Royals Untamed!. Annie West

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СКАЧАТЬ expressions. It was almost as if a tiny little valve had been released and she was becoming more comfortable.

      Last night Ruby had been convinced that the humming along to Finding Nemo was becoming a murmur. She’d been careful not to react. She’d stayed exactly where she was, letting Annabelle lie in her arms until she’d fallen asleep and then gently sliding her arms out from underneath her.

      The thought of going away and leaving this little girl was starting to play on her mind. The hospital in the UK had started to ask her for the date of her return. It seemed reasonable. She hadn’t expected to be here this long. But the days had quickly turned into weeks, and the weeks into months. Euronia was starting to feel like home—no matter how many times Polly phoned her and told her it was time to return to London.

      She wasn’t sure she wanted to leave Annabelle.

      She wasn’t sure she wanted to leave Alex.

      Where had that come from?

      Her face flushed and she walked back into her own room, shedding her dressing gown and pulling the red dress from the hanger and stepping into it.

      She sucked in her breath and slid the zip up at the back. It fitted perfectly—just like everything the palace had provided. The silver sandals were elegant, but comfortable. The only thing missing was jewellery.

      Nothing really suited. Her plain gold earrings and chain looked paltry next to the designer gown. Maybe it would be better with nothing at all?

      She smiled at her reflection in the mirror. With the rollers removed her dark hair was hanging in curls, covering her shoulders. The boning and the crystals on the dress gave her a more curvaceous shape than normal. And now, with the dress in place, her skin didn’t look quite so pale or her lips so red.

      Her hands trembled as she took off her gold earrings.

      Tonight she was going to a ball in the palace.

      Tonight she was going to a ball with her own prince.

      Just for tonight she might actually be a princess.

      Just for tonight she might actually look as if she was worthy of Alex.

      And tonight, for the first time, she might actually feel as if she was part of a couple—even if it was only in her head.

      * * *

      Alex had been pacing for the last thirty minutes, wondering when Ruby would appear.

      The palace was buzzing. It had been over a year since there had been a ball at the palace. When his mother and father had ruled there had been several balls every year, all raising money for various charities.

      Alex had given some instructions on which charities he wanted to support, and the various people he wanted to invite. But all the details had been dealt with by his staff.

      In less than a few minutes over a thousand people would be in the palace. He had guards in all corridors, letting the guests know which areas were open to the public and which were not. The corridor that held Ruby and Annabelle certainly wasn’t.

      He walked along its length, cursing himself for not saying goodnight to Annabelle earlier. He opened her door just a crack—she was already sleeping, her book and a stuffed caterpillar beside her on the bed.

      He walked across the room and dropped a kiss on her forehead before quietly closing the door behind him. His fingers tightened around the black velvet box in his hands. He was still unsure. This felt right—he just didn’t know how Ruby would react.

      He knocked on her door before he could change his mind.

      She opened the door and met him with a smile. ‘Hi, Alex. What do you think?’

      There was a tremor in her voice. An uncertainty.

      He couldn’t speak. He must have the dopiest smile on his face right now. What did he think? She’d just blown him away!

      Ruby was always gorgeous—usually understated, but gorgeous nonetheless. But he’d never seen Ruby the grown-up.

      The scarlet dress was stunning. Elegant without giving anything way. Hugging her curves but sweeping the floor and keeping everything covered. The beads along her bodice sparkled in the dim evening light snaking through the windows. Her hair had been styled into large curls, covering her bare shoulders. She was wearing more make-up than usual, but it was perfect. Highlighting her flawless skin, dark brown eyes and red lips.

      He held out the black box towards her. ‘You look almost perfect, Ruby.’

      ‘Almost?’

      It was obvious she knew he was teasing her. She stepped forward, reaching out for the box.

      He could tell she was nervous—her hands were trembling slightly. Would she know he was nervous too?

      She lifted the lid and let out a little gasp. The diamonds were dazzling. The jewels on her dress paled in comparison to these. He knew instantly he’d done the right thing.

      ‘Alex...’ Her eyes were wide. ‘Where did these come from?’ She held up one of the earrings, its thirty hanging diamonds bright and clear.

      ‘They were my mother’s. I knew you were nervous about tonight. I thought it might be nice if you had something of hers to wear.’

      ‘You want me to wear these?’ She looked almost terrified. ‘But they must be worth a fortune.’ Her fingers went automatically to her earlobe. ‘What if I lose one?’

      He shook his head and smiled. ‘You won’t. Don’t worry.’

      ‘But—’

      ‘But nothing.’ He spun her around to face the full-length mirror in the room and held up one of the earrings next to her ear. ‘Can’t you see how perfect it looks?’

      She could hardly argue. Her face said exactly how she was feeling.

      She put her hand up over her heart. ‘They’re beautiful. They set off the dress perfectly.’ She turned around towards him. ‘How did you know?’

      ‘Because my mother had impeccable taste, Ruby. It wouldn’t have mattered what you wore tonight—these earrings were always going to be a perfect match.’ He bent a little lower and whispered in her ear. ‘You have a lot in common with her.’

      ‘What does that mean?’

      ‘It means that you look beautiful.’ He pressed the earrings into her hand. ‘Here—put them on and let’s go.’

      She stood in front of the mirror, putting the earrings in place, then stopped for a second to study her reflection. She was trying to calm herself. Trying to steady herself for the night ahead.

      He put his arms on her shoulders. ‘You’re going to be the most beautiful woman in the room, Ruby Wetherspoon.’

      He was standing by her shoulder, looking at their reflection in the glass. He knew she was nervous. He was nervous himself. Although this was meant to be a private function, nothing could ever really СКАЧАТЬ