Filthy Crown by Eleanor Aldrick
God, his property is gorgeous. The snow-peaked mountains make for the perfect backdrop as we ride along the fields. I have Amanda with me and Jack has Alex. Both kids are thrilled with our new adventure and haven’t stopped chattering since we left the stable.
“All of this is yours?” Alex’s eyes are wide as he takes in the scenery.
“Sure is. And one day it can be yours too, if you want it.” Jack smiles, oblivious to the minefield he just stepped on.
I scrunch my nose and frown. The only way it can belong to Alex is if he gives it to him outright or if he wills it to him after his death. Based on his ‘one day’ comment, I’m betting he’s thinking of the latter.
Apparently not one to miss my facial cues, Jack cuts into my morbid thoughts. “What’s wrong, Pen?”
I shake my head, not wanting to answer. It’s not exactly the right time to discuss postmortem gifting. If the kids didn’t catch his meaning, I sure as heck won’t bring it back up.
Jack rolls in his lips, unpleased with my lack of response, but thankfully drops it. “We’re riding out to an empty cabin. I want to show you guys what we do for people here.”
“And what is it you do, exactly?” I take on a playful tone, trying to ease the tension between us.
Jack takes the olive branch, his lips spreading into a full smile. “I give the gift of escapism.”
My brows raise at his statement. “That is quite the gift. What I wouldn’t give for some of that.”
A funny look crosses his face before he blinks it away. “I’m sure we can figure something out. Riding is a good start, but what did you used to do for fun back home?”
That’s a no-brainer, don’t even have to think before answering. “Read. Not a day went by where I didn’t pick up a book or my phone with the e-reader app.”
“Your phone. That reminds me, we’re going into town tomorrow to get you your replacement. I’ll need you to come with me in order to pick one out so we can make sure it has that e-reader stuff on it.”
I nod and pull back a snort. The way he said that makes me think he’s not good with technology. But either way, I’m thankful for his offer. I totally would’ve done it myself, but I’m not eighteen, so I can’t open up an account on my own. Not for the phone I wanted, anyway.
It’s moments like these that make me realize how limiting my own age is. I swear, I feel like an old lady inside of a teenager’s body and sometimes I forget.
My soul is cynical and weary. If only they awarded contracts based on that. I’d be getting all sorts of senior discounts.
“I see something!” Amanda shouts, pointing toward a thick mass of Aspen trees. I’m surprised she can see anything other than the leaves. We’d been ascending toward the tree-line, my eyes making out a trail the closer we get.
“Yes, that’s the path to our cabin. Sam should’ve delivered all of our stuff by now. He’s much quicker with his ATV.” Jack takes off ahead of Amanda and me, leading us down a trail so stunning I’ll have to remember to come back for hiking.
Before I know it, our horses are trotting toward a substantial A-frame cabin. It’s stunning, with massive windows on both the front and back. You can practically see through it to even more green and white trees. “Wow, if it’s this pretty on the outside, I can’t wait to see what the inside is like.”
Jack chuckles. “And that isn’t the half of it. There’s a creek behind the property. You have to go down another smaller path, but the view is breathtaking. It leads to a little waterfall, making for the perfect picnic spot.”
Alex’s face lights up at the sound of that. “Can we go in the water?”
“Sorry to be a Debby Downer but I didn’t bring us bathing suits.” And it’s not like we have any with us. Our stuff is still being shipped from California.
Jack winks at me. “I’ve got you covered. Sam delivered the stuff Mary picked up for you on Friday.”
My eyes go wide, but then I shouldn’t be surprised. My closet is fully stocked. “Well, you’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”
We’ve dismounted and the kids are running ahead of us, eager to see the inside of our treehouse cabin. I turn to see Jack and he’s making a face. “That’s what any good guardian would do. We take care of our kids. And that includes telling them things they don’t want to hear, like how they need to go to college. You know we still need to talk about that, right?”
I smirk, batting my lashes. “Yes, Daddy.” Running a hand along his forearm, I bite my lip for effect and boy, does that make him turn red.
“Penelope,” Jack warns.
“What?” I try to act innocent, but I know I’ve poked the bear. For whatever reason, older me affects this man. I’m not sure if he finally sees me or if this is all just in my head.
Whatever the case, I’m having too much fun to stop my teasing.
Jack reaches the door, the kids bouncing up and down on their toes, eagerly waiting for him to open it.
As soon as it swings out, the kids fly inside. I’m about to follow when there’s a sharp tug on my ponytail, making me jerk back.
Falling into Jack’s chest, his arms wrap tightly around me. “Be a good little girl, Princess. You don’t want to be spanked by Daddy.”
All air leaves my lungs, making me gasping for air. Oh my god. Did he just say that? I’m stock-still wondering what in the hell just happened when Jack drops his arms and walks away. Not even glancing back to see the puddle he’s left me in.
Taking a minute to collect myself, I let what happened sink in.
Jack flirted. With me. It’s the boldest he’s ever been, and I’m not sure how I feel about it. I’m still mad at him and I’m very much still disappointed with how he left me four years ago. All that resentment can’t just evaporate in twenty-four hours, can it?
“Hurry up, Pen! You have to see this!” Alex calls from somewhere up above me.
Stepping into the cabin, I see that it’s minimally decorated to not detract from the massive windows. What little furniture there is looks to be luxe though, with rich leather and intricate wood carvings.
To my right there’s two long couches that run parallel to each other so that you can enjoy the view from either the front or rear windows, and behind that there’s a massive stone fireplace.
To my left sits the small kitchen. It might be small, but the appliances are all high-end and the countertops are all in a rich butcher block.
“You like?” Jack asks from a recessed hallway by the kitchen.
I laugh at the ridiculous question. “Who wouldn’t?”
“You’d be surprised.” He makes a face and is about to say something when a phone ringing cuts him off.
He pulls out a phone with a stubby antenna. “Hello? Hey, Matt.” Jack smiles at something his brother says over the line. “Yeah, sure. That sounds good.” Another pause has me wondering what they’re talking about. “Okay, I’ll let her know. Just call me when you’re heading this way.”
Oh, wow. They must’ve been talking about me. Sure enough, Jack fills me in as soon as he presses end on the call. “That was Matt. They’re staying up at Hunter’s cabin for a bit, but then they’re all coming back to our place. He said Hunter wants to see you and the kids. He feels just as bad as we all do and he wanted you to know that he would’ve been here when y’all first got here if he would’ve known. He doesn’t want you thinking he doesn’t care.”
My eyes mist up at the thought of Hunter, the most hardcore manly man, getting all emotionally supportive of us. Despite my long-held beliefs, these Crown brothers have made a good case against my argument that all men are worthless.
“I would love that.” I’m taking a step toward him when a tiny human yells my name.
“Pen! Are you coming?” Alex calls from above and I look around quizzically, wondering where he is.
“He’s up in the loft with Amanda. They hightailed it to their own private lookout. It’s actually pretty cool up there. You should check it out.” He points to a ladder attached to the wall.
Holy crap. I thought that was decorative. Turns out it takes you up to a secret loft.
Not wasting any time, I head up to see what the fuss is about.
I smile as soon as I see the kids laying on plush beanbags. They’re both looking through a massive porthole window into nothing but beautiful nature. Jack was right. I definitely wouldn’t want to miss this.
