Nothing happened to me.
I breathe heavily and automatically touch my throat, and before I can blink, my husband kneels down in front of me, his eyes blazing with anger.
“Are you hurt? Did he hurt you?” he asks tightly, scanning me from head to toe, lingering on my throat again. “I’ll kill him. I’ll kill him,” he growls dangerously low, while his fingers stroke my throat so gently it sends shivers through me.
“No, you won’t. He’s not worth it,” I say hoarsely, and he clenches his fist, closes his eyes briefly. He leans in and cups my face, resting his forehead against mine.
“You’re worth it, Goldilocks. You,” he whispers against my lips and kisses me softly. Then he adds, “Can we agree to slow things down and keep things a little less intense for a while? My nerves can’t handle much more,” he says with effort, and I let out a hoarse laugh.
“I can’t help that our family is a little bit crazy. But yes, we can agree on that.” Nicolas looks relieved and presses another kiss to my forehead before slipping his hand under my knee crease and trying to lift me up.
“I can walk myself. I…”
“Please. I need this now. You might not, but I do,” he whispers, and my throat tightens with emotion. So I just nod, and he lifts me up, holding me close.
A police officer remains on the scene as the others, along with the guards and the stretcher carrying my brother, head toward the ambulance waiting at the park entrance.
“How did he get in?” Nicolas’s voice is harsh, and the officer looks almost remorseful.
“A staff member let him in. They apparently had an affair, and she covered for him. He’s being treated now, and afterwards, he’ll go into custody. I’ll contact you tomorrow totake a statement.” With that, he turns and walks away, while Nicolas carries me over to Cedric, who is holding his sister in his arms.
“Everything okay, sis?” he asks, looking down at her worriedly, but she nods and leans against Ced.
“Everything’s fine. The asshole got what he deserved and can rot in hell for all I care. And now, I need a drink—you’re buying, dear brother.” She taps him on the chest, and Ced smiles down at her.
“You heard the lady, drinks for everyone.”
My brother is on trial for illegal gambling and domestic violence. My father-in-law also has to face justice, and we won’t be seeing him for a long time.
“It’s beautiful here.” In awe, I gaze at the glittering city lights spread out before us, taking in the breathtaking view while nestled safely in my husband’s arms. I’m seated in front of him on his motorcycle, his embrace firm around me, his head resting gently on my shoulder.
“Phil loved it here. And he would…” he kisses my neck gently “…love this too.”
I have to smile, because yes, he would have.
“I wish he were here. I miss him,” I murmur quietly, and Nicolas sighs.
“I miss him too. But we honor his memory by fulfilling what he would have wanted for our country, when the time comes.”
I smile, because yes, we have big plans. But for now, we’re letting his mother take center stage. She’s a wonderful queen, and that gives Nicolas and me the time we need to prepare for the enormous task ahead of us.
“Damien is coming tomorrow.” My husband interrupts my thoughts, and I turn to him in surprise.
“You’re finally ready to talk to him? I’m proud of you, Your Majesty.” I grin at him, because he still struggles with Damien. But they’re best friends, and they have to work it out. Even if it never goes back to how it was, maybe it will become something new—something better.
“A clever, cheeky little woman once told me I need to do it for both our peace of minds—otherwise, I’ll end up a bitter old Grinch. Though honestly, I still don’t get why his peace of mind should matter. He’s the one who screwed up.” He pokes my nose, and I grin widely.
“She must be very, very clever,” I giggle playfully, and he simply presses his lips to mine.
“She is. I love you, Goldilocks,” he murmurs against my lips, and my heart skips a beat.
“I love you too.”
Sometimes, hatred and resentment turn into something completely different. Sometimes, you just have to look a little closer, see behind the facade, and you might find happiness waiting for you.
Mine began with tragedy and hatred, and it ends with love and joy. Nicolas of Harlington is the happy ending I never thought I’d find.
But now that I have it, I will never let it go.
