“Are you insane? She needs a doctor immediately. She could die!” I snap, whirling on him and truly seeing him for the first time tonight.
“And THAT’S exactly what I’m doing, taking her to a doctor. But tell me, Goldilocks, what do you think will happen if the press or my dear father finds out about this? Who do you think will bear the consequences of tonight?”
Nicolas’s gaze is cold and steely as it meets my panicked, angry one. I swallow hard against the lump in my throat.
Damn it, he’s right.
In my panic, I hadn’t even considered what it would mean if this got out. No one knows we’re here, that we’ve been workingwith these kids. Kids from the social margins, former street children. That we’ve stepped outside the royal circles.
“Then that’s settled. Any objections, milady? No? Good. You’ll be taken to Perlington House.” His expression hardens as his challenging gaze locks with mine. Slowly, his words sink into my mind.
He’s planning to send me to Perlington House.
My stomach churns, and a cold shiver runs down my spine. If I were to return home like this…
“No! I’m coming with you. I’m not leaving until I know she’s okay,” I blurt out in panic, my hand trembling as I place it on Nicolas’s forearm. His eyes flick down to where I’m touching him and then back to my face. His gaze is sharp, unyielding, as he brusquely shakes off my fingers.
“That’s not your decision, Goldilocks.” He says nothing more, but I see the tension in his jaw as he roughly pushes me aside.
“Ced, take the lady to Perlington House. We’ll meet at my place.” Gently, Nicolas lifts Lizzy into his arms as if she’s made of glass. Her head lolls lifelessly against his chest like a doll, and my stomach clenches again, the suffocating grip of fear making it hard to breathe. Lizzy can’t die.
Why wasn’t I more careful? Why was I stupid enough not to stay by her side the whole night?
Breathe. I need to breathe.
Damn it.
Nicolas moves away, carrying Lizzy, and I stand there helplessly, like a puppet with its strings cut. I don’t stop him.
But I need to stay with her, she’s my best friend.
And what exactly do you plan to do against a six-foot-four colossus like the prince?my inner voice mocks. I shake my head. Nothing, obviously. I can’t stand up to him.
Still, guilt and blame weigh heavy on my shoulders as I watch them go, unable to utter a single word.
A light tap on my arm startles me, and I immediately step back.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” Cedric raises his hands apologetically, and I force a small smile.
“It’s okay. Um, you don’t have to take me home. I’ve got my car and haven’t had anything to drink,” I say quickly, hoping to avoid being escorted. Over my dead body will I let that happen.
“Are you sure? I can come with you. It’s really no trouble. And don’t be mad at Nic. He loves his sister and can be a little overprotective sometimes.” His tone is both skeptical and apologetic, and I stifle the bitter laugh bubbling in my throat.
Yeah, sure, Nic, the protective brother. Where has he been this past year? Where? Certainly not by his sister’s side.
I shove down the anger rising within me and look at Cedric with pressed lips. He’s undeniably handsome, sandy, tousled hair, piercing blue eyes, and a chiseled, masculine face. Add to that his charming demeanor and muscular frame, and it’s no wonder he’s a magnet for women. And he’s kind, at least for now.
“Don’t take it personally, Cedric, but I think you and I have very different opinions about Nicolas. You don’t need to defend him. I suspect I’ll find out soon enough just how ‘kind’ and ‘protective’ he can be. Go and take care of my best friend. I’ll get home on my own.” I take another step back as Adam approaches from the side.
“Hey, Lady P, everything okay?” His concerned eyes scan me from head to toe, and a small smile tugs at my lips.
“Yeah, Adam. I’m fine. Thanks for being here, and for the dance. See you next week.” I pull him into a quick hug, which he returns warmly. Meanwhile, Cedric’s phone lights up and buzzes furiously.
“Yup.” Cedric’s gaze lifts to meet mine. “Got it. I’ll let her know.” He hangs up, his expression unreadable, and my chesttightens with dread, sensing I’m not going to like what he’s about to say.
“Lizzy’s on her way to Nicolas, and the doctor will meet them there. He also contacted your brother. Henry’s on his way to pick you up.”
My heart plummets, freezing solid, as all color drains from my face. That bastard called my brother.
