AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His gaze is eager, like he's been waiting for me for a while. He approaches me and stretches out his hand.
“Ellie. Good to see you again.”
My heart is still frazzled from the anxiety of the hormones and now this unexpected meetup.
I stand there and stare at him without returning his handshake. “You’re the last person I expected to see today.”
“Did I scare you? You seem spooked.”
I shake my head and try to seem more assured. “Having one of those days. Don't worry about it. I had no idea your work brought you to these parts. But if you'll excuse me, I need to get going.”
“Actually, I'm here to see you.”
“Me?” I ask stupidly and almost follow it up with a kick to my own shin.
“Of course, you, silly. Do you see anyone else here?”
The place is devoid of people, but his eyes remain kind. Not a hint of sarcasm. “I’m afraid we need to discuss a matter of extreme importance. Preferably over lunch, preferably right now.”
“Is it the King?”
“He’s fine. Perfect recovery. No.” He pauses. “The matter is about you and me.”
My mouth opens and closes without a sound to accompany the movement. You and me? As in me and him? About what? Is he here to reprimand me? To ask if I want a job with his organization? To ask some royal favor?
“It’ll all make sense once I explain.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” He takes my arm, and it feels as intoxicating as it did the other day.
“Let's take my car. You don't look like you can handle the wheel right now.” He doesn't even wait for a response before we’re walking.
Somehow I manage to climb into his intimidating SUV as he holds open the door for me. I don’t know if it’s out of chivalry or because I look too startled to be able to handle a door at the moment.
He throws me a curious look and starts the car. He gives nothing away on the drive over. I play along and keep quiet, but my insides rage with questions.
“Thank you for accepting the invite. You’ve been on my mind,” he says and parks the car.
“Have I?” I’m grateful that he’s looking at the road, because I’m trying unbelievably hard to suppress a goofy smile.
We're led upstairs to a very private balcony area of the very low-key restaurant he picked for us. It's a fenced-in courtyard tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. The kind of place where not just anyone can stroll in and expect to be served.
The waiter brings us complimentary drinks before the menu even arrives. Cedrick and I don't speak until after our order has been taken. Naturally, he orders for me. At this point, I’m grateful for not having to think about it.
“I'll cut straight to the chase,” he says once we're alone again.
My breath catches when he begins to speak. My stomach churns, anxious for him to spill the beans and put me in the know.
“I don’t mean to pry, but I heard you’re pursuing treatment at the clinic.”
I feel my brows raise. “That is a private matter. Your father told you that? It was stated in confidence.”
“He did. Unfortunately, he’s not great with state secrets. But my father suggested a proposition, and I’m inclined to take it seriously. Especially because he speaks so highly of you.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I like him, too.”
“I love him, but I don’t always like him. He’s very fond of you, and I can see why. I enjoyed our interaction we had the other day. So I have a proposition for you. Let's get married.”
My hands drop off the table and to my side. “What!”
