CHAPTER SEVEN
Wynn
It was probablythe best lunch I’d ever had. I had never been one to mind crowds all that much, but with the wide berth the prince’s security demanded everyone give us, it was as if we were in our own little cocoon. It was lovely, and the food was delicious.
Once we were back in the car, I thanked him.
“You’re welcome, and thank you as well. It’s not often I get to enjoy quiet time on these tours.”
I imagined it was hard being royalty, never mind the fact that he was going to be king someday. That kind of stress would grate on me.
“You should work out some ‘me time’ into your tour itinerary. It’s good for your mental health to leave yourself time for just you.”
He hummed, and when his gray eyes met mine it was as if I were ensnared in a trap: unable to move, not wanting to. If that hadn’t been enough to hold me in place, his next words were.
“I rather enjoy spending it with you, Wynn Carter.” He cocked his head. “Perhaps you’re good for my mental health, and I should work you into my tour itinerary instead.”
Did I just melt into the leather? Was I hearing things?
“Uhm…”
“Would you like that? Is it something you’d be willing to entertain?”
I released a rather embarrassing squawk-like laugh. “Me, entertain you?”
“It’s very hard to entertain me, Wynn, believe that. Yet with just your company, I’m enthralled.”
“Enthralled?” I snorted. “With me?”
“Indeed.”
“I’m a clumsy person with ADHD and low-key anxiety. I’m a project, Prince Julian.”
“I will admit I’m not a fan of one thing you do.”
I nodded. “See, and that list will grow, trust me.”
He barreled on as if I hadn’t spoken. “I don’t like you calling me Prince Julian.”
“Oh…are we on that Julian thing?”
The vehicle came to a stop, and I realized we were at The August.How’d he know I was staying here?
“Yes, I ask that in private you please call me Julian.” He leaned in closer and took my hand. “And I will be seeing you again in private.” His lips brushed against my knuckles in a butterfly kiss.
“I…uh.” I blinked and tried desperately to find my words. I mean, they were there—I was a journalist, for Christ’s sake. “Well, we will both be in Crellesia tomorrow, so uhhh…maybe.”
“And you’ll call me Julian.”
It wasn’t a question. “I will try.” My door opened then, and I remembered what I wanted to ask. “How’d you know this was where I was staying?”
He released my hand, sat back, and his expression was that of a smug predator knowing he’d caught his prey. “You’d be surprised what I know. See you soon, Wynn.”
I returned to my hotel room, still in a daze. I’d only just closed the door when there was a knock. Hannah and Mark were on the other side. She looked like a crazy person with wide-eyed excitement, and Mark seemed better but still a bit gray.
“Everything! I want to know everything.” Hannah practically wiped me out as she entered my room.
“Hey, Wynn, feel free to not tell us everything.” Mark walked in, more sedate.
