Page 83 of Protecting his Heart

“Don’t ever worry about falling asleep on us. We’ll look after you,” Owen said, leaning forward to hold out his hand. “I’m Owen.”

“Jessica.” Her jaw dropped. “You’re…” Her hands covered her mouth, and she glanced at Evan.

“I’m…?” Owen frowned.

“You’re Prince Frederick’s bodyguard.”

Owen and Evan chuckled. “Yes, I am.”

“Wow. I love the royal family, but I’ve never been so close to royalty.”

Owen boomed a laugh. “I’m about as far from royalty as you get.”

“No, I mean proximity. It’s difficult for me to attend events and things, so I’ve never had the chance to see them up close or in passing. It’s nice to meet you.”

“I’m nothing special,” Owen said, but Evan glared at him.

“You are to me,” he said, and Owen swallowed hard.

“Aww, you two are so cute.” Jessica reached for her drink, and Evan passed it to her. “So, tell me about you two.”

They spent the next hour talking about anything and everything, catching up on all the things they’d missed by notbeing brought up together. They seemed to have the same taste in music, but whereas Evan couldn’t carry a tune, Jessica had a lovely voice. She also used to play the piano but couldn’t keep up with it.

When she stood to leave, Evan gave her carte blanche to come over whenever she wanted, and after Owen disappeared for a few minutes, he came back and offered her a dream.

“I’ve cleared it with my boss that we can give you a tour of Windsor Castle whenever you have the time. You might get to meet some royals if they’re there on whichever day you choose.”

Jessica’s eyes widened, and she covered her mouth again. “Seriously?” Owen nodded, and Evan could barely withhold his grin. “Anyday. I do nothing, so I can come any day.”

Evan glanced at Owen, who nodded, and he turned back. “Tomorrow?”

“Yes!” she squealed, and Evan pulled her into a hug.

“Would you like me to pick you up?” Owen asked. “This one here still can’t drive yet.”

“No, it’s okay. I’ll get a taxi here. Don’t go to any trouble.”

Owen stepped closer. “It’s no trouble, Jessica. You’re family now.”

Tears filled her eyes. “In that case, yes, please.”

“Let me take you home,” Owen said.

She shook her head. “I already have a taxi waiting. But thank you.”

“Oh, I have something for you,” Evan said, grabbing the gift from the shelf.

“Evan, it’s lovely.” She shook it and frowned. “But when did you get it? You said you haven’t known about me for long.”

“We went away, and I saw it. I thought you might like it.”

“I do.” She hugged him. “Thank you.”

They finished making plans for the next day, and then they saw her to the waiting taxi before waving her off. As the doorclosed behind them, Evan stared at nothing, trying to sort through his feelings.

“How did our parents produce me and her from them? I was expecting her to be more like them, but she’s so…”

“Like you,” Owen finished. Evan shook his head, but Owen continued. “She is. You look alike, you act alike. You have the same mannerisms for certain things. There would be no denying you’re related if no one knew.” He chuckled. “Besides, it’s that whole nature versus nurture debate that no one can agree on.”

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