“That was a bit too much,” I said with a shake of my head.
“Look, Goldie,” Ava said as she rose to pace the floor, “do you think you could explain a little more about what’s going on?”
I licked my lips, wanting to explain everything but knowing it was best to wait. But I had to give them something.
“Uhhh…” My breathing turned shaky as my heart fought with my mind.
Kyle rubbed my arm. “It’s okay, Nattie, just take your time.”
I flicked my gaze to him, the warmth radiating from his eyes enough to quell the storm inside of me. I reached for his cheek, cradling it in my hand. “I really want to share everything, but…”
“You won’t,” Ava said, her voice sharp.
I understood her reservations. She was protecting her good friend, and it appeared that I’d trampled all over his heart with my lies.
“I…”
“Ava, come on,” Kyle whispered as he offered me a consoling glance.
She frowned, crossing her arms.
“She’s right. She’s concerned about you, and I do not blame her.” Tears filled my eyes. “I’ve lied, and now I’m not giving you any explanation.”
“Exactly. And that doesn’t look good, Goldie.”
“I’m sorry, I just…if you knew what was happening here, you would understand the caution,” I answered.
“We do understand caution,” Ava shot back, leaping to her feet. “We just finished fighting a massive criminal organization. What I don’t understand is why we’re still here if you’re not willing to say anything to us.”
My eyes shifted from Ava to Kyle. He offered me a warm, but tight-lipped smile. “If you need some time…”
I shook my head. “You’re here because…because I want you to be. I…you don’t need to believe this, but I feel there is a connection between us. And I would like to explore that. I know that this is difficult given what you’ve learned about me, but…”
I slid my eyes closed, gathering my strength. “But if you prefer to go, I certainly understand. We wouldn’t hold you here.”
“So, we’re actually free to go?” Ava asked. “Because your guards didn’t make that clear.”
“I’m sorry,” I squeaked. “But yes, you are free to go.”
I held my breath, wondering how quickly they’d race from the palace.
Kyle shifted his gaze to Alex and Ava, though I couldn’t see enough of his features to read them. Was he asking for permission to stay or go?
He twisted back to face me, placing both hands on my shoulders. “No one’s going anywhere, Nattie. We’re here for you. I feel the connection between us too. Although, I’m not one hundred percent sure how this works now that you’re…you.”
I swallowed hard, nodding as I blew out a relieved sigh. “I want to share everything with you. Everything. But…well, we’re being a bit cautious because–“
“You’re royalty,” Kyle answered, his voice soft, “we all understand that. Ava’s just being…protective.”
I shook my head again, massaging my temples. “Yes, there is a certain level of caution involved because I’m royalty but…there’s more. We are being overly cautious right now because…my brother is…there is no easy way to say this, but my brother is trying to kill me.”
I searched their surprised faces and felt Kyle’s muscles tighten.
I dropped the bombshell and waited…waited to see how they would take it, waited to see if they would run, waited to see if Kyle would rip my heart from my chest.
CHAPTER 19
KYLE
