Page 105 of Fallen Crown

Chapter Forty-Five

Brice

Three days later when Tucker walks into my suite of rooms after seeing Dr. Bennett, my heart kicks. She’s dressed in workout tights and a sky-blue T-shirt, but I’ve never seen a lovelier sight.

“How did I get so lucky?” I ask from my seat on the couch.

She comes over to me and straddles my waist, her chest pressing against mine. “Did someone say something about getting lucky?”

“In another life, I did something very right to get you in this one.” I tuck her dark hair behind her ear, and she nuzzles my neck, squeezing me tight.

“In another life, I think you must have written poetry. You’re spoiling me with all these poetic, romantic thoughts.”

“Not spoiled,” I say. “Loved. The universe gave me a gift in you, and I intend to admire it every day.”

She draws back to gaze at me, and she runs her fingers through my hair lightly. “Only three more days until the whole world gets to dissect our relationship.”

“You’re nervous?”

“You’re not?”

“However they edit us or whatever it looks like to other people, I know what I’ve got with you. I don’t need anyone’s approval to be happy.” I give her a gentle kiss on the lips. “And if I have to summon a press conference to call the media and the public a bunch of dickheads like Alex does from time to time, then I will.”

“I think we’ll come off okay on camera. But I’m worried Enzo will use our closeness to paint a very different picture. Caitlin says if he can somehow prove I cheated on him, then the prenup will be void, and I’ll likely owe him spousal support.”

Not in a million years am I going to let any of that happen, even if I have to play dirty to make sure it doesn’t.

“We spent months training together before we left,” she says. “I’m sure there will be people willing to speculate.”

“Let ’em. They can’t prove anything because there’s nothing to prove. His accusations won’t have any weight in a court of law.” I hold up my phone from the cushion beside me. “Jag says his contact in Boston has a lead on a few things, but we won’t know anything until the details are firm and irrefutable.”

“We had a lot of problems, but I hate the idea that I got him so wrong.” She runs her hands through her hair.

My instinct is to comfort her and offer placating words, but if he was a good husband at some point, he wasn’t this past year. Doesn’t mean she got him totally wrong, but she didn’t get him right either. He turned out to be the kind of man who flees from conflict and takes advantage of people who love him.

“You were still footing the bill for all his activities in Boston?” I ask.

“We were married, and he kept saying he wanted us to work.” She flushes. “I wasn’t going to cut him off.”

“You don’t have to justify those choices to me, Tucker. Any criticism isn’t landing on your shoulders. You were coping the best you could, and he was taking advantage. Money is a powerful motivator in all kinds of directions.”

Her hair falls across her cheeks, and she’s focused on her hands, which rest against my chest. I press my lips to her forehead, and she sighs.

“What did Dr. Bennett say about your concussion and illness?” Now that the race is over, I’m back to a full slate of royal duties, so I couldn’t go with her to the doctor. Not that she had to go far, since Dr. Bennett’s office is on the estate.

My packed schedule has made me wonder whether I need to evaluate what I genuinely want to be involved in. For years, I’ve let my parents and now Alex push me into various endeavors that weren’t close to my heart. As a royal, I might not be able to have a connection with all the charities and causes I’m linked to, but I think I should prioritize my efforts.

“Not in the clear yet for going back to exercising, but I can return to using electronic devices and television. Just in time to watch our debut.” She gives me a wry smile.

“No exercise, huh?” I feather kisses along the side of her face.

“No strenuous exercise. He said long walks on the beach are fine.” She catches my lips with hers, and she draws tight against me, deepening the kiss. “There are probably other slow and steady activities I could partake in.” She rolls her hips against my erection. “Are you up for the challenge?”

“I’ve got no problem rising to that challenge.” I cradle her face and search her expression. “You’re sure it’s okay?” The last thing I want is to have her push herself too hard when she was in the hospital a few days ago.

“The good doctor gave me the okay,” she says. “I just want to be close to you.”

Any chance to be connected to her, I’m taking it. I slide my hands up her sides, dragging her shirt with me, and I’ve got her bra unsnapped with a flick of my thumb and forefinger. She yanks my shirt over my head, and we’re bare from the waist up.