His Royal Favorite by Lilah Pace Page B

worry
, James told himself. He’d been afraid of people shouting insults or some sort of demonstration, but nothing like that had materialized. Eventually something would—James understood as much—but the longer he had to brace himself, the better he’d handle it. He had to handle everything well, or else.
    Or else what?
That thought intruded just as he returned home, walking past Glover to head into the private area of Clarence House.
What does it matter if you handle it all perfectly? You already know the Archbishop of Canterbury is against you. What point is there even trying?
    Once again, his training let him put his deeper worries aside. He couldn’t control that; he wouldn’t think about it.
    Besides, he had other things to think about. For the first time ever, he was coming home to Ben.
    Please let it not have been too bad for him. Please let Ben not regret his choice, or hate me for letting him do this. Please let him be all right.
    “Hello!” he called as he came through the door, which brought Happy and Glorious running to him, as usual. But this time it brought Ben too.
    Ben appeared in the hallway wearing sweatpants slung low on his hips, revealing that deliciously tapered waist, and a T-shirt that might have been painted on. “There you are.” He looked so happy that it made James’s heart soar. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
    All the day’s tensions faded in the warmth of Ben’s arms; James could feel himself smiling against Ben’s shoulder. So this was what it was like, coming home to the person you loved.
    “How did it go?” Ben said.
    “Not bad, actually. Not bad at all. And you?”
    “It was . . .” Ben’s voice trailed off, and James once again felt the cold spear of dread in his heart. Had it been terrible? Did Ben already have second thoughts? But then a smile spread across Ben’s face. “It was utterly ridiculous.”
    “Really?” James started laughing out of relief, but Ben’s stories only made him laugh harder. They were silly with each other while they ate together in the kitchen, the corgis looking up at them lovingly in hopes of a scrap.
    Seeing Ben face down the world for him was one thing. Seeing him smiling afterward—that was a higher order of miracle altogether.
    “
Benji?
Honestly,” James said between bites of chicken. “You couldn’t be any less of a Benji.”
    “Thank you,” Ben said.
    “No offense to the many Benjis of this world. I feel sure they are delightful men, one and all. But you’re not among their number. I could never get this turned on by a Benji.”
    “Are you sure? We might have to test this proposition.” With his free hand, Ben reached down to stroke James’s thigh. “See how much I turn you on tonight. Then tomorrow night you have to call me Benji and we’ll see how it goes.”
    James started laughing again. “I enjoyed our first round of role-playing much more than I’d enjoy seduction-by-Benji.”
    “Oh, yeah. Gay nightclub night.” Ben gave him one last squeeze, then went back to his sandwich. It was still startling for caresses and sex to be an ordinary part of his life, James thought, but in the best way. “You asked to play again sometime, didn’t you? And I’ve let you down.”
    “Wait until the right inspiration strikes.” James hoped he sounded suave and tantalizing instead of giddy with anticipation.
    “Okay. Or if inspiration strikes you, don’t be shy.” Ben’s eyes danced, and James realized he wasn’t the only one eager for their next game.
    That night didn’t involve role-playing or any kink whatsoever. Just being together without fear or furtiveness was still a new, intoxicating delight. They watched the night’s media bundle from Kimberley in good spirits, nestled in each other’s arms, joking about how the BBC was now on Day Four of “The Prince Regent Is Still Gay.”
    Afterward James drew Ben back into the bedroom, his bed this time, doling out kisses only every few steps, as though he were