Page 108 of The Prince of Broken Crowns

I wouldn’t have reacted, but they’re so close that I startle.

When I glance behind me, I find a middle-aged man with dark hair and eyes standing in line. He has on a crisp suit that screams royal. So does his watch and ring. What I don’t understand, though, is why he’s in this grocery store. And why did he just say my aunt’s name. Unless it’s a coincidence. Ellie is a relatively normal name.

“Um, no, sorry,” I tell him when he continues to gawk at me.

“Oh, sorry.” He stares at me as if I’m some rare unicorn standing in front of him in all of her glittery form. “Jesus, you look so much like her. It’s startling.”

I offer him a tight smile then start to turn away.

But then he adds, “Is your last name Clairford?”

I pause then twist back to face him. “Why?” I wonder suspiciously.

“I used to date a woman named Ellie Clairford,” he explains. “You look just like her. Or, well, how she used to look back when I dated. It’s been years since I’ve even seen her.”

“Is everything okay?” River asks as he puts his phone away. He inches closer to me, something he seems to do frequently when he believes I’m in danger.

“Yeah.” I study the guy closely. “This guy used to date my aunt.”

River glances at the guy, and recognition clicks across his face. “I know you. You attend events with my parents. You own that law firm, right?”

“A few of them.” The guy remains fixated on me.

I’m aware that I resemble my aunt, but he acts like he’s dumbfounded by the similarities.

“My name’s Grey.” He sticks out his hand, as if he expects me to shake it.

Instead, I eye it dubiously. “Um, okay. Maybe you’re being friendly, but I’m not about to hand over my name or shake the hand of some rando. No offense.”

His brows dip, but the corners of his mouth twitch. “You’re just like her, too. It’s so crazy. Have you guys spent a lot of time together?”

I give the guy an incredulous look. Does he really expect me to answer these questions?

“It was nice talking to you, but we need to go,” River interrupts, placing a hand on my arm.

I easily let him lead me toward the register.

Grey doesn’t comment, but he watches me the entire time the cashier is ringing up our food. By the time we exit the grocery store, I feel like I’m about to crawl out of my skin. Thankfully, our car is parked out front and waiting for us. We hurriedly climb in, and I slump in the seat in relief.

“That was so weird,” I mutter, peering over my shoulder at the grocery store. “Dude, he’s watching us drive away,” I state at the sight of Grey standing in front of the entrance doors with his gaze fixed on the car River and I are in.

River cranes his neck and glances out the window. “Why is he acting like that?” he questions as he places the bags of food we bought beside our feet. “He’s a pretty respectable guy in the royal world, but right now, he’s acting like a creep.”

“Maybe he has a creepy side to him? You never know.”

“Maybe.” He twists back around with a crinkle between his brows. “I don’t know. I never got creep vibes from him before, and I have had them with people.”

“Do you have a sixth sense or something?” I playfully nudge him with my elbow.

“No, I’ve just been around some shitty people, and you start to notice patterns—characteristics that those types of people have.” He crosses his arms, tension rippling through his body.

I can tell there’s something deep in his words, but I don’t want to pry.

“I get it,” I tell him instead while shifting my weight. “I’ve spent my entire life around those types of people, too. Although, some wear their masks better than others.”

He nods, strands of his dark hair falling into his pretty eyes.

We stare at each other silently, and I’m sure it’s weird as hell for the driver. Doesn’t mean I want to stop doing it. I feel this connection with River that’s both wonderful and tarrying. I think he might feel it, too. It’s making him uncomfortable, though, something that’s evident when he clears his throat a few times and looks down at the food on the floor.

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