He didn’t want to wait another twenty-four hours for the next flight out.

About to excuse himself, he was stopped when James spoke up again. “So, with what I know of your backstory, I’m aware we’re looking at a potential scandal. Shall I ready the troops?”

Leo stilled. The question sat strangely in his stomach, like a weight that had dropped quite suddenly. What had seemed like an abstract possibility had just become a lot more concrete because—fuck. If Joshua was willing to take that chance, it could cost them. And if they failed in spinning thisjustright…

Buckingham Palace would be under siege. Again.

Jesus fucking Christ, Joshua would have to bemadto risk it. But Leo would give him a choice all the same. And if Joshua wanted him… Well. Leo’s life would change. Enormously so.

It would be worth it.

“Not quite yet.” Leo fought for an even tone. “And you know I can’t afford?—”

James didn’t let him finish. “You’re not a paying client, Leo. Don’t insult me.” He sounded genuinely offended, and Leo had no idea how he’d got so lucky. If he hadn’t been at that bar while James had been waiting for a contact that never showed, if James hadn’t seensomethingin Leo that evening, hadn’t been willing to take a chance on a boy who didn’t possess much beyond a cheeky smile and a worn leather jacket…

“You might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me, you know?” Leo told him. On impulse, he closed the gap between them to lean down for a sideways hug. James grinned into it.

“Or maybe Joshua is.”

Pulling back, Leo managed a grin that was bound to turn out a little watery. Ever since this morning, everything about him felt broken open, unsteady. A few short hours ago, he’d believed that he should let Joshua go without a fight. How could he have been so stupid?

“Maybe,” Leo agreed softly. “Maybe he is, yes.”

James’ grin widened in response. Steepling his fingers together on his desk, he kicked his chair back a little, shooting Leo a shrewd look. “Nate’s coming with you, by the way,” he said, matter-of-fact.

“Hewhat?” Then the implication caught up with Leo, and he crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. “Wait a minute. Are you telling me that you knew the whole time why I was here, and yet you let me squirm through this? Not cool.”

If anything, James’ amusement seemed to increase. “It’s my job to know things, and I so rarely get to see you squirm.” He tilted his head, gaze warm and direct. “Really, though. I felt it would do you good, having to ask. Some things shouldn’t be easy.”

“You’re a closeted sadist.” Leo inhaled and swallowed, dropping his arms back to his side. “Also a better father figure than mine ever was.”

“Don’t think that’s saying much, from what little I gleaned. But,”—James’ tone grew serious—“I’m honoured, Leo. Don’t mean to brag, but I think I did a pretty good job with you, all things considered.”

“All things considered,” Leo echoed flatly. “Such praise, oh, you flatter me.” It took a moment, then a grin tugged at the corners of Leo’s mouth.

“Well. You go through with this, put yourself out there…” James’ eyes held a challenge, bright and fond. He inserted a significant pause. “Then I’d say I did an all-round spectacular job. Nowgo. Collect Nate. We’ll sort the passport, and then you can book your flights,.”

“Thank you,” Leo told him. His chest swelled on a deep breath.

“Go,” James repeated.

Leo did.

£1,290.

£1,290 per person, just for the flight to Rio de Janeiro. One-way, and then it’d be a similar sum for the way back. The financial cushion Leo had managed to squirrel away would be a little less comfortable after this trip.

It was worth it.