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They walked up the stairs with Ollie trailing them.
“How does it happen that you are tough, talented, witty, astoundingly gorgeous, and the number one female ninja warrior in the world and yet you seem ‘not full of yourself’?”
“Because I’m poor as a church mouse,” she countered.
Derek immediately felt uncomfortable. What was he supposed to say to that? He wanted to help her financially, but she’d yelled ‘no’ and probably would’ve broken his arm at the grocery store last night from him simply trying to pay for her groceries.
They made it to her apartment. Finally, he would be invited inside and meet her mum.
Ellery stopped at the door, turning to face him. “I apologize if our apartment… isn’t what you’re used to.”
“What is it you think I’m used to?” He arched an eyebrow at her. She’d just said he wasn’t cocky; did she think he was pompous or put himself above others?
“Wealth. Beautiful things. I’ve been in your car and I’ve seen the pictures of your castle, okay?” She suddenly wouldn’t meet his gaze.
Derek didn’t know how to reassure her, but he had to try. He tilted her chin up with his fingertips. “Elle,” he said softly. “Your apartment not being perfect doesn’t matter to me. I know how hard you work, how tough you are, how you cheer for others and want their success. Believe me, I am very, very impressed with you.” He stared into her clear green eyes. “I’ll simply stare at you and see a more exquisite view than anything inside or outside of my castle.”
She blinked up at him, and he was afraid she was going to cry. He’d never seen Ellery so soft and emotional. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Derek slid his fingers along her chin and cupped her jaw with his palm. His fingertips skimmed her smooth neck and splayed into her silky hair. His thumb trailed along the corner of her lip and she gasped softly, the pulse in her neck going like mad.
He bent down, fully planning on capturing her lips with his. Who needed lunch when he could sample Ellery’s lips?
The deadbolt turned and the door sprung open behind her. Ellery stumbled back. Derek wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her tight against his chest.
“Well, excuse me,” an older lady with dark and gray streaked hair winked at him, her dark eyes twinkling. “I was running next door for a stick of butter. If I’d realized I was interrupting an intimately beautiful moment, I would’ve timed this better. Please forgive me.”
“It’s all right, Aunt Elise.” Ellery’s voice was breathy and beautiful. “We were just coming in to help with brunch.”
“No need to help. We’ve got it ready to go. A prayer of gratitude for our bounteous blessings and we can eat till we’re stuffed. Is that handsome stud coming along?” She pointed at Ollie.
“No thank you, ma’am.” Ollie nodded to her.
“You can ‘no thank you ma’am’ me all you want with an accent like that. Honey and silk on a tongue, right?” She smiled at Ollie. “Ooh, you are a fine-looking man. We’ll send some food home for you.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” Ollie had a slight smile on his lips.
At least Ollie wasn’t storming into the apartment and searching it. He and Braxton had done that a time or two. Derek had insisted this morning they were not doing that at Ellery’s mum’s house. If somebody bearing Derek ill will was inside, Derek would best them or call for help if need be.
“Come in now, our handsome prince. You can meet Ellery’s mom, and we’ll feed you. Do you talk as sexily as your bodyguard?”
Derek didn’t know if he should laugh or hold a straight face. Had this sixty-year-old woman just said ‘sexily’?
“No, ma’am. My speech is much more charming and refined than my muscle-headed bodyguard.”
Ellery and Aunt Elise laughed, and Derek lifted a hand to Ollie, hoping for forgiveness for his tease. The man simply smiled.
“All of Augustine is full of ultra-hot, buff, and silk-tongued men, then?” Aunt Elise asked as she led them into the small, well-worn apartment. It was clean and smelled wonderful, like cinnamon sweet bread. She must’ve forgotten about the stick of butter or not really needed it.
Ellery’s mum sat in a chair next to the table, grinning at him. “Is my big sis giving you a hard time simply because you’re a handsome prince with a sensual accent?”
Derek couldn’t hide his smile. Were they attempting to make him feel awkward, or did they simply love to tease? These two women made him miss his mum something fierce.
“I’ve been given a hard time for much less important reasons.” He clasped the hand she offered between both of his. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Ellery’s mum.”
“You as well, Prince Derek. You can call me Holly.”
“Holly. You and Ellery look alike.”
