Lone Prince (Royally Unexpected #7) - Lilian Monroe Page 0,57

tangled web around my heart that I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to escape.

23

Rowan

What am I doing with my life?

Everything is upside down. Every day, I go to the castle to work, and I end up wrapped up in Wolfe’s arms. Even when I go home to Grandma, I’m reminded of him there, too. He’s the one who made sure she had a place to stay while she recovered. He’s the one who organized a nurse for her. He’s the one who set aside an office space for me to stay for as long as I need.

Below the arrogant, princely exterior, he’s thoughtful and soft and loving and—

Uh-oh.

I’m in trouble. I know I’m playing with fire, but I can’t help myself. As the days pass, my feelings grow stronger. All it takes is a glance from Wolfe. A tug of his lips. A brush of his fingers along my cheek.

The spell he’s put on me is strong, but I’m not sure I want to break it. I like the feelings invading my heart. I like the comfort of his arms and the heat of his embrace.

One week passes. I work, steal moments with the Prince, take care of Grandma, eat, and sleep. There’s a memorial for Wolfe’s fiancée, but he still comes to see me in the office. When I ask him if he’s okay, he smiles softly and touches his forehead to mine. “Better now that I’m here with you.”

His words send warmth spiraling through my core. My heart thumps. These feelings are growing.

Another week passes. Then another.

I’m in a haze. I’ve been in Nord for just over six weeks. The Prince and I first made love at the visitor’s cottage a month ago. How have four weeks gone by already? I barely even remember my life in Farcliff. Business? What business? Now, in my life, there’s only the design of the Summer Palace…

…and the Prince.

He features front and center in my brain now—not that I mind. Every time the royal car picks me up and drops me off at the castle, a thrill pierces my belly. Every time the office door opens and the Prince ducks his head to enter, I can’t keep the smile off my face.

My life is good.

Six weeks ago, I wanted to be independent. Free of any personal relationships and chains that might hold me down. I wanted to be a burden to no one, standing tall on my own. Being independent was my way of honoring my mother’s memory. I didn’t want anyone else to feel the weight of responsibility for me.

But now…everything feels different. Independence feels a little too lonely. I like having the support of the Prince, and knowing he’ll take care of Grandma even if I can’t.

On a clear, cold afternoon, the royal car drives me away from the castle. I realize I’ve been here for exactly seven weeks—hardly an eternity—but I feel more at home in Nord than ever before. I belong somewhere.

Pushing the front door open, I call out into the house and find my grandmother in the kitchen. She looks tired, but her face is flushed with happiness.

“You’re home early,” Grandma says, smiling at me from the kitchen table.

“Doctor’s appointment in an hour,” I explain. I tilt my head. “Why do you look so pleased?”

“I walked today.” She beams.

Dropping a kiss on her soft, white curls, I wrap my arms around her. “Already? That’s amazing, Grandma.”

“The physical therapist was happy. She said my recovery is going faster than expected, but she doesn’t think I should go back to the Summer Palace until spring.”

“Of course not. Wolfe said you can stay here as long as you need. I’ll stay here with you, too, and head back up to the Summer Palace when construction starts.” Why would I go back to Farcliff, anyway?

Grandma’s eyes zero in on me. “Wolfe?”

Glancing away, I walk to the sink. “The Prince, I mean. His Highness.”

“Rowan…” Her lips purse. That tone of voice—I know it well. She sounds just like my mother.

I fill a glass with water and take a gulp before turning around slowly, lifting my eyes to meet hers. I paint an innocent look on my face, but I know she can see right through it. “Yeah?”

“What’s going on with you and the Prince?”

“Nothing,” I lie.

“Rowan.”

“Nothing.”

Yeah, double down. That’s the right thing to do. When caught in a lie, just lie again. That always works.

I clear my throat, gulping down the rest of the water. “I have to get ready for