Page 79 of A Royal Promise
“It took you long enough to realize it,” Bastian huffed, stepping into the room. “I could’ve told you that after your kiss in the woods. I had to rub my eyes for a solid hour, trying to remove the image from my memory.”
Bri gasped, holding a hand to her chest. “Bastian, you need to let someone know when you walk into a room. Not all of us are ninja bodyguards with bionic hearing.”
“I thought my statement was enough to announce my presence. I’ll try to walk extra loud next time.” He crossed the room with exaggerated steps that echoed off the marble floor.
“Good. Now, what’s this about you seeing our kiss in the woods?” Bri rubbed her face, mortified he’d seen the kiss she and Drew had shared.
“You know it’s my job to tail you, right? Trust me, I wish I hadn’t seen it as much as you do.” His lips pulled into a grimace. “I know I said I wouldn’t ask any more questions, but do you want to talk about it?”
“That depends. How much do you know?”
A blush covered Bastian’s cheeks. She hadn’t thought it possible the stoic man in front of her was capable of blushing.
“Everything, Your Highness.”
Bri’s voice dropped to a whisper, “You know our engagement is fake?”
He offered only a curt nod.
“How long have you known?”
“From the beginning. Did you think I believed you would get engaged to your best friend after never going on so much as a date with him?”
She shrugged. “Everyone else seemed to believe it. Why didn’t you say anything? Why did you move here with me if you knew it wasn’t real?”
“I figured you had your reasons for not sharing the truth, and I moved here because I took an oath to protect you, whether you’re living in Westridge or elsewhere.” He stood tall, his hands clasped in front of him.
“We agreed not to tell anyone, but that’s beside the point now.” She let out a dreamy sigh. “Last night, Drew told me he loves me.”
“Yeah, and?” Bastian stared at her blankly. “I could’ve told you that years ago.”
She groaned. “Did everyone knowbut me?”
“Everyone with eyes,” he muttered.
A laugh escaped from her lips. “If you ever decide not to be a bodyguard, you would make an excellent comedian.”
He shook his head, but the barest of smiles covered his lips. “You really didn’t know?”
“No clue. I’m not sure I would’ve taken the news well before now. It took this time where we were together more consistently for me to realize I felt the same way. Right before you walked in here, I realized I love him too.”
“Then what are you still doing here talking to me? Go put the man out of his misery.”
“I will. I’m meeting him in the observatory tonight. For now, I’m going to enjoy the day my life changes forever. The start of my future.” She stood, a smile gracing her lips as she started to walk toward the door. At the last second, she turned around and said, “By the way, I thought you should know that Elaine, the head chef here, is single and beautiful. She makes great food too, which is always a plus, in case you are interested in finding love of your own…”
Bastian barked out a deep, hearty laugh—a sound she’d never heard from him before. “Are you looking for another reason for me to stay here with you once you’re married and officially residing in Glencrest?”
Bri smirked. “Is it working?”
He walked out into the hall with her trailing behind. “I think I could use a snack before lunch. Maybe I’ll make a detour to the kitchen.”
She laughed as he walked away. When he was out of sight, Bri let out a long exhale.
The thought of settling down had always terrified her, but now she was more terrified of living life without Drew right by her side. He was her best friend, the love of her life, and the person who knew her better than anyone, all wrapped up in one handsome, magnificent man. And she knew with every beat of her heart and breath in her lungs that she wanted to be with her best friend for real.
Chapter Thirty
Drew
