Page 30 of Royal Rebel

“Hey, Cora.” He smiles back at her. “My bride-to-be and I are escaping from our duties today, and drove along the highway. We stopped here for some sustenance.”

“Oh my gosh!” She looks up at me. “It’s Amelia…”

“Hi.” I wave at her, a real smile spreading across my face. I’ve never met anyone who was so enchanted to meet me.

“I loved your engagement dress, and the way the two of you kissed at your photo call?” She puts her hands under her chin. It’s the dreamy way all young girls get when they think about love. “I want that so much, a boy who will kiss me and look at me the way Mr. Tristan looks at you.”

I’m laughing, not sure how to take the exuberance. “He does have a certain way he looks at me sometimes.” I cut my eyes over at him, allowing my gaze to eat up the man standing beside me.

Today he looks dangerous. His dark good looks, coupled with his black jeans and leather jacket. It doesn’t look like he’s shaved so far today either, and his hair is mussed because he’s had his helmet on. Those dark eyes of his move up and down my body—heating me up on this cool day.

“A woman as beautiful as she is?” He shakes his head as he leans into Cora. “I mean how can I not look at her?”

Cora squeals, and I’m pretty sure if this girl knew what itmeant, her panties would have just dropped. Mine almost do.

“You’re my new favorite celebrity couple.” She claps, her face red with excitement and enthusiasm.

“Cora, ask them if they want to order.” An older woman gently nudges her from the kitchen area.

Tristan raises his hand in a wave. “Afternoon, Cass.”

“Afternoon to you too, sir. Thank you for stopping in.”

I can tell by the way she says the words, she does appreciate him taking the time to stop into their shop. More than likely word gets around after he leaves and they become popular for a time among the locals.

“Always do when I’m down here.”

He turns his attention back to Cora. “Can I get a fish sandwich?”

“And what about you, beautiful Amelia?” She smiles, showing dimples in her cheeks.

“I’ll have the seafood salad.”

Cora gives us our total and bottles of water. I watch, with amusement as he pulls bills out of his wallet to pay for the meal. He takes out cash, and I have to needle him a little. “No card today?”

“If I use a card, Parker can track it easily. I’m not ready to go back just yet.”

“I’m not either.”

We take a seat and for the first time, I notice Tristan is more pensive than normal. His gaze washes along the horizon, taking in the ocean. One of the things I’ve learned about him since we’ve been living together and engaged is that he seeks out the danger when he’s got tumultuous feelings, the same way he seeks out the ocean. He’s quieter than normal, and it unnerves me.

“Are you okay?” I reach out, grabbing his hand. “You know you can talk to me about anything.”

“I have a lot of hard decisions to make.” He licks his lips before taking a drink of his water. I sense he wants to say more, but he’s reluctant.

It’s cold out today, not as cold as it has been, but I don’t feel the cold in the shelter of sitting next to his body. Right now though, I want to shelter him. “Can you talk about them?”

Our food is delivered and we both dig in, but the conversation continues.

“There’s chatter in some of the international communities of our allies that there will be an attack soon. Haldonia has one of the world’s most elite militaries.” He takes a bite of his sandwich, chewing thoughtfully. “If this happens, which all signs are pointing to yes, we’ll be asked to activate our forces.”

“Are you serious?”

“Unfortunately, we’ve been notified within the past twenty-four hours. There’s a global response trying to stop it, but no one knows if we’ll be able to. If this attack happens, I’ll have to make the decision.”

“You won’t have to go, will you?” I know he was a part of our military since it’s required in our country for the males—no matter who you are.

“No.” He lets out a small laugh. “Being king prevents that, but if I were able, I would. I’d rejoin my unit and fight right along with them. They didn’t treat me like a king there, I was just one of the guys. It was important to me.”

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