20. Conservation
CONSERVATION
ROSALIND
“ M ind if I share with you?” Lars asked, calling into the shower in the jack-and-jill bath he shared with his stepbrother.
I was surprised by his forward proposal but agreed.
"I suppose we can save water, right?” I joked.
Unfortunately, the cramped shower was less erotic than we assumed and more awkward. After an attempted makeout session against the shower wall, we became a giggling mess.
“This will not work,” Lars admitted.
“If you were a shorter, smaller person, we’d be golden. Of course, I’d probably fancy you less, Lars.”
“Now she fancies me?”
I slapped him on the chest as he shampooed his hair. “You had to know that. I don’t generally fuck people in acts of charity.”
“No benevolent shagging?”
“No. You’re hot. Your abs are what led to our first indiscretion. Now that I know you’re plenty kinky, I will only keep bothering you, darling.”
Lars kissed me, cupping my face in his hands. “Well, I cannot say no, so we’re both equally at fault.”
"What are we telling people now?” I asked.
“I could give a flying fuck. They’ll make up their minds. We don’t have to make it weird, do we? We have a fling going on. I cannot tell you the number of times my brothers have done the same. You’ll get no ill-treatment from Sanne or Pappa. Promise. They both like you.”
“Good to hear. This has been fun. I’d be fine with keeping doing it, Lars.”
“Who doesn’t love a few more days in a tropical paradise? You’re a grand distraction, Rosalind.”
“I’ll take it.”
“I needed a reset,” Lars said. “You reminded me I could be a little more assertive. I’m not good at it—especially in the UK or here. I struggle to share my feelings. I’m always worried a woman will be offended if I express interest.”
“So, how does it work?” I laughed.
“The morning after is an awkward dance of trying not to talk and talk,” Lars chuckled. “It’s not easy to explain. Brits are so forward or trying to spare your feelings with a lie. We don’t do that. And girls often make the first move. Of course, Rose, you didn’t struggle with that.”
I smiled. “I am not known for my subtlety, Lars. If I want something, I say so. You’re a very giving lover, a sweetheart, and probably need to signal interest. Most Brits aren’t as forward as I am. I’m just the wild youngest child living in a world of men. Racing is a sausagefest.”
Lars chuckled. “I will take note. You’ve been a confidence boost. If anything, you’ve raised my profile.”
“If you think the unimportant ginger third daughter of a duke helps, I’m glad to try.”
Lars brushed my cheek sweetly. “You’re anything but unimportant, Rose. And I like gingers anyhow.”
I wasn’t sure how this would work. I knew there would be snickers and some confused glances, but I’d moved on. Lars gave me the escape my heart needed to move on. Betty and Ingrid were right. I needed a break. Even if it wasn’t without complication, I felt safe with Lars in a way I wouldn’t with another hookup. He was right. Since Keir had had an on-again-off-again thing with the Crown Princess of Denmark, Edina, people in glass houses couldn’t cast stones. We’d live up the next few days and enjoy them to the best of my abilities.
“You’re too sweet,” I said. “And you should conserve your energy for the race.”
“Fuck the race,” Lars said. “After last night, I’m more worried about Jacqueline. The poor kid deserved better.”
“She has a lot of grownups who care about her—even if they aren’t her blood relations,” I said. “I promise she knows how much you love her, Lars. It’s impossible to miss, and it’s fucking adorable.”
“Really?”
“You do anything for that kid. You’re always there to show up for her. Don’t think we don’t notice. If anything, you should ignore this and lean into the fun uncle thing. Women love nothing more than a man who loves playing uncle. It’s the sort of thing that sends a woman’s ovaries into overdrive.”
He chuckled. “It’s not why I do it. It’s because I care. You’re right, though. Blood isn’t thicker than water. I’ve learned that from my stepmum time and time again. There’s little Sanne wouldn’t do for me.”
“See, she’ll be okay. And you should enjoy the race. Lap it up. You’re the favourites. Also, we’ll stop by the dock on the way back so I can change. And in the process, I promise to give you something to ride into battle with.”
“Oh, really?”
“I have just the right thing, darling. You’ll see.”
“You’d support me over your brothers.”
“Niall and Mac annoy me. I cannot help but feel obligated to support the man who got me off four times last night.”