Chapter 3
Frankie
A flash whites out my vision. I throw up a hand to shield my eyes.
“Come on, miss, give me a smile!” the photographer shouts, still snapping.
Blinking against the flash, I trip backwards, losing my grip on Elvis’ cage. It clatters to the porch, thankfully landing upright. Elvis squawks.
“Who are you?” Flash. “Are you the duke’s lover?” Flash. “How long has this been going on?”
“Stop.” I throw up my arm.
He doesn’t stop. The shutter sounds intensify, and I realize my bathrobe has gaped open. I duck and wrench it closed, but before I can decide whether to run and abandon Elvis, I’m tugged against a firm chest. I startle, rearing back to fight until I hear the duke’s deep voice.
“It’s all right.”
Despite myself, I sag in his strong arms. The Duke of New Arcadia’s ho
