The Reluctant Wife: EPILOGUE 2

‘I’d say welcome to the neighborhood, but it’s as if you’ve always lived here.’ Sinclair narrows his gaze on his cards.

It’s Friday night, and the first time I’m hosting poker night at my place. A tradition Arthur started at his place. One of the few my brothers and I decided to keep because we enjoy it so much. We moved it out of Arthur’s place when he was diagnosed with the big C, at Imelda’s request. She’d hoped it would mean he’d stop smoking his cigars. In deference to her wishes, we’ve forgone our cigars at the poker table. Replacing it with whiskey, and nachos, and guacamole, which my wife rustled up for us.

Aura has discovered a love for cooking. Something she was unable to do earlier when she had a chef on her staff. We agreed that, while we’ll have a housekeeper come in regularly to help keep the house clean, we’ll be hands-on in the kitchen.

She mentioned to me that Viktor was supportive of her stepping back from her Royal duties. Her father, less so. The king told her she was making a mistake, but if that’s what she wanted, he wouldn’t stand in her way.

Her brother Brandon, too, backed her decision. He’s the one member of her family I don’t know well at all, considering he didn’t make it to our wedding. She was upset about that, but I’m willing to forgive him because, it turns out, the guy has his heart in the right place.

Both Viktor and Brandon, separately, wished my wife the best for her move away from the monarchy.

It took another week to draw up a plan to help her separate her future from that of the Royal Family. She agreed to honor the public appearances she’d already committed to, and indicated she wouldn’t take on more. If the Royal Family needed her to do so under extenuating circumstances in the future, she’d consider them on a case-by-case basis.

Which means, she has a year’s worth of engagements to get through in countries around the world. All of which I’ll accompany her to, along with a top-notch security team.

I’m not taking any risks with her protection, no matter that the person who threatened her life is dead. My wife is too precious, and I won’t leave anything up to chance.

Then came the public announcement by the Royal Palace. By then, we’d moved back to London, and that helped cushion her from the worst of the media scrutiny to follow.

I bought a place in Primrose Hill and ensured the house is under round-the-clock surveillance. This is where Sinclair lives, as do Tyler, Nathan and Quentin.

‘This is a great neighborhood. Aura loves getting to know her sisters-in-law and Summer, and she’s thrilled to spend time with Serene.’ I nod in Tyler’s direction.

‘Serene’s over-joyed to have her dropping by so often.’ He rubs the back of his neck. ‘Pass,’ he murmurs, eyeing his cards with a frown.

‘I’m sorry I took you away from her,’ I apologize again.

He scoffs, ‘I wanted to be there for you. Besides, Serene was delighted to spend time with Summer and Matty.’ He tilts his chin in Sinclair’s direction.

‘Summer loved having her over.’ Sinclair looks at Brody. ‘And how is it that we have the pleasure of your company today?’

Brody smirks. ‘Figured the only way I was going to meet you over-the-hill men was by crashing your poker session.’

‘Over-the-hill?’ Tyler frowns. ‘Who’re you talking about?’

‘Given these two are married’—he nods between me and Sinclair—’and since you’ve got to make it home by a decent time to put Serene to bed—’ He shrugs. ‘The three of you are no fun.’

‘Walking up to my bedroom where I can sleep with my wife, in my bed, in my house? I’m not complaining.’ I laugh.

‘Same.’ Sinclair raises his beer bottle, and I tap mine to his.

Tyler and Brody exchange looks, both wearing matching smirks.

‘You guys have no idea what you’re missing,’ I murmur.

‘Nope, not going there. I’m out of the marriage game, was never in it to begin with. And with responsibility for Serene, I’m never getting married.’

I eye him with curiosity. ‘Why is that?’

‘First off, the relationship piece. I have enough in my life with taking care of Serene. The last thing I need is some high-maintenance woman marching in and demanding I give her attention. I only have space for Serene. And any time I have left is spent on taking care of the business.’

‘What if you find someone who fits into your life and who Serene likes?’ Sinclair asks. His voice is casual, but I read the seriousness under his words.

‘That’s not going to happen.’ Tyler scowls at his cards.

‘Why not?’ I exchange another glance with Sinclair.

‘Because—’ Tyler rolls his shoulders. ‘Because I’m not the easiest man to be with. And Serene will always come first. It’s not fair to expect any woman to accept that.’

‘There might be someone out there who’ll love Serene as much as you and who you find makes your life better,’ Sinclair murmurs.

Tyler makes a rude noise. ‘And Arthur turns into a loving, cuddly man overnight.’

Brody laughs. ‘Now, that’d be a sight.’

‘He has changed since meeting Imelda. Not that it stopped him from trying to interfere in my love life,’ I throw down my cards.

‘You’re folding?’ Sinclair lowers his chin.

‘Best to quit while I’m ahead.’

‘Agree.’ He follows my lead.

‘Hmm.’ Brody considers his cards, then lays them face up on the table.

A slow smile curves Tyler’s face, then he turns his cards face up.

We take in the cards. It’s an eight of hearts, a seven of hearts, a six of hearts, a five of hearts, and a four of hearts. ‘A fucking straight flush?’ Brody glowers at him.

Tyler moves the poker chips closer. ‘Better luck next time.’ He rises to his feet, then yawns.

‘You’re leaving?’ Brody looks disappointed. ‘I was hoping you’d have another beer before you head home.’

‘That’s my quota for the day.’

‘You’re not driving, so why not have another?’ Brody seems genuinely taken aback.

‘Because I need to be up early? Serene’s up at five a.m. most days, and I want to be able to get her dressed and feed her breakfast before I drop her off at school.’

‘You’re a wonderful dad.’ My wife glides into the room. She’s dressed in jeans and a plaid shirt, but her stance is regal. She halts next to me and puts a hand on my shoulder. Warmth seeps into my bloodstream. My heart kicks up into high gear, as it always does when she’s around.

I look up at her. ‘Missed you, baby.’

She bends down, and we kiss. Soft and sweet, and so fucking erotic. Her scent fills my senses, and my pulse rate spikes. I wrap my arm about her waist and pull her closer.

‘Jeez, you guys, get a room,’ Brody says in disgust.

My wife trembles, and fuck, if I don’t want to pull her in my lap. She straightens and looks at me with shining eyes. Her features are flushed, her lips swollen, and damn, if that doesn’t fill me with pride.

She smiles, then looks at Tyler. ‘I may have found a nanny for you.’

‘A nanny?’ He looks at her with skepticism.

‘You’re still looking for one, I assume?’

Tyler nods slowly. ‘Though, at this point, I’ve given up hope of finding anyone Serene likes.’

‘She’s an old friend; I can vouch for her. I gave her your address, so she’ll be at your place for an interview tomorrow at five p.m. Hope that’s okay?’

‘Oh, that’s good.’ Tyler yawns again. ‘Although, I’m not holding my breath.’

‘You might be surprised,’ my wife says with a small smile.

Tyler merely laughs, then looks around at the rest of us. ‘Right then, I’m off.’ He pockets his phone, meets the others at the door, and walks out.

‘That’s an evil smile.’ I scan my wife’s features. ‘What are you up to Empress?’

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