Page 46 of Risky Match (Royal Spies #1)

T he Champions Dinner was perfect but exhausting. After we finally left the dance floor and rejoined our parents and coaches, we talked forever. Then we mingled with the other players, taking selfies and accepting congratulations on our win and our new relationship. We couldn’t stop smiling.

We fell asleep during the car ride back to the house. Stumbling upstairs, we went to my room for fear someone might still be monitoring the cameras in his. It wouldn’t have mattered because we immediately fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Blake woke early, kissed me, and apologized that he needed to meet his parents this morning before they headed home.

Through a yawn, I offered to go with him, but he insisted that I needed my rest for his other surprise.

I rolled over and slept soundly for another hour before waking up to shower and dress.

I’m putting the finishing touches on my makeup when a knock sounds at my door.

Blake calls out, “Bri, I’m back.”

I hurry from the bathroom and wrap my arms around his neck, giving him a proper welcome-back kiss.

He chuckles, “I could get used to that greeting.”

“Then don’t keep me waiting any longer. Now, what’s my surprise?”

He grins. “Okay, but it’s optional. If you don’t like the idea, we’ll do something else.

Your parents offered us the royal superyacht if you would like to cruise to Catalinius rather than fly back.

They thought it would give us a break from the press and everyone.

Then you can show me around your country. How does that sound?”

My parents know how much I love time on the ocean to clear my head. It’s a rare treat for me with such a packed schedule. Their offer also means they must approve of Blake and want us to have time together. That alone makes me burst with happiness.

“That sounds perfect. The yacht is beautiful, and it would be so relaxing not to have to deal with crowds and the press for a few days. Do you like the idea?”

“Absolutely. As long as we’re together, I’ll be ecstatic.” He beams.

Mentally, I start calculating how long it will take to pack, arrange transportation, and notify everyone of my change in plans. Then I slap my forehead.

“Wait a minute. We’ll need to wait for the yacht to arrive here from Catalinius. That will take at least eight days.”

A sparkle of delight dances in his eyes, “Relax, love. We can start our adventure today, if you want. Your parents arrived on the yacht. Apparently, they were cruising nearby when they found out we were in the finals, so they docked it in London.”

Mmm-hmm. More likely my parents found an excuse to be nearby in case something went wrong with my mission. They are a tad—actually much more than a tad—overprotective of their only daughter. Regardless, Blake and I can reap the benefits and enjoy the cruise home.

“That’s lucky. It’ll also give you a chance to get to know them.”

I’m also thinking it’s another way for them to keep an eye on Blake until they’re sure they trust him.

“Apparently not. They’re staying in London for some event. They said we shouldn’t wait for them. They plan to fly home.”

“Interesting. I guess that means we’ll have plenty of alone time,” I muse, snuggling in for a hug.

“That’s what I was thinking. How soon can we leave?”

“If we pack quickly and Erin can make arrangements, we should be there in no more than three hours, maybe a little sooner.”

“Let’s make it sooner, I can’t wait much longer to show you exactly how much I love you.”

“Just how do you plan to do that?” I tease with a playful smile.

“I’m going to worship every inch of your perfect body until you beg me to stop.”