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Prologue
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2022-12-15 06:57:38Prologue
Harper Gaines silenced her cellphone when it vibrated in her scrubs pocket before getting back to the lance corporal, whose leg she was currently bending. âJust like that. And out. Donât forget to exhale.â She guided him through the exercise twice more before stepping back slightly to have him perform the rest himself. He was making great progress, and she was certain heâd be released from the VA Hospital for this particular injury in a matter of weeks.
Her phone buzzed again, and she took it discreetly from her pants. Her eyes widened, and she smiled her pleasure as she brought it to her ear, turning slightly to shield her conversation while still allowing a view of the Marineâs form. âTucker Carlton, I havenât heard from you in months.â
His voice sounded like he was standing right next to her, though he was probably still in Montrovia, where he was the royal familyâs personal physician. âItâs been a madhouse since BennetâŠPrince Bennet crashed his racecar. Did you hear about that?â
âOf course.â Even in America, it was big news when a member of a royal family almost died, especially if it was due to some daredevil sport like racing. âHow is your patient?â
âMaddening.â His cheerful tone belied his words. âHeâs also managed to chase off the second physical therapist just this morning. Thatâs two in three weeks.â
âImpressive.â When the Marine looked up, she gave him a smile before turning a slight bit more from him. âHe sounds like a spoiled brat.â
Tucker hesitated. âOh, he can be, but heâs a good person too. Iâm looking for a resilient physical therapist, who can take his crap and give it right back. Do you know anyone who might be interested in the position?â
Harper frowned as she ran through a mental list of colleagues. âUm, maybe. I have some contactsââ
He interrupted her with a laugh. âIâm talking about you, sweetheart. Are you up for the task?â
Her eyes widened, and she saw the shock in her expression in the full-wall mirror she was partially facing. âMe? But I have a job.â
âAnd some vacation time, right? And if you tell your boss where youâre going, Iâm sure heâd let you take a leave of absence for this assignment. Gotta be good press to have a VA physical therapist get a prince of the Casparian House of Montrovia walking again.â
It was tempting, but she hesitated. âI have patientsâŠâ
âWould you like to hear the salary?â Without waiting for an answer, he named a sum that made her eyes cross. âThatâs just until heâs up and moving again, so it could be a few weeks.â
âOr months or years. Level with me. Does his injury keep him from being able to walk? Because if it does, I wonât beat a dead horse. Heâll have to accept his limitations and focus on performing the tasks that will help him live as a quadriplegic.â She couldnât in good conscience take the position with the prince expecting more than she could deliver, even if the payment was enough to completely pay off her remaining student loans.
âParaplegic,â said Tucker, his voice all business now. âHe was initially paralyzed from mid-chest downward, but the corticosteroids and surgery relieved some of the compression. Heâs stabilized for now with little sensation below his mid-thigh.â
âCan he walk again?â
Tucker hesitated. âI believe he can, but Iâd like your professional opinion. Are you up for an assessment?â
âIâm hardly flying all the way to Strater for an assessment. If I come, itâs to work.â
His grin was obvious in his tone. âI figured, and the capital city is Stratta, not Strater. Can I persuade you?â
Harper held back for a moment before curiosity overwhelmed her. âI think you can, as long as I can arrange a leave-of-absence.â
âExcellent. Let me know as soon as you have a firm decision, and Iâll ask the kingâs assistant to arrange your travel. Iâm sure Fiona Claremont will be thrilled to have another American sullying up the palace.â He laughed as he finished speaking.
âShe sounds charming.â
âOh, not as charming as Bennet.â He was downright chortling now.
Harper frowned. âYouâre making me second-guess my decision, Tuck.â
âDonât do that, Harp. You wonât regret it, but I wonât sugarcoat it either. You have your work ahead of you.â
She squared her shoulders, catching sight of the resolve in her expression, framed by the short black pixie cut, which emphasized the creaminess of her complexion. âWeâd best get started as soon as possible then.â
Optimism spread through her as she hung up and finished the session with the lance corporal. After that, she cleared a leave with her bossâwho was just as happy to accommodate as Tucker had speculatedâand had a whirlwind schedule faxed to her home by the time she arrived that evening. Smiling down at the itinerary in front of her, she was confident in her decision.
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A Royal Pain   1
Chapter OneMaybe that confidence had come too soon. She was forced to consider the idea as she gazed around her when stepping foot into the summer palace of the royal family, where they were currently in residence. It was luxurious beyond compare, and enough to really underscore to her how out-of-place she was with her Midwestern, middleclass upbringing when contrasted with her surroundings.Firming her shoulders, she reminded herself she was there for her expertise in physical therapy, and because she wasnât afraid of a challenge. This might be outside her comfort zone, but she couldnât let that hold her back.By the time she recognized a familiar face a few moments later, she was feeling more certain again. She walked forward to meet Tucker, who was beaming at her. His dark skin had gotten a couple of shades darker, and his curls, neatly cropped close to his head last time sheâd seen him, had grown out into a two-inch high start of an Afro. He looked tired, but also fantastic.The
Last Updated : 2022-12-15A Royal Pain   2
Chapter TwoBennet was disappointed all the way around. He barely knew any Americans, but heâd heard the women were independent, free with their sexuality, and easily impressed by his royal status. So far, the physical therapist failed to meet any of the three traits. Sheâd yielded far too easily when he insisted on ending the session for the day, her loose khaki trousers and pink blouse had done nothing to reveal the figure beneath, especially with those buttons all the way up to the neck, and she hadnât seemed particularly impressed by him.It was hard to get a read on her, and he was afraid she wouldnât be the distraction he had hoped for. The dragon lady from Belgium had been tough, but even she had eventually yielded and broken down in tears as she fled the castle. It had taken him two weeks to undermine her completely and break her resolve.The simpering miss from his own country had been a nice novelty for a short while, since she obeyed everything he said and clearly revered h
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Chapter ThreeShe watched and waited for him to appear at the pool, having taken up a hiding place in the womenâs dressing area. It was practically a five-star hotel in its own right, so it was no hardship to stretch out on a lounger and enjoy an iced guava juice until he came into sight.He wheeled out on his own, though Tucker was a few steps behind him. She frowned when she noted how tired her friend looked before her attention moved to Bennet. He was almost wearing a swimsuit. It was slightly more modest than the briefs heâd slept in and had the added advantage of being opaque when he transitioned from the chair to a chaise lounge with some assistance from Tucker.Harper finished her second juice and waited for him to relax. Ray-Bans soon shielded his eyes, and his body was visibly relaxed as he stretched on the chair. Once the sun had the opportunity to lull him into a nice little semi-doze, she made her move.Creeping out of the changing room, she caught Tuckerâs glance as he lo
Last Updated : 2022-12-23A Royal Pain   4
Chapter FourHeavy breathing woke her, and she immediately recognized it as a sound of pain. It was coming through the intercom system, and there was no question about the source. She slid from bed and didnât worry about changing out of her sleep shorts and T-shirt as she slid her feet into slippers and rushed from her room to Bennetâs.She found him quickly, and in his bed, as expected. He was curled up into the fetal position as much as possible, and his face betrayed agony. Lines bracketing his mouth spoke volumes, and concern filled her. There was also a rush of tenderness she was unaccustomed to feeling for a patient, and she tried to push it aside as she moved closer to the bed. âWhatâs wrong?âEven as she asked, she realized he was having an attack of spasticity. His muscles were tensed, and his legs were stiff before him. Since he was lying on his side, it made it easy to get on the bed behind him and start rubbing his back in slow, deep circles. âDoes that help?â Sometimes, i
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Chapter FiveâYou arenât breathing properly.â He was already winded after just ten minutes at the rowing machine. With his physique and general level of fitness, that shouldnât have been the case, but he had been more sedentary since his injury, and today was the first day he actually seemed to make a full effort.He glared over his shoulder up at her. âI know how to breathe. That partâs not broken.âShe put a hand on his when he wouldâve begun using the machine again, stilling the motion. âLetâs go over some respiratory exercises before you try again.âHis rolled eyes and huffy sigh left no doubt about his opinion, but he wheeled away from the machine to face her. Harper knelt down beside him, until they were roughly equal in height. She put her hand on his chest, ignoring the rapid fluttering in her own as she touched him. His skin was warm through his tank top, and she forced herself to focus on the rhythm of his chest instead of the feel of the muscles under her palm. âBreathe in
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Chapter SixBennet was done with his physical therapy for the day, and she should probably just let it go, but she was confused why his stamina hadnât yet improved. He wasnât out of shape by any means, but she knew he could do better. He needed to do better to give his physical therapy his all.Sheâd almost brought up the discussion while he was working out that morning, but heâd been so focused on his goals that she hadnât bothered. Heâd been like that for the last three days, and their sessions had been textbook perfect. He was doing everything she asked of him, and while he was not hitting his goals, he was certainly making progress. She shouldâve been flush with satisfaction, instead of vaguely discontented by the emptiness of the time she spent with him.How ridiculous was that? He was her patient, and it shouldnât have affected her on an emotional level at all, other than hurting when he failed, or celebrating when he succeeded. That was second nature for her with all of her pat
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Chapter SevenHaving won a hint of capitulation from her, Bennet was determined to abide by the terms of their agreement. During the mornings, he yielded to her direction and put forth as much effort as he could to achieve results as quickly as possible. As a result, seven days after their first liaison in his room, he managed to take three steps with the assistance of the treadmill, though without the weight-bearing equipment. He was flush with success, though stymied in a different area.Harper had clearly meant it when she said she didnât have sex indiscriminately. They had spent hours together, and he was no closer to having her in his bed. It wasnât as though he was forcing himself to go through the motions of getting to know her just so he could take her. He enjoyed the time they spent together pursuing a variety of activities, but he was frustrated by the lack of progress in a sensual direction.âAre you even listening?âBennet blinked and looked down. They were in a quiet nook
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Chapter EightâWhy are you so quiet this morning?âHarper looked up from the water, where her feet dangled in, to meet Tuckerâs gaze. âIâm not.âHe smiled. âYou are. Youâre usually a morning person. Itâs absolutely disgusting, so I can tell something is bothering you.âShe shrugged a shoulder. âItâs nothing. I guess Iâm just tired.â She was also a bit cranky, though she had no right to be. Just because sheâd gotten accustomed to having breakfast with Bennet didnât give her the right to feel annoyed that he had chosen to eat with his siblings that morning without telling her first.Sheâd shown up in his room at the usual time, prepared to eat before they started working. Tucker had greeted her in the hallway with the news that Bennet had risen early and decided to join his siblings for breakfast. When he had suggested they dine by the pool, she had acquiesced. Somehow, that had transitioned to sitting on the side with her feet dangling in the water, and not a bit of food in sight.âI d
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A Royal Pain   14
Chapter FourteenIt took less than a week for the DNA results to be returned, and they affirmed Fionaâs claim that she was an Casparian. As a result, they had all gathered around the formal dining table, having what could only be described as an uncomfortable formal family dinner. Harper shifted in the white lace dress she wore, wishing she had chosen something less scratchy. At least then she wouldâve been physically comfortable while still being emotionally uncomfortable. The entire atmosphere was tense, and it was clear no one knew how to react.Except maybe Bennet, who continued to shoot daggers at Fiona across the table. Harper slid her hand from her lap to his thigh to squeeze lightly as she leaned closer to whisper, âPlease give her a chance.âHe grunted at her, but reined in the glaring after that.âTell us about your mother,â said Sabrina, sounding imperious instead of inquisitive.âYes, please do so,â said Barret, softening his sisterâs question.Fiona reached for her wine,
A Royal Pain   13
Chapter ThirteenIt took a bit of work to track down Barret, since they couldnât call Fiona to ask where he was. Finally, they found him in the sitting room of his suite, about to have afternoon tea. Heâd answered the door himself, looking startled to see them, but stepped aside to allow them entry. âI was just about to have tea. Would you care to join me?ââWe donât have time for tea,â said Bennet.Harper took a step forward, putting a hand on Bennetâs shoulder and squeezing lightly. âThank you, Your Highness. Weâd be honored.âThatâs Your Majesty,â said Tucker softly.âJust Barret will do,â said the king. âLet me ring for more tea for everyone, and then you can tell me whatâs on your mind.âHarper felt strange in the kingâs private quarters, sitting down to have tea with him. In an abstract way, she knew he was Bennetâs brother, which meant if they continued a relationship, he might eventually become family of some sort to her as well, but the thought was just intimidating.âWeâre i
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Chapter TwelveâWhy did you do it?â Bennet issued the question in a stern voice as they cornered Tucker in the exercise room.âWhat happened to diplomacy and decorum?â asked Harper, frowning down at him.He ignored her censure as he focused his gaze on Tucker. âWell?âTucker set down the free weight he was lifting and reached for a towel to wipe off his face. âI donât know what youâre talking about, so I donât know what answer youâre looking for here, Bennet.ââWe just got back from the states,â said Harper. Her tone was much nicer than his had been. âSomeone reported our relationship to the American Academy of Physical Therapists, and they summoned me for a disciplinary hearing.âHe looked genuinely shocked, but he could just be a good actor. Bennet wasnât ready to absolve him of guilt just yet. âWhat do you know about that?âBennet frowned, and his confusion was starting to change to anger. âI donât know anything about it except what Harper just said. I wondered where you two had di
A Royal Pain   11
Chapter ElevenHer apartment was just as sheâd left it, but with a stale odor that inevitably developed when a place was empty for too long. She moved straight to the balcony to open the door before hustling around to open the windows. She was conscious of Bennet watching her the entire time, and she couldnât explain why was she was having such a hard time meeting his eyes. He seemed to be offering her everything she wanted, so why was she so reluctant to hear it?She was scared. There it was, and no escaping the epiphany. She was frightened of what an escalation in their relationship might mean. He already meant so much to her that the prospect of losing him made her tremble. How much harder would it be to endure losing him if she loved him even more than she did already?She stilled as the word love flittered through her brain, forcing her to turn and face Bennet. He was near the recliner, so she crossed over to it and sat down, bringing them almost to eyelevel. She was still feelin
A Royal Pain   10
Chapter TenEven the admonishment to herself that she shouldnât consider the royal palace home couldnât make it feel less like she was returning after a long absence to a welcome homecoming. The royal family had gathered to greet them, though she didnât fool herself into believing that they were there for her. She was simply an accessory trailing behind the prince, but she was okay with that. Having them greet her in any other, more familiar way would mean they had realized there was something more to their relationship.She was still aware of what a violation of her ethics it was to be sleeping with Bennet, even though she thought she had been fairly successful in separating her professional obligations from her personal feelings for him. They still had to be discreet.As she made her way to the servantsâ quarters after parting from the prince, each step felt like a lightening of her load. It was good to be back, and she couldnât deny that. For however long it lasted, she should just
A Royal Pain   9
Chapter NineâAre you sure you want to do this?â Harper ran a hand through her hair as she asked the question that had been weighing on her mind. âYouâre making good progress, and neural implants are an invasive procedure; not to mention still experimental.âHe looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding. âIâm sure this is what I want. And Iâd like you to come with me.âShe blinked in surprise at the invitation. He was due to leave tomorrow for Geneva, and she had anticipated spending the time he was gone moping around without him, though she wouldnât have admitted that to him. They had gotten close in the last three weeks, perhaps closer than was wise for her heart, and sheâd hoped to use the time away from him to put some distance in her emotions as well.She hovered on the brink of refusal until she saw the hurt appearing in his eyes. âOf course Iâll come with you, if thatâs what you want. Just know that if I have any reservations, I intend to voice them.âBennet grinned at her.
A Royal Pain   8
Chapter EightâWhy are you so quiet this morning?âHarper looked up from the water, where her feet dangled in, to meet Tuckerâs gaze. âIâm not.âHe smiled. âYou are. Youâre usually a morning person. Itâs absolutely disgusting, so I can tell something is bothering you.âShe shrugged a shoulder. âItâs nothing. I guess Iâm just tired.â She was also a bit cranky, though she had no right to be. Just because sheâd gotten accustomed to having breakfast with Bennet didnât give her the right to feel annoyed that he had chosen to eat with his siblings that morning without telling her first.Sheâd shown up in his room at the usual time, prepared to eat before they started working. Tucker had greeted her in the hallway with the news that Bennet had risen early and decided to join his siblings for breakfast. When he had suggested they dine by the pool, she had acquiesced. Somehow, that had transitioned to sitting on the side with her feet dangling in the water, and not a bit of food in sight.âI d
A Royal Pain   7
Chapter SevenHaving won a hint of capitulation from her, Bennet was determined to abide by the terms of their agreement. During the mornings, he yielded to her direction and put forth as much effort as he could to achieve results as quickly as possible. As a result, seven days after their first liaison in his room, he managed to take three steps with the assistance of the treadmill, though without the weight-bearing equipment. He was flush with success, though stymied in a different area.Harper had clearly meant it when she said she didnât have sex indiscriminately. They had spent hours together, and he was no closer to having her in his bed. It wasnât as though he was forcing himself to go through the motions of getting to know her just so he could take her. He enjoyed the time they spent together pursuing a variety of activities, but he was frustrated by the lack of progress in a sensual direction.âAre you even listening?âBennet blinked and looked down. They were in a quiet nook
A Royal Pain   6
Chapter SixBennet was done with his physical therapy for the day, and she should probably just let it go, but she was confused why his stamina hadnât yet improved. He wasnât out of shape by any means, but she knew he could do better. He needed to do better to give his physical therapy his all.Sheâd almost brought up the discussion while he was working out that morning, but heâd been so focused on his goals that she hadnât bothered. Heâd been like that for the last three days, and their sessions had been textbook perfect. He was doing everything she asked of him, and while he was not hitting his goals, he was certainly making progress. She shouldâve been flush with satisfaction, instead of vaguely discontented by the emptiness of the time she spent with him.How ridiculous was that? He was her patient, and it shouldnât have affected her on an emotional level at all, other than hurting when he failed, or celebrating when he succeeded. That was second nature for her with all of her pat
