Page 27 of Royal Rebel

“Most women want to be wined and dined,” Parker argues.

“And I’m not saying she doesn’t want that on occasion, but she did something for me no one else has ever been able to do. I want to give her something she’s never been able to do too. I don’t expect you to understand it.”

Parker holds up a hand. “No, I do understand it, I just never expected you to be this invested in her.”

“She’s going to be my wife,” I say it almost as if it’s stupid of him to question me.

“I know, but you have to admit, what’s happening between the two of you wasn’t exactly planned.”

“Doesn’t make it any less real,” I argue.

“Never said it didn’t, my king.”

“Stop.” I give him a look.

A grin is playing against the edges of his mouth. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that Parker and I will always have a great relationship.

“I’m ready to go when you are.” He nods to the watch on his wrist.

“Great, let’s go get Lia.”

AMELIA

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you,” I can hear the words softly whispered. In this state I’m unsure if I’m having a great dream, or if someone is singing to me. “Lia, wake up.”

Slowly I open my eyes, turning toward the sound of the voice.

“There you are. Happy birthday!”

Someone was singing to me. “Thank you.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “I wasn’t even sure if you’d know.”

“Everything about you is something I know now, Amelia.”

I blush slightly. He knows every single inch of my body, and now he’s getting to know parts of my personality. It’s scary that I’ve given him this much power over me, but there’s no one else I’d rather give this power to.

“I have a surprise for you, but you have to get up so we can celebrate.”

“A surprise?” I’m always up for surprises. Even as a little kid, they were my favorite. I was all about the cake and the presents. Not just because they were presents and they were given to me, but because I loved opening them. I loved finding out what others thought I would enjoy. The one little act told me just how well other people knew me. At times I’ve been disappointed, and I hope Tris isn’t one who’s going to disappoint me.

“Yeah, why don’t you get up and get dressed. I’ll take you.”

“Where are we going?” I sit up in the bed, pulling the covers tightly around my waist. “How should I dress?”

“Like you’ll be riding on the back of my bike.”

I can feel the smile spread across my face. “Your bike?”

“My bike.”

Now I’m trying to figure out exactly where we’re going. I’ve been on his bike before, and I have no idea how that would be part of my birthday gift. I want to ask another question, but he puts a finger over my lips.

“No more questions. Go get dressed. This is my surprise for you. Like when you took me to the movies. Let me do this for you.”

An hour later, we’re driving along the highway, but we’re going further north than I’ve ever been. I’m looking for something to tell me where we’re going, but I haven’t seen anything yet.

Tristan reaches over, grabbing my thigh. “Are you excited?”

“I’m curious,” I answer carefully, taking a drink of mycoffee. “Gifts prove how well you know the person you’re giving the gift. I’m interested to see how well you’ve come to know me.”

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