Page 4 of Don’t Look Down

Two

Imust’ve said that part out loud. The short-lived relief of not falling is quickly replaced with a newfound embarrassment. “I’m sorry,” I stutter, rearing back and pulling myself out of Beauford’s grip. “And I’m”—I swallow—“I’m not a princess.”

A teasing tilt of his full lips flashes. He leans down, speaking only loudly enough for me to hear. His breath tickles the shell of my ear. “Not yet.”

I blink at the certainty in his voice but am instantly overwhelmed as the cameras now aimed in both our directions fade back into view. It’s momentary though, because security swarms in and creates a solid wall of muscle and black suit coats. They herd the paparazzi away from us and back toward their original spot. Juliette chirps at them from behind the line of security. Her face is flushed with anger and a few of the cameramen have the sense to look apologetic.

“Going to need to get used to the cameras. They come with the job.” Beauford adjusts the cufflinks on his navy jacket, the picture of cool indifference at the whole scene.

“I’m aware,” I say, a bit harsher than I should be speaking to him. It’s not like I’ve been blind to the life they live. But growing up, our families always gathered behind closed doors, or I was ushered inside parties without fanfare while my parents braced the media. “Just a little surprising, is all.”

“You mean you didn’t expect to face them today?” He gives me a once over, lingering far longer on the dip of my hips than proper. “I’d say you look camera ready.”

“Of course I knew about them. I didn’t expect to see you here today.”

“Dissatisfied?”

“Of course not. I—” I smooth my hair down against the breeze. “I just was expecting to spend time with Lockwood.”

He scoffs. “Please, if you’re going to marry him the least you can do is call him Lock.”

My eyes bulge, and I glance around to see if anyone’s listening. That’s not information that is supposed to be out, let alone before Lockwood… Lock… has even made a move.

“Relax, Briar.” The way he says my name, the soft purr in his voice, it makes me unsteady. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

“There’s no secret to be kept.”

“If denial is the path you’ve chosen, then I guess you should be happy I’m here.”

“Why are you here?”

Juliette approaches, her clipboard held like a weapon at her side, and I’m surprised she didn’t hit some of the photographers on the head with it. She curtsies in his direction, and I remember my manners and do the same. “My deepest apologies, Your Royal Highness. We worked with your team to ensure the media presence here would be suitable, but I guess some of them forgot their manners at home this morning.”

Beauford’s posture relaxes a fraction, and he flashes her an easy grin. “Beau, if you please. And no apologies necessary. You wrangled them quite impressively. I may have to talk to Gabriel about offering you a job with his team.”

One of the security guards offers an amused nod toward Juliette.

“I’m not sure my blood pressure could handle that, but that is very kind of you, Sir.” Juliette gestures toward the entrance. “Shall we?”

Beau sweeps an arm toward me, a sign for me to go first. I follow Juliette inside and down a corridor to what I assume is usually used as a classroom, but now has furniture set up in configuration for a meeting. Desks form a small square with a bottle of water set in front of each chair.

“Please have a seat. I’ll round up the rest of the team.”

I reach for the closest chair, ready to sit down after the whirlwind outside, but Beau blocks the attempt. He slides the chair out and arches a brow at me, waiting.

“Thank you,” I murmur and settle in.

He surprises me by taking the chair next to mine. His security fills the perimeter of the room, but Gabriel takes a seat on Beau’s other side. He must be in charge.

Footsteps clammer down the hall before a stream of people enter the room. Almost every single one of them do a double-take when they see Beau and immediately bow at the waist.

I uncap my water and take a long sip. It’s unusually warm in here, and I’m not sure if it’s because of the sun outside, the lack of air conditioning due to the summer holiday, or the proximity of the wrong prince sitting to my left.

People settle around the tables until almost all the chairs are full. Chatter has all but died down as Juliette stands behind her designated seat. She clears her throat, garnering the attention from everyone in the room.

Which is impressive with His Royal Highness sitting straight-backed in the classroom chair. His presence practically pulses throughout the room, and I feel my heart racing to match.

“Thank you all for being here today, we have a big, big day ahead of us!” Juliette launches into introductions and the members of her team go around in a circle introducing themselves. Members of marketing, communications, event planning, security, too many faces and names to remember.