Page 61 of Royal Shark
“Great,” he says brusquely, taking his seat behind the desk. “Let me just print out the paperwork, and we’ll be on our way.”
That’s it? I thought he’d be happier that I’m willing to live and work on Villroy. With him. Did he miss the part that I’m here not just to help at the casino but to be with him?
Apparently, yes. He just stepped out of the room to the printer in his assistant’s office.
I think I didn’t do this right. I need to really open up, admit I’m so in love with him I’m willing to commit to a real long-term relationship, even though it scares the hell out of me that he’ll leave. Or more likely I’ll have to be the one to leave since we’re on his island home. Should I just blurt it out?I love you,or maybe,Adrian, we had a pact. My knee bounces. Is that too forward? Will he think I’m proposing? For the second time? Ugh!
I’m about to drop my head on the desk in complete despair over my inexperience with relationships and all the heavy emotional talk that goes with them, when he returns.
He hands me the papers, instructing me to read them over, sign when I’m ready, and reminding me to bring my official ID for their records. It’s all very professional.
I’m moving thousands of miles away to be with the man I’ve finally decided to let into my heart, and he’s acting like Mr. Professional Boss.
I lift my gaze from the papers. He’s back behind his desk, staring at his computer. “Is this going to be awkward to have you as my boss? People will know I’m sleeping with the boss.”
One corner of his mouth lifts in a small smile. “You and I will be at an equal level, co-managers; therefore, I won’t technically be your boss. And I’m more than capable of being a professional at work.”
I’m irritated but rise to the challenge. “So am I.”
“Great.”
“It is great.”
“After you sign the papers, we’ll get right to work.”
And we actually do.
I’m so confused. I thought this meant something more than work. My heart is outside my chest—exposed and vulnerable—and it’s too late to lock it up tight. It’s reaching for him.
~ ~ ~
By the time we drive back to the palace, I’ve given up my silly romantic fantasy of Adrian being overcome with joy. He needed me as co-manager, he wants me in his bed, and I have way overplayed my hand.Lowering expectations now.
When we get to his suite, he turns to me. “Have a seat. I have something I want to show you.” He gestures to a cushy leather reclining chair in the living room.
“Happy to. I love this chair.” I sit down and recline it all the way back, so it’s practically like a bed.
“I’ll get you a matching one,” he says as he pulls a framed Escher print off the wall.
I jackknife back to a sitting position. “Now that’s a great hiding place for a safe.”
“Shh, don’t tell,” he says while he does the combination.
“Is that your stash of cash?” I ask.
“It’s all of my valuables.” He pockets something and palms something.
I’m on the edge of my seat. What secret is he about to reveal?
He crosses to my chair and produces two cards with a flourish from the palm of his hand. I let out a breath. It’s the pair of fives from his dragon card set—a heart and a diamond.
“You really did keep them,” I whisper.
His eyes are direct. “We had a pact.”
“Did you always believe we’d reunite at twenty-five?”
“I hoped.”
