Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
“So, Emilio—”
“He would take over your family’s organisation if anything happened to your father,” Valen finishes my thought. “I know you don’t know him and didn’t grow up with him, but he’s a good guy.”
“I think I was more surprised that my father didn’t ever mention him. It’s not like he didn’t have the opportunity my entire life.”
We pull into the hangar, and Valen kills the engine.
“Don’t be too hard on your father. I know he’s not the most respected man among the families, but he did what was needed to keep you safe. That’s good in my eyes. He could have done it in a better way, but none of us are perfect.”
I glance up at Valen, and his gaze pierces me. I note his eyes are similar to Judah’s, but there’s a hint more green in them than in his best friend’s.
“I think Judah is of the opinion that he’s more than perfect.”
This causes Valen to laugh out loud. “Judah is a good guy. I’ve known him my entire life. He may come across as an arsehole, but I respect him. He would do anything for those he cares about. He may not let someone in easily,” he says as he pushes his car door open before glancing at me from over his shoulder. “But once he does, you will never doubt his feelings.”
“I won’t hold my breath while waiting for him to ever accept me into his life.”
After we exit the vehicle, Valen steps up beside me, and taking my hand, he looks directly into my eyes. It’s as if he’s looking for answers I’m not sure I have.
“Don’t give up on him, please. There’s a lot more to him than you think, and…” His voice trickles off into silence, for a moment, before he continues, “Please, give him time.” It’s a strange request, especially coming from Valen. It makes me wonder just how much of Judah’s personality is hiding under the cold exterior. And also, why Valen is so adamant that I give his best friend a chance. “He is a good person. And once you’re allowed into his world, there’s no leaving. Loving him isn’t easy, but it’s worth the hard work to get there. And there is a lot more to this than meets the eye.”
My brows furrow as I regard him with confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Let’s go,” he says, instead of answering my question.
I follow close behind Valen, wanting to know what he meant, but the moment we reach the aircraft, we’re met by the cabin staff, guards, and the pilot who offers Valen a greeting that indicates respect, but I can tell from how he looks at Val, there is knowing behind it. He is aware of just who Valen is.
The Princes will soon become Kings. They’ll rule, and anyone who isn’t on board or doesn’t offer them loyalty and respect will be ruthlessly dealt with. The mafia don’t mess around when it comes to the laws they live by. I know how this life works.
When we’re seated, a hostess brings me an orange juice, while Valen has a beer set in front of him.
“Are you going to answer me?” I question the moment we have privacy.
“You’ll find out everything in good time, sweetheart,” he tells me as the corner of his mouth tilts upward. “Are you looking forward to doing some shopping today?”
His change of subject sets me on edge, but I don’t push it. I won’t, not until I have to. For now, I’m going to spend the day far from Judah, which is exactly what I need.
“I am.”
Even though it’s for a wedding I don’t want, I know that at least I’ll be safe under Judah’s protection. If only for a short while.
A PRINCESS’S HEART
VALEN
I should be annoyed I’ve been put on babysitting duty, but I can’t deny that watching Brie in her element is nothing short of amazing. She’s alluring as she smiles and laughs with the shop assistants. And each person who comes face to face with her seems to be enamoured by her beauty.
She’s long since loosened her hair that now hangs in soft waves down the middle of her back. Her cheeks are rosy, blushed by the sunlight as we walk down a very busy Regent’s Street. Each boutique we enter makes her glimmer with excitement. She’s like a fucking star in the night sky. One that I didn’t know I wanted to see, but now I’m blinded by her beauty.
As she disappears into another changing room, I pull out my phone and type out a message to Judah. We’re going to have to sit her down and talk to her. Even though he doesn’t trust her, we have no choice but to keep her in our lives now. There are things we need to learn about her, and she about us, and the sooner we explain our dynamic to her, the easier things will be.