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You would do anything to protect this family, protect this kingdom. I know we’re safe with you around.
His mum. He hadn’t protected her. He had to protect T and everyone else. He had to. He couldn’t be distracted by loving Macey.
“When are you going to look out for yourself?” Malik asked.
Ray’s defenses flared. Being unselfish and looking out for others wasn’t wrong. It had always been his purpose, strengthened by losing his mum.
“I’m not telling you to be a selfish jerk.” Malik rolled his eyes. “You could never be that. I’m telling you that Pops was a better man with Mum around. I’m telling you that if Macey is the right woman for you, T will support you and the rest of the garbage will work out.”
Ray only stared at him. He wasn’t sure he processed any of what Malik said because only a few things made sense. Their dadwasa better man because of their mum.
What did Malik know of politics, though? He was a prince, but he didn’t carry the weight of the kingdom. He wasn’t forced to live by a set of unwritten rules that governed everything he did and said. He could earn degree after degree and never work in hi field. He could date any woman he chose and never worry about the repercussions. He could haul off and thump some guy who was beating his wife and only get a wrist slap for it. Ray admired his brother’s impetuousness, lack of convention, and bravery, but that wasn’t Ray. Everything Ray did had purpose.
But …if Macey is the right woman for you.
Ray thought she was.
“I’m going to go help Pops read with Kiera. Her nanny is super hot.” Malik winked.
“Lisa can’t be over twenty and she has a boyfriend.”Hada boyfriend, but Malik needed to be dissuaded. Lisa having a fling with their brother wouldn’t be good for Kiera or any of them.
“Who cares? That’s only four years younger than me, and just because there’s a goalie doesn’t mean you can’t score a kiss.”
Ray rolled his eyes, but he laughed. His brother. What woman would finally settle him down? If Malik found the right one, would it help him heal from losing Mum?
Was Macey Ray’s right woman?
They walked out of the bathroom. The pool was quiet, no ripples. Macey had a tank top over her swimsuit and was standing by the spa entrance. She lifted a hand to them and walked over. Ray tried not to stare at her gorgeous legs, but looking into her gorgeous eyes wasn’t any easier on him.
“Your dad took Kiera down to get ready for bed. T dried off and got in one of the massage chairs.”
“You didn’t want a massage?” Ray asked.
“I wanted to keep an eye out.”
“Thank you.”
She was focused on T’s safety. He appreciated that. They should be safe in the castle, but the notes had claimed it was someone from within the castle who would kill T.
“Forgive me for being a punk,” Malik spoke up, giving her a brotherly side hug.
“No offense taken,” she said, sweet as ever.
“Thank you.” Malik looked her over, but he wasn’t checking her out. He was evaluating. “I’m excited to have you in the family, Macey.”
“Thank you,” she said.
“Catch you both later.” Malik jabbed Ray in the shoulder, then darted away.
He jogged out the wide-open door and was gone.
Ray stayed facing Macey. T was only fifty feet away, but he’d have his eyes closed, and Ray could hear the soft sounds of a summer storm playing. Were T and Malik scheming to give them time alone? T understood why Ray couldn’t pursue Macey, but he’d try to change it all if Ray would let him.
“Thanks for watching out for T,” he said.
“Of course. It’s my job.” Her smile became a little forced. She was only here for a job. He had to remember that. “Malik’s a lot of fun.”
“Most of the time.” He thumped his closed fist against his leg. “I’m sorry he made it awkward.” Ray was making it awkward right now. Why was he bringing it up?
