the summer a string of single men coming for dinner. My mother claimed they were here because of business with my father. After the second one, I knew it was all a front. I was being paraded around like a mare. Their newly “beautiful” daughter was of marriable age. Noble or wealthy, they welcomed all. It was disgusting. They could keep me away from my dreams, but I would not be forced into a loveless marriage. I would not become my mother: unhappy, numb, and resigned to that life.
I was way too young. I’d rather stay single and grow old with a bunch of animals. Turn this place into a zoo of unwanted or medically challenged pets. Be that stereotypical cat lady.
“People aren’t big fans of you either,” Nara said dryly, but humor glinted her eyes. “However, as future lady of the house, you better start practicing. Your education starts now.”
The bell to the house rung, chiming off the walls.
“I hate you.” I glared at her.
“I have no idea why you don’t get along with people. You’re so lovely.” She winked, taking off back down the hall.
“When I am in charge, you’re fired!” I yelled up at her. A total lie.
“Good thing I’ll probably be dead before that,” she yelled back.
I grumbled, but my heart lurched at the thought of losing her. I wasn’t very good with people, and there were very few I truly loved. She was one. I never wanted to be without her. She was like my mother and grandmother rolled in one. Or what I thought those people should be. My relationship with either of my real ones was not a good reference.
Taking another breath, I rolled back my shoulders, my hand reaching for the door handle, swinging it open.
“Hey, Spencer.”
Everything froze. My mouth dropped open, my muscles locking down in shock. I wasn’t prepared. Not for who stood on the threshold, grinning at me.
But really, was anyone ever ready for the Prince of Great Victoria to be standing on their doorstep?
Chapter 5
“Theo?” I blinked. Blinked again. But this was no illusion. He was here. His infamous sexy smile curved up the side of his face as he shifted on his feet, his gaze devouring me.
“You look beautiful.” His eyes roamed over once again. “Even better than I remember.”
So did he. Tan from the sun, his hair short and clipped tight to his head, his body appearing more built under his T-shirt and designer jeans.
“Oh my god. You-you’re here,” I stuttered in surprise, my attention narrowing in on his left arm, which was in a sling. Healing wounds dotted his face and arms. He had been hurt. “Shite. Are you okay? Is it broken?”
“I’m fine.” He shifted on his feet, his gaze darting away, waving off his injury. “The shoulder was pulled out of the socket, but really, I’m fine. Be good as new soon.”
“What are you doing here?” I still couldn’t fully comprehend that he was in front of me, and the shock had my heart pattering roughly against my chest.
He lifted an eyebrow. “Thought that would be pretty obvious.”
When we parted ways four months ago, he was true to his word. We had no communication. Even TV and papers went quiet where he was concerned, having no news on the firstborn. The first few weeks had been hard, but after a while, he became more of a memory of some past life I had.
It wasn’t like I hadn’t thought of him. I did, all the time, but after months of silence, the memories faded just enough, and my world here went on like he had never been part of it. Those seven months together had been a dream.
But he was real. And on my porch.
“I came to see you.” He inched closer, like he wanted to move to me but held himself back. “The moment I could.”
“Seriously?” My mother would be horrified to see how fast my training got tossed out the window in front of the Prince of Great Victoria. Since birth, I was brought up with proper social etiquette, but it never really stuck. I could fake it like the best of them, but it wasn’t naturally me. I was kind of awkward and blunt. Thankfully, Theo seemed to like that about me. Or he had.
Theo shook his head, that grin twitching his mouth. “I missed that.”
“What?”
“Everything about you.” He stepped up to me, his good hand grasping the side of my face, his mouth gently coming down on mine. My stomach