Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 66387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
“I’m proud of you,” the king says. From the look on Sebastian’s face, I’d say he’s surprised by his father’s words.
“You are?”
“You’re standing up for what you want, for what you believe in. Your speech was eloquent and kind. You would have made an excellent king, but I understand how you feel. Have a good trip. Keep in touch.”
The king hugs Sebastian—hugs him!—and then leaves, blinking away emotional tears that he tries to hide.
“Well, that’s a first,” the queen says as she pulls Sebastian in for a hug. “Your father isn’t one for emotional displays.”
“I know.”
“He loves you.” She pats Sebastian’s cheek. “As do I. Have a lovely time on your trip.”
After all of the goodbyes, Sebastian and I slowly walk back to our apartment, Nick and Charles following a discreet distance behind us.
“If you’re not ready to go, we can wait a day or two,” I offer.
“I’m ready,” he says. “We’ve been through the stress, now let’s go enjoy some relaxation, shall we?”
“Yes.” It sounds like heaven. “We shall.”
***
I was wrong. It hasn’t been heaven.
It’s heaven times a million. It’s like if heaven married chocolate and wine and they had spa babies.
It’s the best ever.
And as far as wondering how Nick and Charles feel about spending time in Aruba? I wouldn’t know. Because in the twelve days we’ve been here, I haven’t seen them once, not since we got off the plane. Whatever they’re doing, they’re being incredibly discreet, giving Sebastian and me our privacy.
It’s like we’re normal people. I didn’t realize until this trip how badly I needed that.
“You look relaxed, darling.”
I’m lying on the net thing that hangs over the water on the deck of our cottage. The whole building is built over the water. We can see fish in the bedroom. Fish in the living room. And out here, I can just lie right over the water.
I never want to leave.
“I’m just thinking.”
“What are you thinking about?”
“That we’re normal.”
He cocks a brow as he climbs the ropes to lie next to me. “As opposed to abnormal?”
“As opposed to royal people,” I clarify and close my eyes. On day two, Sebastian had the resort put a big umbrella over this spot so I could lie here as long as I want without being burned to a crisp.
My husband is thoughtful.
“I hate to break it to you, but we are royal people.”
“Not today,” I remind him. “And not since we’ve been here. I can be lazy. There’s no schedule. And I don’t have Nick following me like a stalker.”
“It’s his job to follow you.”
I turn my head to look at him and grin when I see his lips twitching.
“It’s been nice, just being here with you and no one else.”
“It’s a relief to hear you’d rather spend time with me rather than with Nick.”
I frown. “Why would I want to spend time with Nick?”
“I was convinced you two had a little thing going on when we first arrived at the palace.”
His voice is calm and cool, as if we’re discussing the weather.
“What?” I sit up and stare down at him. “Why in the hell would you think that?”
“He was handsy,” he says simply as if that explains everything.
“The man has touched me like three times.”
“Exactly. He shouldn’t be touching you at all. I tried to get him reassigned, but Charles didn’t have enough men for it.”
My mouth gapes. I can feel it. I just don’t know what to say.
“You’re jealous.”
“Oh, I was. Yes. Absolutely.”
I lie back down. “Well, you didn’t need to be. Nick’s handsome and nice and has a good sense of humor—”
Sebastian rolls over me, pinning me to the nets.
“Don’t make me kill the man, darling.”
I smile. “I wasn’t done. He’s all of those things, and he’ll be a good catch for someone, but I already caught a man. I’m off the market. I thought you heard.”
“You’re clever, aren’t you?” He nips at my lips and settles between my legs.
“This is a net, not a bed. You’re squishing me.”
“If I were squishing you, you wouldn’t be able to talk.” He kisses my cheek and down to my neck. “I realized that Nick is also an asset to our security team. I trust that you’re safe in his care, and he stopped touching you.”
“Pity.”
He laughs now, an all-out guffaw that’s contagious. I laugh with him, not minding in the least that he really is smushing me down into the net.
“I love how sassy you are.” He kisses me, long and slow. “You keep me on my toes.”
“It’s my job.” His hair has grown long over his forehead. I brush it back with my fingertips. “I don’t want to leave tomorrow.”
“I know.”
“I’m not ready for real life yet. I like your family, but I’m not ready for London.”
“We’re not going to London.”
He rolls off me and reaches over to the deck where I have sunscreen set out. He grabs the bottle.