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“It’s nothing. You’re just imagining things.” She glanced away and pulled out her phone. “I know the perfect spot. I’ll just call ahead and let them know we’re on our way.”
He didn’t believe her protests. There was something weighing on her mind, but he didn’t push the subject. If she wanted to confide in him, she would have to do it of her own accord. Once she made the call, they started across the campus toward the parking lot.
After touring this university with its state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, he realized there was a lot more to this island nation than its obvious beauty and rich history. The university was surprisingly large, drawing students from all over Europe and there were even some Americans in the mix.
There was a wealth of knowledge here. Some of the students had heard of his cafés and had pleaded with him to build one in Mirraccino. And there were other students who were anxious to work for him.
It would mean his company wouldn’t have to go outside Mirraccino every time they needed to hire personnel for the technological portion of the business. And with some combined initiatives with the university, word about the café would reach the targeted demographic.
“What has you so quiet?” Annabelle asked, interrupting his thoughts.
“I was just going over the events of the day.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed your visit. You know, I graduated from this university with a business degree. I never knew what I’d do with it, but the South Shore Project has been good for me. I like getting up in the morning and having a purpose. Too bad the project is winding down.”
“Then why don’t you find another job?”
She shrugged. “It’s hard to have a normal job when you have someone shadowing your every move.”
“Maybe your circumstances will change and you’ll be able to do as you please.”
Annabelle lowered her voice. “That’s my plan.”
Again the warning bells went off in his mind. He couldn’t resist asking, “What plan?”
She glanced over her shoulder as though making certain her bodyguard wasn’t within earshot. “I plan to show my father that I’m fully capable of caring for myself and that he no longer has to watch over me. And when you sign on with the South Shore, he’ll have to acknowledge that fact.”
“And if your father doesn’t agree? Then what?”
“Then I’m leaving. I’ve always wanted to travel. Maybe I’ll go to London, Paris,” she paused and stared at him, “or perhaps I’ll go to California.”
He didn’t believe she’d actually do it. “Could you really walk away from your father and uncle?”
“Why not?” she said with bravado. “It’ll make their lives easier. After all, you left your family. Why shouldn’t I?”
“My circumstances were different.” There was no comparison between their situations. He had to make her understand. “Your father and uncle love you very much. That’s why they worry so much. I never had anyone worry about me.”
“I’m sorry. I...I shouldn’t have said anything.”
He couldn’t leave off there. He had to stop her from making a big mistake. “When I left, my parents didn’t try to stop me. When I rejected their way of life, I became dead to them. But if you leave here, your father and uncle will never stop looking for you.”
“So they can stick their security detail on me—”
“No, because they love you and your absence would make them sad. Please tell me you understand what a gift you have here.”
“I...I do.” She twisted her purse strap around her fingers. “But somewhere along the way that love started to smother me. My father doesn’t accept that my mother has been dead for eleven years and if there were any lingering dangers, something would have happened by now.”
He sure hoped she was right. Still, there was an uneasy feeling in his gut. But then again he probably wasn’t the best judge of danger. His thoughts strayed back to his last girlfriend. A harmless day of fun had turned deadly. And he’d missed all of the signs. So maybe he was just being overly sensitive now.
They rounded the corner of the administration office when a group of reporters rushed them. Grayson’s whole body tensed. He’d known this moment would come sooner or later. He’d been hoping for later.
Annabelle’s bodyguard rushed in front of them, waving off the paparazzi.
Members of the press started yelling out questions. “Lady Annabelle, is it true? Do you have a new love interest?”
“Does the king approve?”
“How long have you two been involved?”
