Page 60 of Broken Desires
He simply shrugs, quiet confidence in his gesture as he guides my hand to rest on his forearm. “Let them,” he says. In that moment, his willingness to face whatever whispers or judgments might come just to ensure I’m cared for speaks volumes of his feelings. It’s a bold move, one that says more than words ever could about how he values me, us, above the potential for gossip.
Chapter 20
Nessa
Walking around Copenhagen the next day, Alexander arranged for one of the guards with us to be fluent in ASL. It’s these thoughtful gestures that deepen my love for him. The city unfolds in front of us, each corner and cobblestone street adding layers to my complicated feelings.
My friends take in the sights with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Poppy and Eva are awestruck, soaking in the newness of it all, while Cole and Ethan display familiar boredom, probably having been here more times than they can count. As for me, I’m seeing Copenhagen not just as a visitor but as a potential place to call home.
Could I really live here? The thought is both thrilling and daunting. Would I blend into the city’s rhythm, becoming just another face among the locals enjoying a sunny day in Nyhavn? Or would I always be seen as the American girlfriend of the king, living under the constant scrutiny reserved for those in the spotlight?
Caught up in these thoughts, I don’t realize I’ve let out a sigh until Eva nudges me, pulling me back to the moment.
“Are you okay? It’s unlike you to sigh in front of The Little Mermaid, especially knowing your love for art,” she says, her eyes filled with concern.
“I’m just… I have a lot on my mind,” I admit, but I don’t want to spoil this moment for them.
Her expression shifts, showing she’s clearly worried. “Is there anything we can do to help? You’ve been pretty quiet since yesterday, and we’re all a bit concerned,” she mentions, gesturing toward Poppy, who gives me a supportive look.
I try to dismiss their worries with a wave of my hand, feeling a pang of guilt for making them anxious. “It’s nothing… yet. Just something I need to figure out on my own.”
Understanding, she links her arm with mine, offering silent support. “Okay, I won’t push. Just remember, we’re here for you, no matter what. Judgment-free zone, always.”
I lean into her, grateful for the reminder of our unbreakable bond. “I know. I love you girls,” I respond, comforted by their unwavering support.
Lost in thought, my day out in Copenhagen ends up more of a haze than an adventure. By the time I find myself under the shower’s spray in the late afternoon, my mind’s running in circles. One side of me is convinced that saying yes to staying in Copenhagen is the only sane choice. Yet there’s this nagging voice arguing the exact opposite.
Realizing I need a different perspective, I decide to seek out the girls. We’ve always been each other’s sounding board, able to cut through indecision with insights. Dressed and determined, I head to Eva’s room, hoping for clarity.
After a couple of knocks, Eva opens the door, her cheeks flushed.
“Oh, am I interrupting?” I can’t help but ask, noting her appearance.
“No,” she hurries to assure me, though a sharp glance is thrown over her shoulder at whatever Cole’s just said. “Come in,” she invites, opening the door wider.
Stepping inside, I’m met with the sight of Cole hastily tying his sweatpants, looking frustrated, his erection evident. Averting my gaze from the obvious, I mutter, “I am interrupting.”
Eva dismisses my concern, motioning for me to join her on the bed. “Nah, I’m his wife. He can wait—he’ll get some later,” she jokes with a casualness only she can pull off.
Cole, ever the pragmatist, decides to exit with a mission. “I’ll go get Poppy,” he announces, heading toward the door.
His offer catches me off guard, “Oh, that’s very thoughtful of you. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me,” he throws back over his shoulder. “Just figured if I’m getting cockblocked, so is Hawthorne.”
Eva throws her head back and laughs, a light moment that temporarily eases the weight on my shoulders. “That’s the spirit,” she agrees, and for a brief moment, my complicated situation feels a little lighter, shared among friends who manage to find humor even in the awkwardness.
“So what’s up?” Eva gets right to the point once Poppy joins us, and we’re all settled on her bed, legs crossed.
Taking a deep breath, I dive into it. “He asked me to stay.”
Eva’s eyebrows shoot up. “Oh? Like, for the summer?”
I bite my lip, nervous about their reaction. “No… he wants me to move here. To stay for good.”
“I— Wow,” Poppy replies, visibly stunned. “I… wow,” she repeats.
“Yeah, you said that already,” I point out, a bit of humor to break the tension. “It’s insane, right? He’s the king of a country, and I’m the nobody from nowhere.”