Page 22 of It Takes a Thief (Ring of Thieves #2)
I ’ve been trying to find Linc in the crowded room for the past half hour, but he’s disappeared. I suppose I can’t blame him. These parties get old fast. He probably needs to pack and get organized before his flight leaves.
My heart clenches painfully like a vise is squeezing it. I don’t want him to leave. But I don’t know what to do. Invite him to stay in Arcadia and join my royal guard? Continue our secret trysts?
I lay a hand over my stomach, hating that idea. It wouldn’t be fair to him. Or me. Besides, he has rules , I remind myself. And no interest in settling down.
Unless, just maybe, that’s changed.
But, if it had, he wouldn’t leave. Right? God, I need to talk to him.
I manage to remain as dignified and polite as I can, biding my time until the last group of guests have finally left. Thank God.
“Merritt,” Jeffrey calls, and I roll my eyes, hurrying for the staircase that will take me up to Linc. I hope he hasn’t left yet. He couldn’t have without saying goodbye. “Merritt, wait!”
Even though I don’t want to talk to him, I reluctantly turn to face Jeffrey. I suppose this is as good a time as any to let him know nothing is going to happen between us.
He looks around then says, “I’m stealing you away for a proper birthday kiss.”
When he reaches for me, I pull back. “Jeffrey, I’m sorry, but nothing can happen between us.”
“What’re you talking about?” His condescending tone irks me.
It’s as though he’s speaking to an unruly child rather than an adult.
A woman technically far above his station.
“I think it’s time you accept the fact we are going to have a future together, Merritt.
It’s what your parents want, and what I want. ”
No way am I letting him guilt-trip me. “What about what I want?” I challenge.
“Well, of course, I care about that, too,” he quickly amends. “Why don’t we get a glass of champagne, take a walk and discuss our future?”
“We don’t have a future,” I state flatly, crossing my arms.
“Like hell we don’t,” he snaps, keeping his voice low, so no one hears him. “You’re mine, Merritt, and the sooner you get that through your pretty little head, the easier this will all go.”
“No, Jeffrey, I’m not yours.” I’ve never seen this side of him, and I don’t like it.
A muscle jerks in his cheek and he scowls at me.
“What’s going on?”
My parents come strolling around the corner and the furious look on Jeffrey’s face instantly disappears. Before I can respond, he smoothly says, “I just invited your daughter for a walk outside.”
“And I said no,” I retort archly.
“Merritt!” my mother gasps.
I pull in a deep breath and face my parents, determined to hold my ground for the first time in my life.
And, to hell with manners and propriety.
“I know you want me to marry Jeffrey—that I even suggested it at one point—but I don’t love him.
And I’m sorry if that’s not in Arcadia’s best interest. It’s in mine, and I need to stay true to myself first and foremost.”
My parents exchange a look.
“You married because you loved each other,” I remind them. “How could you ask me to do anything different?”
“Peach, we would never force you into marrying anyone,” my dad says.
“No, of course not,” my mom agrees. “We like Jeffrey and thought you did, too.”
I shake my head. “I’m in love with someone else,” I admit.
“Don’t you dare say his name,” Jeffrey hisses angrily, his face turning a deep crimson.
Rolling my shoulders back, I lift my chin higher and channel my inner royalty.
“I love Linc,” I announce, “and I don’t care if you don’t think he’s suitable to be Prince Consort.
Because I know he’s the best man I’ve ever met.
He treats me with kindness and respect, and he’d never intentionally hurt me. He’s a protector…and the man I choose.”
Even if he doesn’t choose me.
“You slept with him,” Jeffrey spits.
“That’s none of your business,” I snap.
His nostrils flare then he turns to my parents. “Well? Are you going to address this belligerence and put your daughter back in line? Or shall I?”
My mouth drops. “How dare you?”
If Linc were here right now, I know without a doubt he’d be at my side, defending me.
“It’s time for you to go, Jeffrey,” my dad says, voice firm and brooking no argument. I send him a grateful smile. “You heard our daughter. She’s not interested.”
My heart swells with gratitude because I know they aren’t going to make me do anything I don’t want. And that includes marrying this overbearing, pompous asshole.
We all look at Jeffrey, and I send him my haughtiest royal look. “Goodbye, Jeffrey,” I say coolly. “I wish you the best.”
“You’re going to regret this,” he says darkly. “All of you!”
After turning a mottled shade of reddish-purple, Jeffrey angrily storms out. My shoulders slump and a relief I haven’t felt in years fills me.
“Thank you,” I whisper, and my parents gather me in their arms for a big hug.
“Hell, Peach, we thought you liked Jeffrey, and it was Arcadia and your responsibilities you were running away from,” my dad says.
“We just want you to be happy, honey,” my mom adds.
We step back, and I sniff. “I never wanted him. Not really. All I’ve ever wanted is to live my own life on my own terms. To be free.”
My parents exchange another look.
“You dropped a pretty big bomb about being in love.” My mom searches my face. “Is that true?”
“Yes,” I whisper.
“Does he feel the same?” my dad asks.
“I know he cares for me, but I think I’m the only one who was foolish enough to fall in love.”
“Do you want me to ban him from the country, Peach?”
My dad is so serious, and I shake my head.
“No, Dad, but thank you.” I let out a sigh.
“You should talk to him before he leaves,” my mom encourages. “Let him know how you feel.”
My mouth opens as I struggle to find the words. “You would accept him?” I finally ask, fighting back my emotions. Because their acceptance would mean everything to me.
“You’re a good judge of character, Merritt,” my dad states. “If you say he’s a good man and he loves you, then that’s all we could ask for. The rest will work itself out.”
“Thank you. That means more than you know.” Biting my lip to keep from crying, I hug them both then spin away and hurry to the guest room where Linc is staying.
Except when I step inside, it’s empty. His things are gone, and a hurt like I’ve never known slices through my heart. Any little bit of hope I’d been harboring vanishes.
He didn’t even say goodbye.
A heavy sadness fills me as I walk out and go to my room.
Why would he leave without finding me first?
The moment I step into my bedroom, I see the cupcake, and I walk over to my nightstand. There’s a note beneath it and I pick it up.
Mer, you deserve the best and I wish you every happiness.
My knees give out and I drop onto the bed, eyes flooding with tears.
If he felt even half of what I’m feeling for him, he wouldn’t have run away like a thief in the night. He would’ve at least said goodbye. Not left a cold, generic note.
But he doesn’t care.
The truth hurts terribly, but I can’t ignore it.
To Lincoln Decker, I was just a job. And, unfortunately, a foolish little girl who lost her heart to her bodyguard.