He stood and then reached out a hand for mine. I could’ve held back. Insisted on working. But instead, I placed my hand in his. It felt good. For the first time since I’d left the palace, I didn’t feel quite so anxious. And I hated that feeling. I just wished I was able to settle my nerves on my own. But there was something oddly calming about Breck. I didn’t have to be anything else other than who I was. And that made it easy. And the moment his much larger, warm hand clasped over mine, his features relaxed. His grin was easier, and then he leaned forward and kissed me on the forehead. “See, not so hard. Now come on, let’s go eat.”
I wasn’t sure exactly what Breck meant when he said he was going to take me out to lunch. I expected some palatial scenario. On the beach, something fancy, flashy maybe.
The spot was on the water, but it was on the river, not the beach. And it was gorgeous, but there was nothing fancy about it. When he’d led me to the sleek black Maserati he drove, my mind had set all kinds of expectations that were nothing like the seafood joint we were at now. That was literally its name, The Seafood Joint. “I hope you like fish.”
“This is great.”
“It’s my favorite. The chef’s father is from Alden. His mother was from Ghana, so they do all kinds of delicious toppings and spicy things with their fish. It’s delicious.”
“Oh, wow. Okay. Not what I expected.”
He laughed. “What, you thought I would glitz and glamor you?”
“Well, I’m not opposed to this, but I kind of did think that.”
“Ah, to be underestimated.”
I winced. “I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant.”
He shook his head. “No, it’s not on you. That’s on me. I have my own shit going on. But I know what people think. I’m a bit of a handful, a pain in the ass. Playboy, never serious, all that. It has been true in the past, but it’s not necessarily true now.”
I smiled at him. “Honestly, you’re different than I thought you were.”
“You know what? I’ll take it. You ready to eat?”
“Tell me what’s good.”
Lunch was fun. My sinuses had cleared, and my nose had run from all the spices, but it was all delicious. After we finished eating, Breck led me hand-in-hand along the river on the promenade, pointing out landmarks as we walked. Then he asked, “So are we going to talk about this?”
I adjusted my sunglasses so he couldn’t see my eyes. “Talk about what?”
“Wow, I thought I was cagey. This thing that’s happening with us?”
Out of an abundance of caution and ingrained wariness, I furrowed my brow. “There is a thing?”
He chuckled. “Well, there is for me. And I thought there was for you. Maybe I was wrong?” He stopped walking and turned me to face him. “I know what I seem like. I also know you have good reason to question my judgment, my motives, what I want. But seeing you hurt the other day didn’t sit well with me. And you are on my mind all the damn time. Constantly, actually. It’s a little annoying because you distract me. I have goals and things I’m trying to do, and there you are. Because you’ll smile or give me shit or say something really insightful, make me stop and think for a minute. And just so you know, with you, I’m not hit it and quit it.”
“I thought we agreed you were going to stop saying that.”
He flashed his grin. The one that made me melt on the inside even though I knew I should be shoring up the walls and defenses of my heart. “You agreed. I didn’t. I kind of like it.”
“Please don’t.”
“Hit it and quit it.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re impossible.”
“That’s true. But I’m possible for you.”
“Oh my God, the corny jokes.”
“So, what do you say, Sparrow. Give a weary prince a chance?”
I shook my head slightly. “What am I going to do with you?”
“Well, we could start with kissing. But since we’re in public, we’ll want to keep anything more risqué to the car.”
“You’re not afraid of paparazzi?”
“Didn’t you know they’ve been banned inside the city limits of Alden? You can take photos. You just can’t actually get paid for them. Any photos found on the streets of Alden that are sold will immediately be removed.”
“Wow.”
“Yes, a little rule that helps us move around a bit easier.”
“That explains why most people have left you alone today.”
“None of our press will dare intrude unless it’s a sanctioned opportunity. Obviously, we can’t stop the random lookie-loo, but at least they won’t get paid by our papers for the images. Papers around the world I can’t control. But the ones in Alden, yes.”
“Wow.”
“Don’t think I haven’t noticed you haven’t given me an answer yet.”
“Can I be honest?”
“Are you ever anything but?”
I had to grin at that. “No, never. I just… I’m worried. And I’m scared. And I want you so bad it hurts. And I know I’m going to get hurt.”
“I promise not to hurt you. And I know that you have no reason to believe me. If there was something I could give you to show that I was serious, I would. But for now, maybe just have a little faith.”
I searched his gaze. Bright blue eyes twinkling back intently on mine. “I want this.”
“Then let’s at least give it a shot.”
“You sure you’re not going to get bored?” I asked apprehensively.
“Is that what you think?”
“Well, I’m kind of straight and narrow. My biggest concern right now, you know, besides not getting killed, is doing a good job so I can impress my boss. He gave me a chance when no one else would. So I want to make sure that I make him proud.”
He smiled. “And you will. I have full faith.”
“How can you have that?”
“Because I know you. Even if you think I don’t see, I do.”
I cocked my head and gazed up at him. “You do, don’t you?”
“I’ve seen the footage of your attack.” He winced. “I still hate that I wasn’t there, but I’ve seen it. I watched you fight for your life. And beyond being angry, of course, I was so incredibly awed by everything that you did. Everything you are. You are amazing to me.”
“You know how to turn a girl’s head, don’t you? Using all those words. Make a girl feel sexy, why don’t you?”
He winked. “That’s the plan.”
“You’re sure?”
“If it helps, I’m terrified too. Because one of these days, I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint you.”
“Then how about we don’t hurt each other, and we don’t disappoint each other. Will that work?”
He tugged me close and leaned down, his lips hovering just over mine. “I promise if you promise.”
“I promise.” And then his lips slid over mine, and my bones turned to jelly.
Chapter 13
Sparrow