Royal Line (Tattered Royals #1) - Carrie Ann Ryan Page 0,35

know when they helped me escape. As soon as we were settled, I needed to find a phone and call them.

As we pulled up to Rian’s house, even my jaw went slack. I was used to her Paris flat. While well-equipped and gorgeous, and spacious for Paris, it was still Paris. Comfortable, but not overly roomy. Not like this. This was like something you’d see out of a James Bond film or some Malibu estate.

There was a piece of architectural art on top of the roof. It looked like a giant platinum wonton. I remember her telling me that when she’d built this place, she wanted a serene yoga retreat. Was it up there? I was a sucker for green spaces, but I couldn’t see anything outside of the gate really. But that giant wonton, that was visible. As was the whole top floor of the home.

When I told Kannon the code Rian had given me, he typed it in, and the massive metal gate swung inwards. Inch by inch, as the gate revealed more of the yard, more of the property, I gasped. Kannon just cursed under his breath and gave a low whistle. “Wow. This is…something else.”

“I have to say even I’m surprised. When Rian said she had a place outside of the city too, if I preferred, I didn’t realize it would be something like this. I really thought I’d stay with her in Paris.”

Nothing was going as I’d thought, but it wasn’t as if I had a real plan. Only to run from royal decrees I had no part of until my brother could figure it out. I hated the fact that I couldn’t do it myself. But I’d find a way. I could be my own savior.

I refused to look at Kannon.

He’s saved me. More than once.

I hated that I couldn’t do it myself.

The gates opened to a sprawling massive green that was perfectly maintained and cut. There were patterns cut into the grass. I couldn’t tell what they were from our vantage point, but there was clearly a pattern there. The drive was long and wound up to the house. And as we drove, I could see that there were several structures behind the main house.

We parked outside the garage, and then Kannon took a call. When I stepped out of the car, eager to grab a bag, I frowned. I had no bag. I had on Kannon’s shirt and a pair of panties. And my shoes. At least, I had my bloody shoes. I hadn’t thought to ask if I should ditch them or not. But surely, they were fine. They were just a pair of ballet flats. Completely innocuous.

With nothing to grab or carry, I strolled up to the front entrance, marveling at the bougainvillea and the roses scenting the air. They were gorgeous. Her landscapers were impeccable and amazing. I could see on the side of the house that there were massively large hedges leading farther along the property. Maybe there was a maze garden of some sort?

Kannon’s voice behind me was low. Gruff. “My team will be here in thirty minutes.”

I jumped. “How do you not make a single sound when you walk behind me?”

“I’m not that quiet. You were just lost in thought. You need to be more aware of your surroundings. Situational awareness is important.”

I rolled my eyes, though I knew he was right. Damn him. “Of course. Make sure you take every opportunity to put me down.”

He frowned. “I’m not putting you down. I’m just making a point. You know the situation is already stressful.”

The house was all steel and chrome and white. The front wall was mostly windows. Floor to ceiling. The place had amazing natural light. I punched in the key code I’d been given for the front door, and something clicked. Then I pushed the heavy door in.

Despite the chrome and steel, Rian was still Rian. The floors were gorgeous. The rich acacia wood instantly warmed the space. The foyer was brightly lit with a massive chandelier hanging above. Crystal probably. Swarovski? To the right was a massive sunken living room. The walls were an eggshell color, and Rian had paintings and photographs on every inch of them. The furniture was a massive white sectional, but there were a couple of fun throws on it that looked like an African print as well as brightly colored pillows that matched the colors from the throws. Just being in the space, I missed her. Everything about