Total pages in book: 230
Estimated words: 217798 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1089(@200wpm)___ 871(@250wpm)___ 726(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 217798 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1089(@200wpm)___ 871(@250wpm)___ 726(@300wpm)
“I was, wasn’t I?” She frowned slightly. “But that was because your brother stepped up and did something about it. He was in a position where he could. Ben…well, he’d have to want to settle down. Do you think he wants to settle down?”
“I’m not sure. He doesn’t seem opposed to it.” I gave her a small smile. “But I also don’t want to spring that on him. He likes to keep his private life private.” I shrugged.
“And that’s an impossible task with the Crown,” she said.
I nodded sadly.
“Well, let’s wait for him to decide what he wants.” She sighed. “Sometimes, love chooses for you.”
“Love?” I felt my eyes widen. “I don’t think he’s… I don’t think we’re…” I paused. “It’s too soon for love.”
“Love has no time restraints.” She shot me a look. “But I’m not going to encourage this. I’m not supposed to, and I won’t. I’m supposed to talk sense into you and tell you that it’s dumb, not tell you to be open to it.”
“Spoken like a true secretary of the Crown,” I said, though I meant it sarcastically.
I’d never second-guessed anything, but lately, I’d been doing that with every situation. I was beginning to dislike the idea that we had been brought to this Earth for one sole purpose, and that was to serve the Crown. I wanted to serve myself for once. I couldn’t even imagine how it was for Elias, who had the weight of so much responsibility on his shoulders—from the time he was born. The only thing I wanted was Ben, and every moment I spent with him, I only wanted him more and more. But the fact of who I was made it all seem pretty impossible.
CHAPTER 16
Pilar
“Did you tell Ben to drive you?”
“What?” I glanced up at Amir, who was standing in the threshold of my room. “No. I told him I had to go home this weekend to do a few things and that I’d be back on Monday.”
“Well, his security called us and said he’s on his way here because he’s taking you to the airport.”
“I mean, I’m not opposed.” I smiled. More time with Ben was definitely something I wouldn’t turn down.
“He’ll be here in ten minutes. Are you ready?”
“Ready.”
I was due back in Paris for a quick trip. Joss had left earlier this morning to take care of some things with Aramis. Apparently, he’d locked an heiress he’d been on a date with out of his apartment and then left her out there pounding on the door while paparazzi photographed her. I swear, my brother Elias was close to putting Aramis on The Bachelor: Eligible Prince Edition if he didn’t start coming to his senses. I hadn’t even asked Adeline if she’d spoken to my brother about my situation with Ben. I didn’t want anyone to burst my bubble and tell me that he was too much for me—older, more experienced, etcetera. Being with him made me feel safe and free, and the thought of giving any of that up made me want to cry. I heard the rev of a car’s engine as Ben pulled up to the front of the house and felt myself smile.
“Hey,” I said upon exiting the villa and seeing the black sports car.
“I hope you don’t mind that I hijacked Amir’s job.” Ben got out of the driver’s seat and walked over to the passenger door, opening it as he waited for me to approach. When I reached him, he wrapped an arm around me and pulled me flush against him, kissing me deeply before letting me go.
“How could I mind?” I ducked into the car and waited for him to close the door. I looked out at Amir, who was shaking his head with a chuckle. “I’ll see you there.”
He jogged over to the SUV behind us and took the wheel, following us as Ben drove off. He placed a hand over mine, which was currently resting on my knee.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you while you’re gone.”
“I’ll only be gone a couple of days.” I grinned so widely, it made my face hurt. “I’m sure you’ll find someone else to occupy your time.”
“Definitely not.” He squeezed my hand, looking into my eyes as he stopped at a red light. “I’m waiting for you.”
“That probably shouldn’t make me as happy as it does, but here we are.” I winked at him. “When are you due back in Paris for training?”
“One week.” He sighed. “I love football. It’s my favorite thing in the world, but the older I get, the more my joints hurt when I think about going out there for an entire season.”
I laughed. “You’re getting old, Drake.”
“I guess I am.” He pinched me playfully. “Not too old for you, I hope.”
“I guess I have a thing for older men.” I bit my lip as I looked over at him. “Or maybe just older men named Benjamin Drake.”