“Unless—” I cut in, “He's expecting you to come eventually, and he’s watching it.”
She held up a point-making finger. “That would make sense, but he doesn’t have the resources. He’s already down a guard at the palace, and his military is gone.”
I hike a brow northerly, pressing my concern. “But King Aswell is not out of resources.”
Her pupils shifted from side to side. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying I don’t know this guy, but most men aren’t going to let what’s theirs just get away or be taken from them. If he really has the army you say he has, he might use it to find you, and fight for you.”
“I hadn’t thought of that.” She ran a hand through her hair, appearing to redirect her thoughts. “I know Weston’s mom will help me. It’s the only way forward, but I need to find a way to meet with her covertly. As you said, she might be getting surveilled." Her eyes trailed slowly to mine. “Do you—”
“You want me to reach out to her?” I jerked my thumb to my chest. “Do you know what the punishment is for treason?”
A serious line pinned between her eyes, while she kept an even tone. “It can’t be worse than harboring me here.”
“Thanks for reminding me of that.” I half-laughed, half-scoffed. I had no idea how I got sucked into this drama. “I’m not harboring you. In case you have forgotten I rescued you.”
“Look,” She reached forward, dropping her palm to my leg, and an electric shock zapped right through me. I jolted into a more upright position with my gaze landing on her hand on my leg. I wasn’t sure how this transitioned into a touching situation, but now my mind was going in a new direction. “I appreciate your friendship so much,” her words drowned out the tingles I still had. “I’m sorry to put you through this, but I can’t marry a man I don’t love.” Her heated gaze paced my face. “I’m not asking for anything that anyone else isn’t allowed. I want the freedom to live my life. I shouldn’t have fewer rights because I was born into this family. I should get to love who I want.”
It was a cause I understood, but there was deep naivety in her thinking. Plus, her hand was still on my leg, which made any sort of rational thinking impossible. I’d had a lot of misfortune in my life, and many things happened that I’d never understand, but how I got stranded with the most beautiful woman in the world—who happens to be a princess—andis totally off-limits will now be on the top of my why-do-all-the-insanely-impossible-things-happen-to-me list.
I didn’t want to make her sad or stressed out, as I didn’t see the point of worrying about this stuff when the unknown was just that . . . unknown. I placed my hand on top of hers, fully intending that’s where it would stay.
Stationary.
Friendly support.
Like a pat on the back.
She immediately flipped her hand over, enveloping her fingers in mine. Maybe she was one of those overly touchy-feely people who had no sense of personal space, but the vibe I was getting…made it feel more intentional than that.
Or maybe I was hoping?
But that could be bad, because she was off-limits.
King Aswell couldkillme.
I didn’t want to die!
“Put it this way,” I said, finally mustering up a response, as I casually slipped my hand back, and stood returning my bowl to the sink. “I’m not going to let anything bad happen to you, but let’s not waste our evening worrying about it.” I bobbed my head toward the TV. “The power’s back on. It’s been a long day. We should relax and watch a movie.”
That way, we don’t have to talk to each other, and we can stare at a screen. Perfect diversion to get through the night.
Her gaze wafted toward the mounted flat screen. “What do you have?”
“I don’t know if the streaming is going to work the best.” I exhaled noisily. The noise wasn’t on purpose. That apparently just happened when I’m flustered. I walked back to the living room, grabbed the remote, and clicked it on. Several channels weren’t coming in, but we had a few choices. “So, it looks like we have the National News Channel, Christmas Movie Channel, or infomercials.”
“Oh, I love Christmas movies.” She immediately gushed, and I realized I had made a massive miscalculation. Christmas movies weredatemovies. Sure, it would take her mind off her problems, but it felt risky. “Ah, are you sure you’re not tired? Maybe we should just go to sleep.” I eyed my bedroom door, wondering how suspicious that would look if I just turbo tiptoed in there and barricaded the door until she left.
“No, I napped while you did chores.” She had this sensational smile on her face, like it alone was proof that she wasn’t tired.
“Okaay.” I clicked on the Christmas Movie Channel and dropped the remote. My gaze went back to the sofa. Theonesofa I had in this house. I never thought having only one piece offurniture would be the wrong decision. That was before I had an Erralee sitting on it, batting her lashes at me like she was getting her own ideas.
I backed up, until my heels bumped into the front of the sofa. I was committed to not locking eyes with her. I sat on the edge of the couch, upright as if I was so engrossed in the opening credits, I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen for a second.
“There’s a bit of a glare from the kitchen light behind us. I can’t see this part of the screen.” She stretched her neck up, scanning the room. “Do you have a switch for that light?”
“Yep.” I popped the P as I stiffly stood, doing my best to sidestep and avoid her gaze. I flipped the switch and resumed my position. Now we were sitting way too close in the dark, and my skin prickled from her gaze hovering over it. My entire life, I was the guy who struggled to get the girl. I’d ask for a date, and so many times they’d have an excuse. You could have never told me that one day, I’d be on this accidental date with the most desired woman on the planet, and there’d be a giant BUT.
