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I’ve never been in the presence of royalty before, so I’m not sure what to say or do. And even though Rose is proper and ladylike in every way, she has a friendly presence and exudes warmth, which helps put everyone at ease.
Well, except Linc whose arms are crossed and looks like he has a pole up his ass. I’m not sure why he’s being more standoffish than usual, but I notice Addie slant him a warning look a couple of times.
“What’s up with Linc?” I ask Knox in a low voice.
“He’s still pissed off that Addie wants him to play babysitter, er, bodyguard to the princess.”
“Oh, right,” I chuckle. “Well, I think Rose seems nice.”
She even invites us to lunch, and while I know everyone wants to get home, how do you say no to royalty? Quite simply, you don’t.
Addie graciously accepts on all our behalf, and Rose leads us through the airy mansion. The open floor plan and high ceilings leave me a little wide-eyed, and a lot intimidated. It’s clear this place belongs to people with excellent taste and the bank to furnish it. The huge home incorporates unique architectural features like statement chandeliers, interesting artwork and plenty of luxury materials such as custom pillows and tapestries. We walk past endless floral arrangements, open windows and, finally, step onto a large back veranda.
I pause mid-step, taking in the stunning view. The bright blue water sparkles like a gem, yachts bobbing on its placid surface. My hair lifts on the salt-tinged air, and fragrant blooms lace it with sweetness. A long table is perfectly set and pitchers of ice-cold limoncello are already being poured into our chilled glasses as we sit down.
“Wow,” I murmur under my breath. Fresh flowers spill over vases and, once we’re all seated, servants carry out trays of food and serve us. “I could get used to this.”
Knox reaches for my hand under the table and squeezes. “I may be utterly charismatic and devastatingly handsome, but I’ll never be royalty.”
“That’s okay. You’ll always be my Prince Charming.”
He lifts my hand and kisses my knuckles. “And you will always be my lovely Sparrow.”
We dive into the amazing spread our hostess has provided, and everything is delicious. At some point, Addie presses Rose for more information about her needing a bodyguard. I don’t miss Linc’s grunt right before he stuffs half a croissant into his mouth.
“Not for me,” she clarifies. “For my good friend, Merritt.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Addie quickly apologizes. “My contact mentioned that a princess needed a bodyguard. I assumed it was you.”
We all know her “contact” is The Man.
“Oh, she’s a princess alright.”
As if on cue, a beautiful woman with brown hair swept up into a loose chignon walks onto the patio. Wearing a lace-trimmed blouse and slim-fitting pencil skirt, she’s the picture of elegance and sophistication.
“Sorry, I’m late,” she says a little breathlessly, heels clicking. Her blue eyes sweep down the table and she lightly fingers the statement ruby necklace hanging around her neck.
“Everyone, this is Princess Merritt Fontaine, her Royal Highness of Arcadia,” Rose announces.
“Oh, please,” Merritt says with a wave of her delicate hand, “it’s just Merritt.”
From across the table, I see Linc sit up straighter, his full attention on Merritt.
“You know how I feel about royal titles,” Merritt continues with a slight grumble, pulling out the empty chair beside Linc. “Do you mind if I sit here?”
He clears his throat and shakes his head like a dog who just jumped out of its bath. “No,” he finally manages to croak, and I lift my fancy cloth napkin to hide my smile. The imposing former fighter seems a little flustered, and it’s freaking adorable.
“Addie and her lovely associates returned my family’s emerald,” Rose says, “and I was just about to tell them how you need a bodyguard.”
“I don’tneeda bodyguard,” she clarifies, “but my parents are insisting. Specifically, they want someone not connected to Arcadia who can accompany me back to New York. Personally, I think they’re being a little overprotective.”
“Someone tried to kidnap her,” Rose states dramatically.
Everyone perks up at that little tidbit and Linc’s dark eyes narrow.
“It was a misunderstanding.” Merritt tries to brush it off and reaches for her glass of limoncello. Pink-painted nails tap against the crystal before she takes a dainty sip.
I can’t help but notice Linc watching her every move. The gruff man can’t seem to look away.