Can't Take My Eyes Off of You
(Maxwell Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis) in a Choices The Royal Romance Crackship series
A/N Sorry for the delay. My life is still in an uphill battle with everything, LOL. I'm so sorry for being silent. It's, well, it's been a lot. I'm going to do my best to finish this series along with requests and my other series. So, without further ado, here's the next part in this crackship.
Masterlist
Chapter 8
**************
What did I do wrong?
Maxwell stared up at the ceiling as he lay sprawled on his bed. Moonlight cast his room in shadow, allowing his mind to focus on the events of the past few weeks.
He was still in a state of disbelief. Not only did his own burgeoning love life end without warning, he'd had to stand by and watch two of his best friends be denied their own happily ever after.
What happened?
As he'd done for countless hours since the coronation ball, he relived every second of that fateful night. The anticipation of all his dreams coming true was followed by them actually coming true and then ending with his entire universe falling apart. None of it made any sense.
How had things ended so horribly and so quickly?
Why did Olivia disappear before the announcement? Why didn't she at least say goodbye to him? She seemed to enjoy their one moment of passion. Why was she ghosting him?
Where is she? Is she back at Lythikos and telling servants to refuse my calls? Or is she truly not there?
Does she hate me?
He rubbed his face with the palms of his hands and released a frustrated groan. His thoughts were going to be the death of him if he didn't focus on something else. He knew he should concentrate on helping Riley with her return to Cordonian society instead of his own wretched love life. He should also be trying to find out who took those photos of her.
Snorting softly, he began to think that maybe she and Liam were like him, destined for a blink and you miss it, painful romance. Nothing was ever guaranteed that love would last. He'd certainly witnessed his fair share of those disastrous relationships within his own family. Why shouldn't he follow suit?
Flopping onto his stomach, he buried his face into his pillow and did his best to forget all about that fateful night. It obviously didn't mean as much to Olivia as it did to him. So why should he torture himself with questions that would probably never be answered nor any chance of fixing them?
Cursing, he flipped once again onto his back.
Why do I love her so much?
Reaching over to his nightstand, he swiped up a bottle of sleeping pills and popped one into his mouth. Like many of the previous nights, he knew the only way he'd ever get any sleep was with medicinal help. He'd always struggled with turning his mind off late at night. Complicate it with more personal problems and he would become a permanent insomniac.
"Things have to get better." He mumbled while waiting on the pill to take effect.
As he began to drift off to a dreamless sleep, he silently prayed that he'd wake up with everything somehow being miraculously fixed.
**************
Lythikos, a few weeks later...
Olivia could hardly believe what her mind was telling her. The damning evidence was right there and yet her heart, that traitorous organ, was refusing to accept it.
Maxwell couldn't be the one to set us all up, could he?
The photos from New York that'd been sold certainly pointed to him being the photographer that ruined Riley's chances. He'd known what room she'd been assigned. He might have even been the one to lure Tariq there.
But why ruin her shot with Liam?
He seems ridiculously fond of Riley, she thought with a quick burst of jealousy. She still didn't like how close he'd gotten to the American.
"Damn it." She whispered. "How dare he make me care about him."
If he betrayed Riley and Liam with those first set of photographs, and possibly with the new ones...why wouldn't he also betray me?
Could he have sent the letter? Granted, if he did, then it was with the express purpose to insure Riley winning Liam. So, if he sent it, why would he then turn around and have damning pictures of Riley for all the world to see?
Snatching up the paper that had the power to end the world as she'd once known it, Olivia ignored the content and simply studied it. The handwriting didn't match up with the poem he'd once written along with all the other notes throughout the years. That still didn't mean he wasn't capable of creating the story about her parents. Given how over active his imagination was proven just from the things he'd written her in the past, she could easily see him fabricating this mysterious past of her parents.
What was even worse was that he or whoever did write it was right. Her parents weren't the heroes she was raised to believe. They were traitors to not only their country but also to herself.
How dare they leave her all alone in the world? No guidance. No chance to know how to lead a normal life with normal relationships with others. Nothing except a few scraps of memories and lies to keep her warm at night.
"Your grace?" Her butler cleared his throat. "There was another phone call from Lord Beaumont."
"And?" Olivia snapped. "Didn't you tell him I'm not here?"
"I did." He paused. "He asked me to give you this message when I next saw you."
Olivia stiffened as he handed her a folded slip of paper. A part of her wanted to throw it into the fireplace and not even see what it said. Her heart though forced her fingers to unfold it.
I won't call again and bother her. I get it. She doesn't want to be with me. I just want her to know that I miss her. I love her. Always have and always will. I want her to be happy and if it isn't with me, then I understand.
Unwanted tears filled her eyes. How dare he make her feel anything other than hatred? Crumbling the note, she threw it into the flames and watched the edges begin to blacken.
"Your grace, is there anything I can--"
"Leave me." She ordered.
Once alone, the tears began to slowly slip down her cheeks. Cursing Maxwell to the deepest pit of hell, she sat down and began to plan what her next moves should be in order to find her blackmailer.
She knew she needed to prepare herself for Maxwell to be the cause of everything that happened. If it was him, she would unleash a series of torture that only those of her bloodline could imagine. She would make him regret ever playing with her heart.
Wiping her cheeks, she got to her feet to go pack.
There was an engagement tour she needed to join.
***************
Venice.....
Maxwell could hardly believe that not only was Olivia helping Riley, she was also sitting across from him and having dinner like nothing had ever happened.
He did his best to not stare at her. He barely spoke to Francesco much less anyone else. His mind raced with the questions he longed to ask Olivia. He knew that he couldn't since he'd promised he wouldn't bother her again.
Picking at his food, he focused on her voice. She didn't sound like anything was wrong. Her tone held the usual confidence with a dash of sarcasm he'd heard his entire life. Her smile was still a touch smug as if everything was a private joke. Her body seemed relaxed.
The only time anything different occurred was when she glanced his way. Her fingers tightened momentarily on the stem of her wine glass before she refocused upon Francesco. If Maxwell hadn't been staring, he would have missed it. He doubted anyone who wasn't as attuned as he was to Olivia would ever have caught that slight action.
Does she feel anything for me, he wondered. Am I destined to be nothing more than a one night stand with the one person I actually want to spend my life with?
Gulping down his wine, he motioned for the waiter for a refill. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Bertrand frowning over what he knew would be deemed, mannerless overindulgence.
Surely thanking the waiter made it simple overindulgence, he thought with a snort.
Olivia glanced once more at him when he wasn't paying attention. She hated that he drew her focus away from her mission. She could tell not only was he stunned with her appearance but that he also was not going to ask her why she did what she did.
Her heart was softening from the expression on his face. She knew him too well. She knew his smiles, his body language, even the way he looked out of those eyes of his. He wasn't attempting to paste a fake smile or even feign interest in the conversation. He slouched in his chair while drinking yet another glass of wine.
Her eyes dropped down to his plate. He hadn't even bothered to pretend to eat the courses that followed the first.
He's depressed. Maybe he didn't--
"This has been a pleasure." Francesco rose from his chair. "I look forward to speaking with you again Lady Riley."
He bowed to Olivia and Bertrand stating how good it was to see them and hoped they enjoyed their time in Venice.
Once he was gone, Riley's relief was shared by all at the table.
"I think that went well." She said.
"Of course it did." Bertrand bragged. "After all the work we've put in, you are more than ready for dinners with dignitaries."
"You did amazing, Blossom." Maxwell added. "Just like you always do."
Olivia grit her teeth to keep from making a snide remark. She loathed that he had a nickname for the woman beside her.
Bertrand cleared his throat while standing. "If you ladies will excuse us, I need to speak to my brother for a moment."
Maxwell looked up and mentally groaned at the expression on his brother's face. Of all the times Bertrand could give him a lecture, it would be on a night like this. Pushing back from the table, Maxwell staggered to his feet and reluctantly followed him across the room.
Once out of ear shot, Olivia produced an envelope and set it in front of Riley. "I think you should--"
"I thought they'd never leave." Drake interrupted as he took over Maxwell's chair.
Olivia narrowed her eyes at him as he and Riley teased each other over boring nobles.
Drake met her gaze with a suspicious glare of his own. "What's going on? Why are you here?"
"Why? Because I'm the only one doing something to fix the mess that we," she gestured to herself and Riley, "are in."
Drake snorted in derision. "How are you involved in all this? No pictures were released of you caught in some nobleman's arms."
Olivia hesitated. She could very well have been captured multiple times being kissed by a particular noble. Now that she thought of it, it was strange that none had been taken of her and Maxwell given how swiftly it made Riley an ineligible party for the Crown. It would have done the same for Olivia.
Maybe Maxwell didn't--
"She's being blackmailed, Drake." Riley argued. "She and I both were targeted the night of Liam's coronation."
Drake's face revealed his shock. Olivia felt a spurt of satisfaction in seeing it. Nothing brought a smile faster to her face than seeing him knocked down a peg or two.
"You're being blackmailed?" He asked.
"I am." Olivia declared. "I received a letter that, let's just say it has some rather damning evidence that would destroy the Nevrakis name along with my ability to care for the people of my duchy."
Drake slowly nodded as he stared off past her shoulder. His brow furrowed the longer he considered all that happened that night.
"You were both Liam's top choices." He stated. "Everyone knew it would end up being between the two of you."
"Exactly." Olivia responded. "Which is why I believe we were attacked by the same person."
Drake grimaced as he gestured towards the envelope in front of Riley. "What's that?"
"Pictures of Liam's getaway in New York."
Riley gasped. "Drake, I thought you said you and Bastien got those back?"
"We did." He took the envelope from her and looked at the pictures. "How did you get these?"
"Please." Olivia flicked her fingers as if it was nothing. "I'm the Duchess of Lythikos. There's rarely any information I can't get my hands on."
"But I destroyed these pictures!" He exclaimed.
"Those are copies of the originals." She pointed out. "I think whoever took and sold these photographs might be connected to my letter and Riley's scandal."
Olivia mentally winced at her use of might. Why couldn't she condemn Maxwell? If anyone looked at those pictures, they'd know he'd been the photographer. Why was she determined to-- she realized an argument was forming at their table
"It can't be." Riley broke into her thoughts. "This is Maxwell we are talking about!"
Drake shoved the photos back into the envelope. "Look Brooks, I know you're friends with the guy, but he had to have taken these."
"He's your friend too!" She snapped, surprising both Olivia and Drake. "He's done nothing but encourage and help me. I know he's innocent."
"Then why isn't he in any of the pictures?" He shot back. "Why were they sold?"
Olivia quietly watched the two. What surprised her the most was how adamant Riley was in Maxwell's innocence.
"Fine. Let's confront him." Drake slammed the envelope down. "See if he's as perfect of a friend as you claim he is."
The trio walked over to where Bertrand and Maxwell were talking. The Duke's frustration mounted with this particular interruption.
"Maxwell," Riley began, "we need you to explain yourself."
"How could you?" Drake snapped when Maxwell tried to joke about being an enigma. "We trusted you and you betray Liam like this?"
"Betray?" Maxwell stuttered. He glanced at Olivia and wondered if she'd let it slip that they'd attempted to get together before Liam officially chose a suitor. "I don't--"
Drake shoved the envelope into Maxwell's chest. "Did you take these?"
Maxwell opened it up and began to flip through the pictures. He paused at one where Riley and Liam were sitting close together at the bonfire on the beach.
Flipping it towards Riley, he said, "I thought this was the best one."
Olivia felt her heart drop. She knew he took them, but a part of her had ridiculously held out hope that he'd convince her with his denial.
"You sold these!" Drake accused, cutting off Riley's calm questioning. "Then you turned around and set Brooks up with Tariq!"
Maxwell jerked upright at that. The little bit of tipsiness he felt with dinner disappeared.
"I would never do that to her!" He waved the envelope. "These were going to be a gift for Liam and Riley, a wedding gift, of their first night falling in love."
"You're just like all the other nobles." Drake got in his face. "Only concerned with--"
"Stop!" Bertrand pleaded. "It was me."
Olivia gasped.
Hanging his head, Bertrand explained that he'd been the one to sell the photographs. He explained his lack of faith in Riley being able to actually win Liam in the end and how he'd needed the money to help keep his duchy afloat.
Riley reached out and stopped the apologies, saying she forgave him and understood the pressures he'd been under.
Bowing to her, Bertrand left.
Maxwell rubbed his hands over his face. With all that happened, he either needed a very strong drink or dessert. Maybe both.
Brushing off Drake's attempt at an apology, Maxwell walked alone back to their table. He couldn't help but wonder why Olivia was the one to be part of his accusers. She hadn't said anything, just listened and observed.
Was it some kind of test? Or did she really think I'd do something like that?
His empty stomach churned in the midst of ordering both a drink and some tiramisu. He needed something to soothe him if he was to help Riley corner the real photographer. So far, this night was right up there with the worst of his life.
****************
"Liam?" Olivia lowered her voice as she glanced about at the mingling nobles. "Do you have a moment?"
Liam doubted he'd ever have a moment to actually talk to the people he cared about. His gaze lingered on Riley as he debated what he could do to be alone with her. Just as he was about to say no to Olivia, he noticed she was visibly upset.
"Of course." He murmured, gesturing for her to follow him to a dimly lit aclove.
"What's wrong?" He whispered.
She told him everything, leaving nothing out, including her mistaken doubt in Maxwell and her parents actions.
She hated seeing the pitying look he was directing towards her.
Glancing over to where Maxwell was approaching a group of ladies to retrieve Riley, she asked the all important question.
"How do I fix this?"
Liam folded his arms while his brow furrowed. He knew it took a lot for Olivia to share so much, especially when it revealed her mistakes and anything that could cast a shadow on her family name. He also knew that her coming to him with this meant that his answer was one she not only fully trusted but also depended on.
"I think we need to address what it is you are most hoping to repair." He began.
Liam watched as she once again looked over in Maxwell's direction. He wondered if she even realized she'd done so.
"I, surely I should..." She trailed off, eyes widening with the commotion forming.
Photographers were exclaiming and snapping pictures as quickly as their cameras allowed.
Liam's jaw dropped at the sight of Maxwell kneeling on one knee and gazing up at Riley as if he absolutely adored her. His love was also looking down at his friend as if he were her own prince charming.
Neither he nor Olivia could think of how to stop their worst nightmares coming to life.
****************
A few hours later...
Maxwell boarded the train after making sure Riley went to meet Liam. He couldn't help but smile over the delight that had flooded her face when he told her a certain king was waiting for a romantic moment or two at the beach.
He hoped they enjoyed themselves. Other than finding another clue, his own night felt like a bust. He was hungry, tired, and terribly depressed from all that had been revealed.
Groaning softly, he decided to raid the train's bar for some snacks. He bent down, opening up a cabinet, and stuck his head in there while rummaging around the packages of peanuts and chips in the hopes of finding something a bit more substantial.
"How did it go?"
He bumped his head when he heard Olivia. Yanking it out of the cabinet, he clumsily became upright and faced her.
Just like at dinner, she was casually sitting at the bar as if nothing had ever happened between them.
He felt a rare spark of anger. He knew he didn't deserve someone like her, but to be given a glimpse of how it could be between them then just to be denied nothing with no explanation, no care for how he might feel, no anything; it hurt worse than anything anyone had ever done to him.
"What are you talking about?" He asked in a cold tone.
Olivia decided to persevere. She owed him so many explanations. Apologies. She wasn't exactly certain where to start. She only knew one thing.
Seeing Maxwell's fake proposal to Riley made her realize that he was more important to her than clearing her family name. For one brief moment, she'd been struck with what she was losing. The thought of never being with him again, hearing the crazy declarations of his feelings, seeing him look at her in a way no other man had ever done so; it hurt her worse than anything she'd ever felt.
Swallowing, she lowered her eyes.
"Were you able to catch the photographer?"
"You mean the one who actually took the photos of Riley and Tariq? The one who then ruined Riley in the public eye?" He taunted. "That one?".
Olivia nodded. She wondered if he'd even allow her to apologize.
Maxwell scoffed. He reached for a bottle of vodka and poured himself a glass. He didn't bother looking for a mix to make his usual tropical cocktail. He felt he was deserving of a night of strong liquor.
After dropping a few ice cubes in the glass, he took a long sip.
"We caught her." He responded. "It's only led to yet another mystery to uncover."
"Do you want some help?" Olivia hesitantly offered.
He snorted in his glass as he downed the rest. Slamming it down on the bar, he leaned over on his elbows until he was eye level with her.
"I would honestly have loved having your help from the beginning, but you refused to answer or return any of my calls."
She bit down on her lip, her eyes never leaving his. An unnerving silence stretched between them.
"Why?" His voice cracked. "Why did you--"
Penelope, Kiara, and a few other nobles entered, talking about the upcoming plans in Venice.
Olivia caught Maxwell's hand when he attempted to leave from behind the bar.
"Take a walk with me." She pleaded.
His eyes narrowed. Why should he? Why go somewhere else to continue to have his heart stomped on.
"Please." She added.
I'm so weak, he thought to himself. Why can't I ever say no to this woman?
He wanted to say no. His lips parted, yet he couldn't get the damn word out. Those eyes of hers, the softness that he'd only seen one other time on that amazing night of theirs, was there in the green depths. While he couldn't deny her, he also found himself reluctant to say yes. His heart was so battered, so bruised.
Why add more pain?
"I need to talk to you." She lowered her voice when she noticed some of the nobles lingering near the bar.
Taking a deep breath, she gently pulled him towards the exit.
"I need to explain," she hoped he believed her, "and, um, I need to tell you how sorry I am."
His eyebrows lifted.
Olivia saw his hesitancy and gripped his hand. If he was going to refuse to go with her, then she'd keep him here until everyone else left and force him to hear her out. If he decided he wanted nothing more to do with her after that, well, then she'd do whatever it took to change his mind.
If there was one thing she knew about herself, it was that she would never go down without a fight.
And Maxwell was worth fighting for.
