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My friends are right.
I deserve an answer.
Even if it’s not the answer I want to hear.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
Creed
I sitin the security office of Anderson’s estate, surrounded by a dozen glowing monitors, the room illuminated only by the faint blue light of the screens.I scan each one for any sign of unusual activity as Anderson plays host to a variety of diplomats, aristocrats, and business moguls in the grand ballroom.Considering he’ll be king in a few years, he needs to get used to this kind of thing.
As does Nora.
Despite the early hiccups, she’s adjusted easily to her new role as the Crown Prince’s fiancée.She’s actually been a breath of fresh air from all the stuffy tradition that’s plagued the royal family for years.Instead, she follows her heart.
She reminds me of Esme in that way.
But I’m trying not to think about Esme.
Not because I don’t love her with every beat of my heart.
But because I still don’t know what to do about our future.
I’d hoped by keeping my distance over the past few weeks, I’d have a bit more clarity.
Instead, I’m more confused than ever.
One minute, I convince myself it’ll all work out.That Rory and AJ will be okay with whatever attention they may receive if I were to publicly date Esme.
Then I remember how much the media hounded Rory after Adam’s death.
For weeks, she couldn’t leave her house to grab a gallon of milk without a reporter shoving a microphone into her face, asking how she was coping with the prospect of giving birth and raising a child without his father in the picture.
Can I force her to endure that again?Can I forceAJto endure that, too?
A sharp rap on the door pulls me back to the present, and I quickly scan the various monitors, making sure I didn’t miss anything while I was lost in thought.
But I haven’t.Everything is exactly as it was mere seconds ago.All the guests still mingle in the ballroom, a few members of my team interspersed among them to keep a closer eye on things.The perimeter of the property is still secured, no cars having approached the gate in over an hour now.And each entry point is protected, no one able to gain access without being on the approved list, everyone having passed a full background check.
It may be overkill, but without being able to uncover any more information about Kane Kingsley and his possible connection to the attempt on Esme’s life, I can’t take any chances.Instead, I’ve been cross-referencing a file I put together containing all the information I could get on Kane Kingsley in case anyone bearing even a slight resemblance to him appears.
“Come in,” I call out, returning my eyes to the cameras covering the ballroom, a moment of panic seizing me when I can’t find Esme among the guests.“Did you finish the last perimeter walk?”I ask, assuming it’s Kylian here to report back after doing a foot patrol, something I insist on since my cameras can’t cover every square inch of this property.
“In these heels?”
I snap my head up, eyes falling on Esme wearing a stunning emerald green silk dress, the deep V bringing attention to her ample cleavage.I should be relieved she’s here, that she’s safe.
But at the same time, the last thing I need is to be alone in a small space with her.
And during a function with hundreds of people in attendance, including various members of the royal household who could walk in on us at any moment.
“Esme, I—”
“I shouldn’t be here.”She squeezes her eyes shut, pinching her lips into a tight line.“I know, Creed.”When she looks to the ceiling, I notice unease and apprehension flash on her expression.
It’s obvious the past several weeks have been just as trying for her as they’ve been for me.I haven’t helped matters at all.If anything, I’m the reason she appears weary and exhausted.
“I just…” Her tongue darts out to moisten her lips, and she meets my gaze again.“I needed to talk to you.I…” She trails off, her attention fixated on something on my desk.
