Reign (American Royals #4)

by Katharine McGee

You loved someone knowing all their scars and vulnerabilities and flaws. You loved someone even when they hurt you; more than that, you let them hurt you, because the last thing you wanted was to become a burden on that person—another weight pressing on their shoulders, when they already carried so much.

“Yes, I’m familiar with the concept,” he agreed, amused. “I just didn’t take you for someone who would recommend cheese tots.”

“I don’t think you and Jeff are ever done.” Sam’s mouth lifted in a hint of a smile. It was just so comfortingly familiar, being back with Nina, teasing her about Jeff. It made the world feel temporarily right, just for a moment.

Her brother turned toward the window. “I looked for you, you know. Even after Mom and Aunt Margaret and Anju all said to stop, that you would turn up when you wanted to be found, I kept looking.”

“When I said I needed to get away, I meant that I needed to leave for now. I wasn’t trying to walk away forever.” “How was I supposed to know that?” Jeff demanded. Because we’re twins, she longed to scream. Because you always knew how I was feeling before.

“Oh, I just asked for her advice about all the problems in my life. Never a shortage of drama when I’m around, is there?”

She wasn’t sure whether she wanted to melt into Jamie’s arms or kick him in the shins.

Of course. When a man wanted something it was a need, but a woman’s desires were merely a whim.

I don’t pretend to understand how your demonically brilliant mind works.”

“Lonely, you? And here I thought you hated everyone.” “Nah, just you,” he replied easily.

“What are you doing here?” she asked. “I was in the area and saw the free food. You Americans have such a funny relationship with ranch dressing,” he mused. “Am I really supposed to dip celery in it?” “It’s a choose-your-own adventure situation.”

“If there’s one thing the historic royals excelled at, it’s murder,” Jamie agreed.

“Okay, fine, it’s delicious. Are you happy?” “Inordinately happy.

“You’re terrible,” Nina protested, but her insult didn’t land because of the laugh that was bubbling out of her chest. “Of course I am. I’ve been told it’s a large part of my appeal.”

“Monaco, the country where princesses marry circus clowns and race-car drivers.”

“This is why I like you, Nina.” “Because of my witty one-liners?” “Because you don’t treat my title like it’s the only relevant part of me,”

You’re different, though. You’ve grown up around royalty. Case in point: you make jokes about Monaco.” He grinned.

“I might as well take advantage of this rare chance to be out in public in sneakers.”

Daphne followed his gaze and laughed as comprehension struck. “The carousel? Ethan,” she asked, “are you afraid of heights, and I never knew?” “First of all, it’s rude to make fun of people’s phobias,” he said stiffly. “And if you must know, I’m afraid of roller coasters. They’re really high and fast, okay?”

“Race you there.” She took off running before he could react. Moments later she heard his laughter behind her, but it only made her sprint even faster.

But going into battle alone doesn’t make you strong; it makes you vulnerable. Asking for help when you need it is the true strength.”

I know what it’s like to face down men who tell you that you aren’t good enough.”

“I meant what I told you when we last said goodbye. I’ll always be here if you need me.” Beatrice had no memory of that statement, yet hearing it made the world feel a little brighter. “Thank you. I’m always here, too. Whatever you need.”

but he knew; the entire house knew. That was the thing about living so closely with other people; your lives became intertwined whether you wanted them to or not.

“I’ll come with you on your errands!” That sounded like the perfect distraction. Liam hesitated. “I’m going to Costco. It’s not a ton of fun, unless bargain shopping is your thing, which I doubt.” “Costco? Is that…grocery shopping?” Sam guessed, and Liam choked out a laugh. “More or less. It’s definitely an experience,” he added, which was enough to make up Sam’s mind.

“Look, these are free samples!” she told him in a stage whisper. “You’d think this was the first time you’d ever gotten something without paying,” he teased, and clinked their paper cups as if they were flutes of champagne. “Cheers.”

And I’m not sure what the path forward looks like now that I’m…ordinary.” Liam nudged her hip with the shopping cart. “Hey, watch it. I’m ordinary too, remember?”

“I miss the feeling of knowing exactly who I was. I feel so adrift now,” she admitted. “But you do know who you are,” Liam said simply. “You’re a surprisingly clean housemate, you make a killer margarita, you sing woefully off-key—” “Okay, we can’t all be the front man in a band—” “You’re Samantha,” he kept going, which effectively silenced her. “My friend.”

You’ll bring me back, right?” Sam asked. “Of course I’ll bring you back. Or you can borrow my Costco card and come without me,” he added, with a hint of a smile. “I know this is your new favorite place.”

“The metro is zero fun, but I’m happy to help you navigate it.” Liam’s eyes sparkled. “Anything else on your ordinary-people bucket list? Changing the oil in your car? Paying your insurance?”

“Okay, lesson number one in being a nobody: you always stop at the Costco food court on the way out. Soft serve in the summer, churros in the winter.”

“Home should make you feel secure and safe and utterly at ease. When you’re home you should feel like you belong. Like you fit perfectly.”

“For the record, I think this is a terrible idea and will only come back to hurt you,” Teddy stated. “But, yes, I’ll help.” “Thank you,” she breathed.

“Of course I’m not angry with you, Nina. If anything, I’m angry with myself for the way I handled things. You deserved better.”

“I know you probably don’t want my opinion, but it should be a little more personal.” “You read my essay?” “Sorry. It was there in the printer tray, and I just…” He held his hands out in apology. “It’s so academic, Nina.” “This is an academic program,” she said tersely. “Sure, but there’s so much more to you than your thoughts on Gothic narrators. You should talk about your love of books! Like that time you stole a library book and racked up five hundred dollars in fines.”

“Or that time we were kids and decided to build a fort. Sam and I went off looking for pillows, and by the time we came back you had already built a fort out of books.” “Books are clearly better! They’re so much more protection against the elements.” A flicker of amusement shone in Jeff’s eyes. “What elements, Nina? We were inside.” “The imaginary elements!” “That’s exactly my point,” he insisted. “This application makes you sound brilliant, which you obviously are. But the departmental committee should also know that you’re passionate, and creative, and…” He fumbled for the right word before finally saying, “And whimsical.”

That was the thing about people who had known you since childhood: they understood you in ways that you didn’t even understand yourself. They could hurt you better than anyone, even when they didn’t mean to.

Nina tore open the envelope attached to the flowers. You were fantastic tonight, Nina. Congratulations. It wasn’t signed, but that didn’t matter, because Nina would have known that handwriting anywhere. She looked at Rachel, stunned. “Jeff was here?” Her friend let out a breath. “He came late and sat in the back row. He was really discreet about the whole thing; none of the audience had any idea he was here.” She hesitated. “I think he just wanted to see you.”

“So you offered him a weekend at Nantucket in exchange for his vote?” “Beatrice! Resorting to bribery already? I’m shocked,” Teddy teased.

What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she just say it clearly? Because you hate being vulnerable and talking about your feelings, a voice inside her replied. It sounded eerily like Samantha.

“If I go, promise me one thing. You’ll take me to see your high school time capsule another time?” Liam grinned. “I’ll send you a photo with my angsty teen posters in the background. Deal?”

“What are all these rules you seem so worried about? Who wrote them, and why should we follow them?”

Was it possible to fall in love with someone a second time? Well, why not? It wasn’t any more impossible than any other impossible thing in this wild, unpredictable world.

She stepped forward and hugged him then, burying her face in his T-shirt to hide her tears. Liam had changed her in ways that she had never expected. He’d helped her put the pieces of her life back together—or, more accurately, he’d helped her find her way to a new life, one where she felt stronger and more capable.

It wouldn’t be my first time fleeing the country on a private jet,” she added, in a teasing tone that masked just how serious she was. “We could be in Mexico in three hours, drinking margaritas poolside.”

She reached for Jefferson’s hand. “Listen to me. You are a good person. You put people at ease; you are earnest and thoughtful and kindhearted. If there’s anything wrong with you, it’s that you love too much.”

Somehow, Beatrice was unsurprised when Teddy’s blond head appeared in the doorway. He always did have a sense for when she needed him.

“Oh, Bee.” Teddy sighed. “I don’t want any of that, if I can’t have it with you.”

“I want the kind of love I have with you: extraordinary, breathtaking, wondrous love. It might be difficult at times, but the best things in life always are. Nothing worth having comes without a bit of effort.”

“What are you saying?” she whispered. “I’m saying that you’re worth it. I’m not letting this mermaid swim back to the sea. I love you, all of you—including the Crown and everything that comes with it.” Teddy’s voice grew husky as he added, “I know better than to try to pick and choose the pieces of you to love.”