Page 20 of My Highland Fling
“You’ve shown no inclination to buck against authority, dear,” Tilly said.“I was here, watching, and if I’d thought you wanted to escape, I would’ve helped.”
Gabrielle digested this, giving the guards a side-eye as she and Tilly strolled through the gates with the rest of the palace employees.The truth was she hadn’t wanted to leave the palace badly enough.This made her frown.While she hadn’t been unhappy, she had become tired of the predictable nature of her days.“I’ll talk to you more in the future.”
“I’m here for you, dear.”
“Why are you so nice to me?”
“Because you’ve treated me with respect and caring.You make me cups of tea and speak to me as if I’m an adult.Tell me to rest if you see I’m tired or have overdone things.Your parents treat me like a piece of furniture.”
“I’m sorry.”
Tilly squeezed Gabrielle’s arm.“None of this is your fault.Besides, we’re having an adventure now.I’m rather looking forward to seeing my friend.We used to get into all sorts of trouble when we were younger.Maybe we’ll manage one or two pranks while I’m in Edinburgh.”Tilly’s smile was sly, and her wink decidedly naughty.
Gabrielle grinned.“I’ve never traveled economy before.Do you think anyone will recognize me?”
“None of the workers have noticed you,” Tilly murmured, and once they exited the gates, she guided Gabrielle to the right.“That’s my friend over there.”
“Tilly,” the man said with a broad grin of welcome.“Long time no see, chickie.”
Chickie?Gabrielle should pay closer attention to Tilly’s activities.
The car was an older one but well maintained since it purred down the long drive leading to the town.They followed other vehicles full of staff, and the guards at the end of the road didn’t give them a second glance.Gabrielle didn’t comment, but she took in the knowledge.Palace security was slack.Why hadn’t she noticed the number of guards had reduced?Her parents had mentioned money, and her canceled wedding had cost them.
She made a mental note to quiz Tilly later.Tilly hadn’t received her wages.Fewer security guards.What other economies had her parents taken?None that restricted their spending.Her father had purchased a new car last month, and she’d seen him playing with a drone in the palace gardens the previous week, his delight in his toy apparent.
Gabrielle took money for granted, and that was bad.It was time to take personal responsibility.During their flight, she’d talk to Tilly.Tilly was an underused resource.
It was late by the time our flight landed in Edinburgh.
“We’ll grab a cab to my friend’s home,” Tilly said.“He won’t mind if you stay the night.I’d feel happier if you did since it’s so late.”
Gabrielle’s brows shot upward.“He?”
Tilly grinned.“I might be old, dear, but I’m not dead.”
“Oh?”
“Ewanis wonderful.You’ll like him.”
“I’m nervous.What if I’m making a mistake?”
Tilly patted her arm.“What if you’re not?”
Chapter 11
A Surprise Appearance
Aprincess.
How the hell had this happened?After watching the shifters in Middlemarch—those with mates—he’d seen finding that special someone as something magical and otherworldly.For those long moments when he’d spotted Gabrielle across the pub, he’d wondered if his heart might burst from his chest.Her looks had drawn him, but her scent had told him she was his mate.The floral and honied fragrance drifting from her skin had sent longing skittering through him.After they’d talked, he’d been even more enamored.She hadn’t turned up her nose at his cooking profession and his ambitions for the future.She’d seemed interested in his life in Middlemarch.
But she’d held secrets.
A princess.
Bloody hell.With his past, he’d had no right to touch her, let alone kiss her and make love with her.His entire body went rock hard at that thought, and a bone-deep yearning grabbed him by the throat.Hell, what was he going to do?They had no future, and dammit, she’d deceived him.Used him.His fingers curled and dug into his palms as anger and excitement warred inside him.It wasn’t easy to decide which emotion to express.
“Hey, numb nuts.”
