Page 45 of Scandal Queen

Marcus had made it clear we couldn’t hide anymore. It was Oliver’s duty to be seen to do the right thing.

Freya had made it more than clear that she wouldn’t allow her boss’ point score to drop any lower than it had.

Oliver for all the world didn’t seem to give a shit about points. And that’s why I loved him.

“Just remember what Norma said, Mummy. Smile, shake hands, and then move on.”

I glanced at Molly and caught her biting her lip. “Don’t laugh.”

“Sorry.” She did try—and failed—not to laugh. “Just don’t fall over, Leia. Please.”

“Why can’t you come with me?”

“Because I’m not a person of royal personage.” She mimicked Norma’s tone.

“John’s single.” I pointed out.

“John’s an ars—”

“Whoa, stop!” I gestured at Daisy and Molly clamped her words down.

“You don’t need me anyway. Look at you, you’ve got underwear that fits, you walk around in posh boots and smart skirts. It’s amazing what can change in a week.”

I glared at her and made her chuckle. If there was one thing in the last seven days I was truly thankful for, it was being able to bring Molly into my new life with me. I missed everyone else at the office, I missed seeing Nana every day, although she still came most afternoons just out of force of habit from always picking up the school run, but it wasn’t quite the same. Time had no meaning in the palace; it was as I thought, life had become a moment of Sundays.

It wouldn’t last though. Daisy started her new school on Monday. I don’t know who was more nervous.

“Are you ready? The cars waiting.” Oliver popped his head around the edge of the door. “Oh, wow. Leia.”

I grinned and gave him a twirl. “It’s amazing isn’t it?”

He nodded, his Adam’s apple bobbing for a moment. “Come, I’ve got someplace I need to take you before we leave.”

Molly snorted and I shot her a glare. “You are so childish.”

Oliver laughed and Molly had the grace to blush. “Thank you, Molly, but actually I’ve noticed Leia’s outfit needs a little embellishment.”

Emilia opened her mouth to protest but Oliver shot her a wink, which was enough to steal the words from most women’s mouths.

He held his arm out for me. “Leia, if you please.”

I was actually going to do this. I was going to go outside, officially his girlfriend. The papers were going to shred me alive.

Molly, maybe sensing my hesitation, lifted Daisy off her lap and stood, coming up to my side. “Leia, I know I’m your biggest piss-taker, but honestly, you’ve got this.”

“Of course she has. I’m not going to let her fall.” Oliver sounded so sure, so positive that this could only turn out one way, that for a moment I almost stopped wanting to hurl into the nearest wastepaper bin.

I walked to him on wobbly legs and he turned to Daisy. “Are you okay to stay with Molly for a moment?”

She pouted but nodded.

His fingers slipped into mine, so right, so homely, and I let him lead me out of the dressing room and through the apartment. Outside, the cool night air rushed against my skin and he handed me the sheer, rose-gold organza wrap that went with the dress.

“Quick through here.” He led me into the main entrance of the palace and then held my hand as he darted us off to a hallway down the right. Through some more doors, and about fifteen thousand steps in, he halted at a door with a security pass. He smiled but kept his gaze averted from me as he keyed in a number. When the door hissed open, he pulled me in behind him.

“Is this your BDSM playroom?”

He howled with laughter but then steered me around so I could see.