It had been my first step in the journey to help Casey, a means to an end that had unexpectedly led me to Ricard.
“You okay?” Kaiden asked, noticing my hesitation.
“Yeah.” I took a deep breath and picked up my duffel bag. “Just... processing.”
“That's a lot to process,” he said with a sympathetic smile. “But hey, if anyone can handle it, it's you.”
His confidence in me bolstered my resolve. I squared my shoulders and nodded. “Let's do this.”
“Wait,” Kaiden said, his normally joking face suddenly serious. “This is happening too fast. I didn't prepare an emotional goodbye speech.” He put his hands on my shoulders. “Theo Bennett, when you showed up here all wide-eyed and terrified, I took one look at you and thought, ‘This kid's not gonna last a week.’”
“Gee, thanks,” I said dryly.
“But,” he continued, “you surprised me. You handled every crazy thing The Ranch threw at you with more guts than guys who've been here for years.” His voice softened. “And now you're off to be with an actual freaking duke. Best career trajectory ever.”
I laughed, feeling my eyes sting a little. “I couldn't have survived this place without you guys showing me the ropes.”
“Damn straight,” Kaiden agreed. “When you're settled in your castle or whatever, you better video chat us, I'm sure Vincent would be cool with that. I need to see this fairy tale ending with my own eyes.”
Carter, who'd been quietly listening, pulled something from his pocket. “Here,” he said gruffly, handing me a small envelope. “Contact info for both of us. Email, phone, social media—everything. No excuses for losing touch.”
I took the envelope, surprised by the gesture. “Thanks, I—”
“And,” he continued, cutting me off, “if things don't work out with His Royal Highness, not saying they won't, but if, you call us. Day or night. We'll help you figure it out.”
The safety net they were offering hit me right in the chest. These guys who'd known me for just weeks were ready to have my back across continents. “I will,” I promised, my voice a little unsteady. “Same goes for you both. If you ever need anything...”
“Like introductions to Ricard's hot royal friends?” Kaiden suggested hopefully.
“Even that,” I laughed, only half-joking.
We made our way through the companion quarters and out into the main complex of The Ranch. Despite the early hour, the resort was already buzzing with activity, staff preparing for the day, early risers lounging by the pool or enjoying breakfast on the terraces. A few heads turned as we passed, likely wondering about the unusual sight of a companion with luggage, flanked by two other companions.
Approaching the lobby, my steps faltered. Through the large glass doors, I could see Ricard standing near the reception desk, engaged in conversation with Vincent Stone. Even from this distance, the sight of him made my breath catch, tall and elegant in a tailored suit that emphasized his broad shoulders and lean frame, his posture radiating confidence without arrogance.
As if sensing my presence, he glanced up, his eyes finding mine through the glass. The smile that spread across his face was like something out of a movie, this warm, radiant look that made my stomach do a weird flip. All my doubts and anxieties just melted away under that smile, replaced by a certainty that felt almost reckless.
This was right.Wewere right.
“Damn,” Kaiden muttered beside me. “The way he looks at you... That's a man in love. Like, stupid in love.”
I couldn’t speak, my throat tightening with emotion. I just nodded, clutching the strap of my duffel bag like a lifeline.
“Go get him, tiger,” Carter encouraged, giving me a gentle push toward the doors. “And don’t forget to send us a postcard from your fancy European castle.”
I turned to them, these two men who had become such important parts of my life in a short time. “I can’t thank you enough—”
“Nope, no more thank-yous,” Kaiden interrupted, shooing me away with his hands. “Just promise you'll stay in touch and let us know you're okay. And send pictures of hot European men. For research purposes.”
“I promise,” I said, meaning it with every fiber of my being. Then, impulsively, I pulled them both into one last hug. “Take care of yourselves.”
“You too, Cinderella,” Carter replied, his voice gruff with suppressed emotion. “Now go, before your carriage turns back into a pumpkin. Or before Ibrahim realizes what's happening and has a conniption.”
With a final nod, I pushed through the doors into the lobby. Ricard broke off his conversation with Vincent as I approached, his entire being seeming to orient itself toward me like a compass finding north.
“Theo,” he said, but my name in his mouth felt like a prayer, like a promise.
“Hi,” I replied, suddenly shy despite everything we'd shared. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
