Page 102 of Royally Redeemed
“Hopefully he wasn’t appalled having to order me an extra-large?”
“No,” Monique said. “Men don’t understand it or that sizing makes no sense for women.”
“I have massive tits and great big hips.”
“And it would seem he appreciates it, so don’t fuss. The thing about lingerie is it should be comfortable for all. You know my mantra on this. The size doesn’t matter as long as you feel good. And these were lovely.”
“They are,” I said.
“Now, this note. Girl, what?”
I giggled.
“Does he always do this?”
“Always,” I said. “This is his thing. I told you he’s a bit kinky.”
“I like it. A freak in the sheets isn’t a bad thing. And that works for you?”
I shrugged. “It’s kinda hot. Honestly, I’d rather it work this way than for him to infantilize me. That wouldn’t do it for me. But he does take care of me. I struggle to let him.”
“Let him. He can. And hewantsto. You tend to not?—”
“Trust,” I said. “I know. And it really bothers him. His ex never let him in. I made a big leap of faith and told him everything. I worried it would scare him off. It hasn’t.”
“Because helovesyou. But how do you feel about that?”
“I think I’m in love with him. I dunno. I just… I feel so good when I’m with him. I do trust him now. More than ever. It’s frightening, of course. The life he leads and my own feelings of inadequacy don’t just fade away.”
“Fair. I cannot even imagine.” Mo shook her head. “But I think it is good for you. To end up with someone older who can keep up with you? That’s good. If you were with someone our age, you’d be miserable. I know because that’s how we both feel.”
I laughed. “Of course. It’s a waste of time. But dating a prince? A little crazy.”
“He’s just a guy—a guy who doesn’t know what a balconette is.”
Everything was luxurious, beautiful, and classic. I rolled the expensive fabrics through my fingers, considering why he would have bought me these like five minutes after they wheeled me out of surgery.Did he just expect me to jump back into it?
“What?” Monique asked.
“I have scars from surgery and I’m still far from being myself, Mo. And he just... wants me to hop right back into bed?”
“No, no,” Monique said. “I wouldn’t read it as that. I explained to him that you’ve been living in pajamas and such since you came home because waistbands on trousers are a no-no. He just wanted you to feel loved and beautiful.”
“Oh,” I said, considering that. “But his words?—”
“Just him, I think,” Mo snickered. “I assume this is your version of pillow talk, but as much as I want to be suspect, he really does care about you, Eloise. A lot.”
I hoped that was true because this wasn’t going to be a thing I could just switch on. I recently had my body opened to remove an organ which tried to kill me. He would have to wait. But could Duncan be patient?
60
GOLD RUSH
DUNCAN
5 March
London Daily Times
