Love lorena, p.11
Love, Lorena, page 11
As Iver sniffed around, Rose asked, “Did you grow up with pets? We’ve always had at least one in the palace, usually two or three.”
“No, my parents aren’t animal people. I had to wait until I was living on my own to adopt one. I had actually been planning on getting a cat from the shelter the same week I found baby Amado, so it all worked out.”
Rose’s eyes widened as she did the math. “Wait, so you’ve never had a dog?”
Lorena shook her head. “Nope. Amado is my first and only pet ever.”
“Whoa.” Rose made a baffled face. “I can remember being a wee tyke and chasing the family pups around. Hours of entertainment there.”
“Sounds like it.” Lorena surveyed the orchard. “Tell me something else about you when you were younger.”
Rose kissed her teeth as she thought. “I was a loud kid.”
“Was?”
“Ha, ha.” Rose scowled. “I won’t tell you anything if—”
“No, no!” Lorena held up her hands. “I take it back! Tell me. I won’t make fun of you, promise.”
“Anyway, I always wanted to mess around. Never focused. And Callum was the perfect son, the perfect older brother, the perfect wee prince.” Rose adjusted an invisible crown. “It was hard to grow up in the shadow of that. Everyone expected a younger Callum in a skirt, and I, well, wasn’t.”
Lorena softened. “Must’ve been hard.”
Rose snorted. “To put it lightly. I could never please anyone, especially not my mum. I thought they needed some more fun in their lives, but it was always ‘be quieter, be politer, be neater.’ Be Callum-er, basically.”
Lorena winced. “That can’t have been an easy way to grow up.”
“No matter what I tried, I couldn’t squeeze myself into the box they’d laid out for me. I couldn’t even walk in a straight line if someone asked me to, and eventually, it got easier to stop trying to fit into their rules at all.”
“That makes sense.” Lorena shifted her weight and looked sadly over at Rose.
Rose waved this off. “No pity, please. I managed fine.”
But Lorena reached out and grasped her fingers.
Rose curled her fingers around Lorena’s, and the next words spilled out of her: “Our people like Callum, but they don’t actually like me. They just think I’m entertaining. People like to be able to say ‘ooh, I met Rowdy Rosamund,’ but no one ever wants to get lunch or hang out, you know? That stupid nickname is all people see in me, and I guess I haven’t worked very hard to show them otherwise because nothing I did was ever good enough anyway.”
“I’m sorry no one appreciated what you contributed to palace life because it wasn’t what they were looking for.”
It took Rose a second to respond. “Thanks.”
Lorena’s cheeks heated. “I like you. You’re a little chaotic, and it drives me up the wall sometimes, but I think you’re fun. Not Rowdy Rosamund fun, but Rose fun.”
“Only a little chaotic? And here I was trying for a lot chaotic. Boooo.”
Lorena laughed. “Oh, take the compliment.”
Rose quieted. “Thanks. It means a lot coming from you.”
Iver finally finished his business, and they walked him around the perimeter of the orchard, chatting about nothing and everything. They stopped outside Lorena’s suite. She bent to scratch him behind the ears before slipping into her suite to work on her puzzle. But for the first time maybe ever, the colorful pieces didn’t capture her interest. She wanted to talk to Rose more, find out more about her. How dangerous.
Chapter Twelve
A Day Together (with Nana)
THE BLAIRHILL POST
ROWDY ROSAMUND EXPOSES SELF AT NUDE BEACH
Crown Princess Rosamund was allegedly sighted at Playa de Ses Illetes in Spain, sunning herself in the nude. Beachgoers debated whether or not it was actually her, but fans swore the beauty mark on her hip was indisputable.
The next morning, Lorena awoke to a reminder on her phone calendar: Rose’s dad’s birthday. Today, there would be no dates, no dedications, no princess duties at all. A single day for Rose to remember her father. Lorena was a little surprised Queen Catriona allowed it, but then again, maybe it was a special day for her too. In the meantime, Lorena got dressed and sat down at her puzzle.
Someone knocked at the door, a slow, quiet rhythm Lorena didn’t recognize. Neither heavy enough to be Graeme nor playful enough to be Rose. Housekeeping, maybe?
“Come in,” she called.
The doorknob turned, and Rose poked her head in. “Morning,” she said softly. She stepped inside, wearing a long black romper with simple gold jewelry.
Shit. Of course she wasn’t feeling playful. Lorena set down her puzzle piece. “Hey. How are you feeling? Do you want to hang out?” She kept her tone careful, no pressure.
“I already have plans, but that’s actually why I’m here.” Rose mustered up a smile. “So, you want to spend the day with me and—”
“Rosie! Is she coming or not?” Aileen’s voice came through the half-open door, and the walker banged on the hard floor.
“I’m asking her, Nana!” Rose called.
“Well, hurry up! I’m not getting any younger!”
“Are you with us or not?” Rose asked Lorena.
Lorena hesitated. “Are you sure? I know it’s an important day. I don’t want to intrude.”
“I’m asking you. That’s the opposite of you intruding.”
Taking a careful step closer, Lorena touched Rose’s arm. “Honestly.”
“Honestly?” The princess laid her hand over Lorena’s, holding her there. “I want to be with you. But this is my and Nana’s day, so we’re kind of a package deal.”
“I’m honored to be included, then.” Lorena looked down at her periwinkle dress. “Should I wear black too? I can change.”
Rose shook her head. “You’re fine. Nana’s wearing blue, too—it was my da’s favorite color.”
“Okay, that works,” Lorena said, but Rose still hadn’t let go of her hand, and she seemed so sad. “Hey…can I give you a hug?”
Rose’s eyebrows jumped, but she sagged. “Aye, that’d be nice.”
So, gently, Lorena pulled Rose in and wrapped her arms around her. Hugging her back, Rose buried her face in Lorena’s neck and sighed.
“Thanks,” she whispered, the words a warm breath against Lorena’s skin.
It felt like the cosmos in an embrace, an eternity to themselves. Lorena gently rocked Rose, whose breaths came ragged in the air they shared.
“I miss him,” Rose whispered, and a tear dripped from her eye onto Lorena’s shoulder. Then another.
“I’m sorry.” Lorena pressed her cheek to Rose’s temple and let her cry. Poor thing. To have a parent who got along with you, who loved you, and lose them early… Lorena couldn’t imagine.
Eventually, Rose pulled back and wiped at her eyes. “Sorry for getting weepy on you there.” She sniffled, then smiled. “All right, time to hang out with my nana. Let’s go.”
When they opened the door, Aileen pulled herself up to her full height. “What? No curtsy for your queen?”
“Oh! Of course.” Lorena dipped, sweeping one arm out for maximum effect.
Rose smiled. “You’re a natural.”
“Come!” Aileen barked once Lorena had risen. “To the garage!”
Lorena and Rose slowed their paces so Aileen led the way. Their “queen” took them to a fine, gleaming antique convertible sports car.
“This was my Dugald’s favorite, back in the day.” Aileen’s smile faded.
Rose hugged her grandmother. “Let’s take it for a spin, then.” They broke down the walker and fit it into the trunk. Rose helped Aileen into the passenger seat before sliding into the back seat.
Aileen rolled down the window and stuck her head out. “Well, lass?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Lorena let herself into the back seat. Rose winked at her, and she relaxed with a smile. Security followed them out the gate, but Lorena barely noticed them anymore, as she was so used to Rose’s shadows.
As they drove out of Àverness and into the village of Dulnally, Aileen pointed out her window with one wrinkled finger. “See that statue?”
Lorena peered out the left window of the back seat. They passed a statue of a woman wielding a sword. “It’s lovely.”
“My Dugald had the statue erected in honor of Saoirse of Dulnally, an Ìovorian legend from our own hometown.” Aileen puffed up with pride. “Good with politics, good with a sword. An icon.”
“I did a paper about her once,” Rose said. “Did you know she dueled a man topless so her breasts would distract him?”
Instead of chastising Rose, Aileen cackled. “She was a wily one. Shame the statue had to be family-friendly.”
Lorena covered her mouth to smother a laugh.
“Och! There!” Aileen pointed out a little city garden. “My Dugald so loved coming here and helping plant for the people. All his life. Even after he married your mum, Rosie, he came here. His favorite thing to plant was potatoes.”
They drove throughout the village like that, with Aileen calling out landmarks and telling little stories about her son. After they returned to the palace garage, Rose popped the walker back up and carefully helped her grandmother out of the car. She touched Aileen gently. “Want to look at pictures next?” Her voice was affectionate, comforting.
A warm feeling twisted in Lorena’s chest, but she pushed it down. No time for that, whatever it was.
They went to Aileen’s suite, where they dug out old photo albums. Rose helped Aileen get comfy in a rocker, propping her up with a fluffy pillow and draping a blanket over her; then she pulled up two chairs. She perched beside Lorena, close enough for Lorena to feel her heat.
Aileen opened the first album to pictures of Dugald as a toddler. “Och, I remember those days. He was sweet as pear cobbler but playful as anything.”
Rose smiled. “Tell us about the time with the lawn mower.”
Aileen laughed. “Aye, he kept me on my toes, much like you, Rosie. When he was three, he stole the lawn mower and pushed it down the road. But he was naked as a bear in the woods!” She sighed. “You know, that was the same day he met little Catriona for the first time. Thankfully, he had clothes on for that though.”
Lorena tentatively raised her hand. “Um, if you don’t mind me asking, what exactly brought Dugald and Catriona together?” If it was a love story, she loved to hear them. If not…it would at least be good to get an idea of the relationship Rose had seen growing up.
Aileen shifted with a wince, and Rose was immediately all over her, adjusting the pillow. “Are you okay, Nana?”
“Aye, aye, I’m fine. Right as rain.” She shooed her granddaughter away.
Rose sat, looking chastened for once in her life.
“Anyway, the two of them met at a party. They played together all evening. Catriona had less of a stick up her arse then.”
Rose snickered.
They moved through the photo albums page by page, young Dugald growing up before their very eyes. When Aileen started faltering, Rose helped her up and walked her to bed for a nap. Lorena watched the two of them interact, so sweet and caring, and again, that fondness welled up inside her. Fondness for Rose. For how loving she was, how playful, how generous. For how much she cared, despite the world’s insistence on seeing her only as a hedonist.
Lorena cared about Rose. Truly cared about her. When had that happened?
As if summoned by the thought, Rose emerged from Aileen’s bedroom. “She’s down for the count,” she whispered. “We’ll pick back up later, after her nap, if she’s up for it.” She ushered Lorena out into the hall and closed the door behind them.
Rose and Lorena meandered down the halls, their hands brushing as they strolled. On one wrist flashed a small heart. A tattoo Rose had mentioned after her date with Quinlan but never clarified what it meant to her.
“You never explained your other tattoos,” Lorena said. “The heart, the sun, the lightning bolt. The one of Ìovoria is kinda self-explanatory.”
Rose’s eyebrows jumped. “Good memory.”
“Thanks. So hit me with it. What are they for?”
“The rest… Don’t laugh, okay? I got them a long time ago.”
“I won’t laugh.”
Rose took a deep breath. “The heart is to remind me not to give up on love. The lightning bolt symbolizes what I want to be for other people.”
“A shock?”
“Yes and no. A brilliant flash of light and energy. And the sun—I want to brighten people’s lives.” Rose shrugged as if it meant little. “Not that I do that much, but it’s a nice concept.”
“I think you do.” Lorena reached out and squeezed Rose’s hand. “You shine, y’know. Not because of the glitter and the sequins. It’s you. I haven’t known you long yet, but I can say that with certainty.”
Rose curled her fingers around Lorena’s. “I bet you say that to all your clients.”
“I promise I don’t. I only say it when I mean it.” Not letting go of her hand, Lorena pulled Rose into a small, private alcove.
Rose caught herself against the wall. “You all right?”
So close. Lorena drew Rose in until their bodies were pressed together. She smelled like cinnamon, and Lorena wondered if she tasted like it too. I’m so going to regret this later. And yet right now, she couldn’t summon up any regret at all. “Rose…”
Rose sighed. “Have I ever told you how glad I am you don’t call me Rosamund anymore?”
Lorena watched her lips form the words. “No, but I deduced.”
“Mmm.” Rose smiled, and the world lit up.
“Don’t tell anyone, but have I ever told you how glad I am your brother abdicated?” Her fingertips trailed down Rose’s cheek. “I would never have gotten to know you otherwise. I never knew…”
Rose’s breath stuttered. “You never knew what?”
Lorena tipped Rose’s face toward herself. “I never knew how much I could want someone until I met you. The real you.” Her voice went low, rough.
Rose sucked in a breath.
Lorena tilted her head. She soaked up the sight of Rose’s parted lips. “So you have five seconds to kiss me before—”
Rose didn’t wait to hear the alternative. She cupped Lorena’s cheeks and kissed her.
Fireworks exploded in Lorena’s brain, in her body. Desire roared to life inside her. She ran her hands over Rose’s shoulders and up into her hair, drawing her even closer. Rose nipped at her lower lip, and Lorena opened to her. Their tongues tangled, a battle of wills. Rose stepped in, flush against Lorena, and Lorena hooked her leg over her hip. Rose trailed kisses along Lorena’s jaw, then down her neck, where she sucked. A needy moan vibrated in the alcove; belatedly, Lorena realized it had come from her own throat. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Rose pressed her back and purred. “You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for this. How long I’ve wanted you.”
Lorena let out another embarrassing noise, but Rose Cheshire-grinned and skimmed her hands downward, over Lorena’s curves; her touch was magic, hot and sparkling and powerful. Lorena arched for more.
Rose’s lips grazed Lorena’s ear. “Tell me what you want,” she whispered.
The answer felt obvious. “You.”
With a groan, Rose devoured her mouth, slid her thigh between Lorena’s legs, and lifted until the perfect pressure made Lorena sigh. Lorena ground down, and Rose pushed up, and oh, it was cosmic. Lorena wound her arms around Rose’s neck and licked into her mouth. Cinnamon, spice, glory.
She had never wanted anyone like this before, enough to ravish her where anyone could see. Enough to…
Anyone could see.
Lorena opened her eyes, and she pulled away, breathing hard, her body crying out for more. “We have to—we have to stop.” She wanted nothing more than to drag Rose back to her suite and pick things back up on the bed, but she’d already broken the most basic rule of professionalism. She didn’t need to dig the hole any deeper.
Rose’s lips grazed hers again, a simple touch that made her weak in the knees. “Do we have to?”
Lorena gently pushed Rose away. “It’s inappropriate for us to…”
“Snog against a wall?”
“…be involved.” Shit. She was so getting fired. She straightened her dress and stood tall. “That can’t happen again.”
Rose laughed. “Why? You liked it too much?”
Yes, clearly, but Lorena couldn’t say so. “It was inappropriate.” She scooted past her and continued down the hall.
Rose trotted to catch up. “We could continue this in private. Would that be appropriate enough for you?”
“Obviously not. That doesn’t solve the problem at all.”
They made it to Lorena’s suite, and Rose backed her against the door but thankfully didn’t try to kiss her again. She only looked deep into her eyes. “Come on. Why not?”
Lorena pressed her lips together. “Be rational. My job—my entire purpose for being here—is to find you a suitable partner. In what world is that me?”
Rose scoffed. “Is this about what my mum wants for me? You might’ve noticed she’s utterly mad. Her idea of the perfect partner is another her.”
“She’s my employer. I have to satisfy her, or my business is dead.”
“I’m your client. You have to satisfy me, and I must say—” She cocked an eyebrow flirtatiously. “—that kiss was satisfying as hell.”
Lorena’s cheeks warmed. The way Rose had gripped her, had tasted her… “It doesn’t matter. I’ll find you someone better. Someone who fits your life.”
“You fit my life.”
“I’m here for the job,” she said bluntly. “Now please back up. I’m going into my room—”
Rose grinned.
“—and you’re not invited.”
Rose scowled. “This isn’t over.” But she stepped back and let Lorena disappear into her suite.
Lorena shut the door and collapsed against it with a sigh. That kiss had been a moment of magic, but she had to put it behind her. No room for canoodling with clients in the world of Love, Lorena. And you know who’ll back me up on that? Natascha. Going into the bedroom for privacy, she pulled out her phone and video-called her best friend. Her reflection in the screen… Shit. Her bun was mussed, her cheeks flushed, her lips kiss-swollen.
