Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 66387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
“I would, too.” I push my hand through my hair. I know Nina’s exhausted, and I’m right there with her. It’s been a trying few days of meetings and responsibilities. Today’s talk with my father, Frederick, and Callum had me both frustrated and elated.
And I have another meeting with the king tomorrow.
“She’s doing well,” I reply at last. “At least, given what she shows me. She’s knackered, and I’m positive she’s overwhelmed. Who wouldn’t be? But she’s calm, and so far has been more than willing to go with the flow. I’m proud of her.”
“You should be,” Nick says. Nick’s not one to speak up often, so when he does, I pay close attention. “Those women were brutal today. I wanted to take a few of them over my knee several times. If she already held the title, they wouldn’t have dared to say half of the things they did. They wanted to hurt her, but Nina kept her chin up and ignored them beautifully.”
“I’m surprised they were so free with their words with you standing nearby.”
“I’m invisible,” he says with a half-grin. “They’re used to me. I watch but don’t say anything, and then they forget all about me. It’s almost as if they think because I don’t talk, I must be deaf.”
“I’ll want a list of those who behaved the worst,” I say. “I don’t know what I’ll do with it, aside from being aware of them.”
“I can do that,” Nick says with a nod.
“What do you want to do about the Cunningham Falls house?” Charles asks. “Shall I see to her cottage being put on the market?”
“No.” I shake my head and pin Charles with a stare. “Do not do that. I don’t own that house, and she doesn’t want to sell. She’ll probably use it as an investment property, or we can always use it as a guest home.”
“Sir,” Charles says with a nod.
“But I am going to speak to Max tomorrow about buying his house. I’ll buy it as a wedding gift to Nina.”
I ignore the surprised look from Charles. Yes, several million pounds in real estate is an extravagant wedding gift.
But she deserves it.
“We won’t be returning to London immediately after our honeymoon,” I add to both of their dismay. “We’ll holiday and spend a couple of months in Montana.”
“Sir, we haven’t had a chance to scope out this new house, fit it for cameras and security. And I have to talk to my staff to find men to work over there. Most of my employees have families here. This will take some time.”
“I know someone,” Nick says. “Liam Cunningham.”
Charles’ eyes narrow. “Is he available?”
“He just finished a job in Korea,” Nick says. “And he’s retiring from the military.”
“Cunningham, as in Cunningham Falls?”
“Exactly,” Nick says with a nod. “He has family there. Has talked about moving there for as long as I’ve known him. I’d trust him implicitly with your safety.”
“As would I,” Charles says thoughtfully. “He’s been in the business for years. He’s ruthless.”
“He’s American,” I remind them. “How do you know him?”
“Special-ops operators know each other, regardless of the country we work for,” Nick says
“The saying is true,” I mutter. “It’s a damn small world.”
“You have no idea, sir,” Nick says. “I’ll ring Cunningham in the morning.”
“Good. See to it, then.” I stand, ending the meeting. “Goodnight, gentlemen.”
Once they leave, I don’t waste time. I call Max immediately.
“I’m sorry if I woke you.”
“I wasn’t asleep,” he replies. “What’s up? Do you need something?”
“Yes. I just discovered that you have a lake house for sale. I want to buy it.”
He’s quiet for a moment. “Right now?”
“Right bloody now.”
“It’s yours. I’ll make some calls and get it off the market.”
“I’ll have the money wired in the morning.”
“Good doing business with you, Sebastian.”
I feel the smile spread over my face. “Likewise, Max.”
***
“I’ve made a decision,” my father says as he escorts us under the palace to where the vault lies, armed guards surrounding us. Once we reach the heavy door that houses just some of the crown jewels, the man responsible for them opens the lock, and it takes three men to open the door. “I’ll explain more in a moment.”
“I thought the crown jewels were kept at the Tower of London,” Nina says with a frown as her eyes bounce over the sparkling gems gleaming under the soft lights of the vault.
“Most of them are,” I confirm. “But we have some pieces here that aren’t on display. Pieces that are worn more regularly, and even some that are rarely seen.”
“Wow,” she breathes. Her eyes are wide, taking it all in. She hugs her arms around her waist, clearly afraid to touch anything.
“If you’ll step over here,” Father says, gesturing to a table in the center of the room draped in black velvet. “You’ll see we’ve set out a selection for you to see.”