Royal Watch (Royal Watch #1) - Stacey Marie Brown Page 0,82
jerking at his declaration, glancing at Theo and Ben to see if they had heard it. They continued to talk, catching up, no one seeming to think the statement was odd.
He congratulated Theo for choosing me. Like he picked out the prettiest thoroughbred in the corral. Being pretty was all the accomplishment I needed to have.
I went to school and got top marks in veterinary science, getting invited to the most prestigious school in this country, but in this world, looks were all that still mattered.
Theo held my hand, but I could have been anyone. Standing silently, I tucked back into my thoughts as they chatted. I knew I was extra grumpy today, but I could feel my anger building the more I stood there like a prop.
“Prince Theodore.” One of the king’s many assistants came up to Theo. “The king and queen would like a moment with you.”
“Of course,” he replied. “I’ll see you later.”
“Of course, old boy.” Grant bowed his head. Ben lifted his drink at us as we walked away, his eyes glazed with alcohol, his body swaying slightly.
“Ben’s already drunk?” I muttered.
“Yeah.” Theo frowned. “So? He’s having a good time. Letting off steam.”
“I didn’t mean it as a judgment.”
“Yeah, you did.”
I stopped, halting Theo with me, my head tipping to the side.
“Sorry.” He sighed. “It’s just that you don’t understand what it’s like growing up like this. The pressure. His father is an arsehole. He seems cool but is constantly tearing Ben down. Ben is never good enough.”
“I don’t know what it’s like?” I folded my arms. It was the first time Theo hinted that he also thought little of my family, that our title was nothing more than an honorary label.
“Bloody hell, Spence, I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just different for our families, especially the guys. They expect so much from us.”
My head slanted the opposite way, my irritation level already bubbling at the seams.
“Shite… I didn’t mean—”
“Theo.” I held up my hand. “For your safety, I’m going to go to the bar. After you see your parents, figure out what you do mean. You can find me there.” I whirled around, heading off. He called after me, but I didn’t stop, needing a drink to soothe the fire burning inside me.
On good days I wasn’t great around people; this night, I should have been left at home.
Pizza and a movie sound good tonight. Lennox’s words dangled like a carrot in front of me. If I snuck out, no one would get upset because they missed me, but because of how it would look. The PR team would have a fit.
“Champagne, my lady?” A handsome bartender, dressed in old suspenders and crisp white shirt prompted the moment I stepped up.
“Have anything stronger than that?” I cocked an eyebrow.
A slow, knowing smile curved his mouth. “We’ll see what I can come up with.” He winked at me, flipping a shaker up into the air. He poured different liquors in it, shaking it around before pouring it into a flute, adding a flower garnish.
“Pretty, but lethal.” He smiled. “Like you.”
I blushed, picking up the glass, tipping it down my throat. Sweet, but warmth burned my esophagus from the percentage of alcohol in it, making my eyes water.
“Wow.” I blinked, patting my chest. The bartender’s smile widened with pride.
“Thought you might like that.”
“It’s perfect.” I hacked a little, fully taking in the sweet burn. “Thank you.”
“Welcome, ma’am.”
“Do I look like a ma’am to you?”
“No. You do not.” He grinned, peering at me while moving around the tented bar they had set up inside, refilling the garnishes and serving other customers. “What should I call you, then?”
“Spencer works.” I finished off the rest of the cocktail.
“You know I could be fired for that.”
I exhaled, setting the glass down, knowing he was right. Anyone overhearing him be so informal with me would find it improper.
“Another one?” He tipped his head at the empty glass.
“Yes.” I nodded my head, feeling the pins in my hair scrape my scalp. I watched him start to mix the drink, lost in the smoothness of his movements. Like it was choreographed dance. “What’s your name?” I asked, feeling a good buzz settle in. Crap, what was in this thing?
“Jacob.” He poured the cocktail into a fresh glass, pushing it to me.
“Well, Jacob, you’ve probably saved my life, or at least saved others from me.”
“Glad to be of service, my lady.” He leaned on the counter, staring at me with a flirty smile.