NOT ROYALE ENOUGH [18+]

29 💋

SARAH

We stared at each other for what felt like an eternity before loud laughter broke through, reminding us where we were.

"What are you doing here?" Christopher asked-not to me, but to Nate, who was quietly watching us. His eyes shifted back and forth between Chris and me.

"It's your ceremony, and I'm here to celebrate you, dear cousin," Nate replied smoothly. "Or am I not invited to my own family's occasion-an important one at that?"

"I didn't mean that. You're welcome," Christopher said, though his tone suggested otherwise.

"Then what are you talking about-"

"I'm talking about what you're doing here with my fiancée." Chris cut him off, his voice sharp. My heart clenched at the possessive way he referred to me as his.

"Oh, I..." Nate faltered, glancing at me before looking back at Christopher. His false composure quickly returned as he smirked. "I was just getting to know her. Is that a problem?"

"It is." Chris's tone hardened as he took a step closer to Nate, nearly blocking him from my view. I caught a subtle change in Nate's demeanor.

He's afraid of Christopher.

"Why not? She's going to be family very soon," Nate said, turning his attention back to me. "It's important we get acquainted."

A wave of disgust rolled through me at the way he looked at me.

I was so distracted by Nate's gaze that I didn't notice how tightly Christopher was clenching his fists until now. He had clearly seen the same look and wasn't taking it lightly.

"You-" Christopher began, his voice seething with anger, but he stopped himself. Guests nearby were starting to notice, and I had to defuse the situation.

"Chris," I said softly, stepping in front of him and placing my hand on his chest. "Chris, look at me." My tone was firm, commanding his attention.

His dark eyes met mine, waiting for what I had to say.

"You need to calm down," I said, my voice low as I pretended to adjust his black tie, forcing a smile. "People are starting to stare." I rested both hands on his chest, ignoring how solid he felt beneath my palms, and tried to steady him.

Chris glanced around, seeming to realize I was right. His expression shifted, the tension in his features softening slightly.

I looked down and noticed his hand was still tightly clenched. Without thinking, I slipped my hand into his, the sudden contact jolting him. His eyes, now full of confusion, searched mine.

"You're squeezing too hard," I said gently. "Relax."

His jaw tightened, but after a deep breath, I felt his hand gradually loosen and open. Relief washed over me as I stepped back. Glancing around, I saw the guests' attention had drifted elsewhere. Nate was gone, much to my relief.