Royally Screwed

Chapter 19

SYLVIE

Louis and I are expected to an après-ski party today.

Given the fact that our countries are strong allies, we can show up together without raising many questions that we'd be together or anything. Truth is, I don't even know what we are. It's true, we kiss and spend time together, but we have never specifically discussed what exactly we are. Couple, friends with benefits, a fling... I don't fucking know.

All I know is that I have never felt what I feel for Louis for anyone before.

"Everything okay?", he asks me as we're sitting together on the backseat of the car. Fred is driving, a member of Louis' security team on the passenger seat, the rest of the staff in the black SUV behind our Porsche. He's wearing an all-black outfit, with a turtleneck sweater with some ski pants, a big ski jacket on top, boots. He even wears a pair of sunglasses on his head. I'm in a CELINE patterned blue and white sweater, white leggings, some MONCLER boots and a white headband. I also took a jacket, but I doubt I will be using it much, since the outfit is good as it is.

"Yeah", I lie. "I'm fine."

Louis only raises an eyebrow at me. "I know you, Sylvie. And you clearly aren't fine. What happened?"

I take a deep breath, making myself courage to say the next words. "What are we going to tell the people?"

"We're going to sell them the story we want them to believe", he answers, his eyes wondering off me to face the floor of the car. "That we met here thanks to our countries, and that we are nothing more than old acquaintances."

I nod, already knowing that. Yet it is the answer to my next question that rather interests me. "And what am I supposed to believe?"

"What do you mean?", he looks back at me.

I only keep going. "What are we, Louis? I mean, I really like having you around and I love the way we kiss, but I can't help but wonder what we are. Are we secret lovers? Are we dating? Are we friends with benefits? What are we?"

He picks up my hand, pressing a soft kiss on it. "I am anything you'll let me be, Trouble." He then looks up again, adding: "But whatever you decide on, please let us be exclusive. The idea of another man kissing you, touching you... Let's just say I'll be the one landing in the dungeon next."

"Possessive much?", I tease him.

He only shrugs, seeing no problem in that. "I already told you you're mine, Sylvie. Let another man touch you, and he dies. It's as simple as that."

I am thankful the wall blocking the sound between the front and back seat is on, because I doubt our bodyguards would be so thrilled about this conversation.

"We can date", I tell him, knowing for a while that I'd like to try. Ever since we first kissed a few nights ago. "But we'll have to keep it private. Not many people can know. Not Dad. And definitely not Edmund."

I can see him tense at that, and I can't help but feel the same way. Lying to my brother will kill me slowly. Yet I am not under doing that to hold onto the bit of happiness I found with Louis.

"Agreed", he answers, then takes my hand and pulls me closer to him. "Does that make me your boyfriend then?"

I nod, taking my courage to place a kiss on his neck. I am really grateful for that wall now.

"I am honoured", he says, allowing me to sit on his lap. I go into a similar position to the one on the veranda, my feet on each side of his waist. The only difference is that he's sitting now. And that we are wearing a fair share amount of more clothes. "Honoured", he repeats, stressing out that word. "To be your boyfriend."

No one has ever put it like that before him.

"I'm honoured to be your girlfriend too", I whisper, before I kiss him to show him just how much I mean it.

As the car rolls down the street and inside the parking lot, and we arrive at the party, I don't feel as scared as before.

On the contrary. I can't stop smiling.

The soft brush on my hand and the soft smile Louis gives me on the way only makes it better