Page 25 of His Royal Request

I nodded. “I know and I was hoping you guys would help deter them.”

They both glared.

“I have this week to get to know Charlie,” I said. “Just a few days to figure out if there could be anything between us.”

Ronan was the first to speak. “Why just this week?”

“Because she was in Ireland to start traveling through Europe. After this week she wants to continue with her plans.” I left out the part about the money. I didn't want them getting the wrong impression.

Cian scowled. “I don’t have a good feeling about this—”

I didn’t think Cian would react well to this.

“—but I’ll do what I can to give you guys a chance.”

I was stunned. I didn’t expect him to be supportive, at least not without a lot more begging.

“Yeah, I’ll do what I can,” Ronan said with a nod.

“But you have to tell her the truth.” Cian gave me a look that instantly reminded me of our dad when he scolded us as children. “You can’t pull it off for much longer.”

“I know. I’m telling her in the morning.”

He raised an eyebrow. “She won’t make a scene.”

It wasn’t a question. It was a command, coming from the crown prince, not my brother. I’d learned the difference over the years.

“Of course.”

Cian walked past me and off to presumably another boring meeting. As redundant as some meetings for LochEnergy could get, I’d never trade to be in his place. Discussing trade agreements and keeping the peace in parliament councils sounded like torture.

7

Charlie

I should have been nervous about leaving with Isla. But just like with her brother, I felt calm. Something about this family grounded me. They were so easy to be around. It helped that George was still driving us around.

“Where are we heading?” I asked while I watched the rolling green hills blur as we passed.

“I have a few stores in town that I normally go to when I need dresses for events.”

I eyed her manicured nails and spa-smooth skin. “Do you go to fancy weddings often?”

She paused and seemed to hesitate. “More often than I’d like.”

I nodded and looked back out the window when we turned onto a busy street with shops and people walking along the sidewalk.

It looked similar to Galway with cute hand-painted signs above each business and the buildings pushed against one another. George parked in front of a chic looking shop with a black and white exterior. A small window displayed dresses.

“Come on,” Isla urged. Her eyes flashed with excitement, which was infectious.

I followed Isla out and she rushed into the store. I looked back to see George smile and nod at me. He wasn’t coming in but his close presence was reassuring.

Isla immediately went to a rack of brightly colored dresses. She pulled a light purple dress out and held it up for me to see. “This would be good for the garden party tomorrow.”

I took the hanger from her and touched the fabric. It was light chiffon with cap sleeves and looked like it would end just below my knees. It was simple and beautiful and if she said it would work, I had to trust her. I wasn’t used to attending parties or fancy dinners. I was jeans and a t-shirt girl. “Great.”

She paused, her hands hovering over the rack, and looked at me. “Just like that?”