Page 86 of Bitter Prince

“You and me against the world,” he whispered.

I found that I liked that very much.

35

AMON

Once the last lantern disappeared from view, we walked over to the car.

She reached for the door, but I beat her to it. “I’m opening the door for my girlfriend.”

I had no idea where the words came from. It would seem Reina’s sweet personality and impulsiveness were rubbing off on me. I couldn’t decide whether that was good or bad, but I knew I liked it.

I likedher. A lot.

“My bad, Mr. Leone.” She fluttered her eyes and I swore there were actual hearts shining in her ocean blues. A smile pulled on her full lips. Fuck, she was beautiful when she smiled. Glowing like a true ray of sunshine. “I should have known you were a gentleman and a romantic at heart.”

She waited patiently, tapping her foot playfully. I opened the passenger door and she eased into the seat, flashing me her bare thighs, then I caught her eyes shining with mischief. Little minx was working on seducing me.

I shut the door and made my way around to the driver’s seat. Leaving the parking lot, I put the car into gear and drove steadily out onto the road. The highway would be the fastest way to take her home, but I opted for the back roads instead.

It’d give me more time with her. Fuck, if Dante could see me, he’d jerk my chain until the world’s end.

“I loved the floating lanterns, Amon. It was beautiful.” Her gaze burned into me. Everything about her seared the wordmineinto the very cells of my body. I didn’t know what to do with it, unaccustomed to anyone impacting me the way she did. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” I returned my gaze to the road.

She was soft and strong, quiet and impulsive, the most unusual combination. The thought of her hardening lodged in my throat, and I knew deep down I’d rather castrate myself than hurt her.

It was at this very moment that I vowed to myself I’d do everything in my power to protect her. From the revenge that drove me. From my mamma. From anyone, including her father. The thought of earning her hatred sent something hollow throughout my chest. I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle it.

“Did you know that lanterns are believed to carry troubles away, bringing good luck and prosperity to the sender?”

I could hear the smile in her voice. “I didn’t, but I like it. Carry all troubles away and leave the good things.”

I flicked her a curious look. “Do you have troubles?”

Something flashed in her gaze, but she promptly shook her head. “No, just normal, everyday stuff.”

I returned my attention to the road. “Such as?”

She shrugged. “Like passing my classes. Math problems.” She rolled her eyes and let out a heavy sigh. “I hate math. Suck at it big-time.”

My lips curved. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?”

“I bet you’re good at math.” She narrowed her eyes on me in mock distaste. “I bet you’re good ateverything.”

“No, not everything.” She blew a breath as if she didn’t believe it. “I can’t draw for shit.”

She stared at me for a moment with a blank expression before throwing her head back and laughing. A carefree, melodious laugh that I could listen to until my dying day.

“Surely you can drawsomething?”

“Nope.” I took a turn, following the dark road through the countryside. “Stick figures. That’s about it.”

“Well, you’re in luck, Amon Leone,” she purred, smiling silkily. “I can’t claim to do much of anything well, but I can draw. So whatever you need, I’m your girl.”

My girl. She felt like my girl. It was an innocent feeling when I first saw her sliding through my father’s castello, her curly hair trailing behind like flecks of gold. The protectiveness had flared and begun to grow without me even realizing it.