Page 40 of The Duchess Effect
The compassion on her face nearly broke him. He wanted her here. Being with her would make everything better.
“Since you’re no longer lecturing, she’s probably thinking this is your job now. I know it doesn’t help, but you understand why she did it, right? She needs to go into damage control mode.”
“I’m aware. It doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
He’d taken for granted the leniency he’d been offered when he was younger. After his father’s death, his mother had intervened with the queen on Jameson’s behalf, requesting that he be allowed to hold off on his royal duties and pursue his studies. The queen had allowed it but now his royal promissory note had come due.
As a Counsellor of State and a senior working royal, his life was considered a tool to help carry out the queen’s duties. Some members of his family soothed the bite of royal servitude by indulgingin the lifestyle and riches the monarch provided. For Jameson, it would never be enough.
“You’re a shining star in that family and the queen knows it. They all know it. You might shy away from it, but people want to be around you. They’re drawn to you.”
Had he gotten so good at pretending that even Dani had been fooled? The only reason he’d been proficient at presenting a charming persona during the tribute was because he’d known there was an end in sight. Could he still call on that persona if he’d be doing the same thing for the foreseeable future?
He’d do it for now. The threat to his mother’s way of life ensured that. But he’d also begin planning for the future. He wouldn’t subject himself to the queen’s whims any longer than necessary. Once he had a viable exit strategy in place, he’d share it all with Dani.
“So, love, what’s the take on this pregnancy scandal on your end?”
Her mouth parted and he could tell she wanted to say more, but she followed his cue. “Tasha gave me the lowdown. Her fans, the same ones who came after me, I might add, are excited by the fact that she could be pregnant with a little prince or princess. And that’s where Banks is keepingherfocus on social media. But the gossip sites and magazines are focusing on the scandal part of it. Although very few of them are talking about Julian’s role in this. Sure, Banks isn’t an angel and I wouldn’t cut her any breaks, but Julian is the one married with a child and another on the way. He’s the one who’s the next in line to the throne. He definitely should’ve known better.”
His uncle had rejected the notion of “should’ve known better” ages ago.
“This can’t be the first time this was an issue, right?” Dani continued. “Julian didn’t wake up and suddenly find Samantha Banksso irresistible she was worth risking everything for. I mean, I can tell that by how he treated me and the things he said.”
“Bloody hell, I thought her videos were sexy. She looks fucking unbelievable in person.”
“You look like a delicious chocolate treat wrapped in gold. Do I get the chance to unwrap you and see if you taste just as sweet?”
“You see how she moves? Can you imagine all of that riding your cock?”
Jameson flexed his hand, the memory of his uncle’s vulgar statements bringing forth a phantom pain from when he’d punched Julian in the nose. It had actually felt good, considering all the things the other man had said about Dani from the moment he’d found out she’d be performing at the tribute concert.
“It’s not the first time, but it’s usually handled with a bit more discretion. Samantha Banks isn’t the typical woman he deals with. She’s playing by a different set of rules.”
“Ain’t that the truth!”
“The queen only found out a couple of hours before the news broke. Samantha told Julian about the pregnancy, but she promised not to go public. I guess her word is worth as much as his.”
“She’s unpredictable. I’m sorry Julian got involved with her, not because of how it’s affecting him, but because you’re bearing the brunt of the fallout.”
“I’ll be fine. And I’m not going to waste the pleasure of this unexpected time with you talking about my uncle and Samantha Banks. Tell me how your meeting went with Genesis.”
He was so proud of Dani. When he thought back to his reaction upon learning who she was, he was ashamed of the assumptions he’d made about her character and personality. She’d disproved all his preconceived notions.
“Well...” Her gaze flicked sideways, and her tongue dartedout to wet her bottom lip. “It was obvious the trip to London was a success...”
He arched a brow, waiting.
She swallowed. “They were really excited to see me and they have lots of thoughts about announcing their investment... and the marketing...”
Why wasn’t she more excited? Unless, it didn’t go well?
“Did you sign the contract?”
“Not yet. There are a few more sticking points we have to iron out.”
He frowned, wondering at the reluctance that was palpable even through the screen.
“That’s good.” He guessed.