Page 16 of Ruthless

“As irascible as ever.”

Jacques was her father’s younger brother as well as his closest advisor.

“And his current wife? Monique?”

“No longer current. Ex.”

“Already? It’s only been a few months.”

“Eight, to be exact. As we both know, Jacques isn’t known for his best choices when it comes to spouses.”

Since Monique had been his fourth wife, Eve couldn’t argue with that claim.

“Is he brokenhearted?”

“Yes, but only because they didn’t sign a prenuptial agreement.”

“Uh-oh.”

“Yes,” her father said dryly.

Hard to believe that a man who made such poor choices in his personal life could be such an excellent advisor to the king, but she knew there was no one her father trusted more.

“And you, Papa? You are well?”

“Of course I am, Lina. You are the one who is hurting.”

Recognizing she would get nothing from him now, she allowed him the subject change. However, there was something going on with him. Something that hadn’t been there the last time she’d seen him. She would wait until she was more capable of sound thought before she would dig deeper.

Careful of her aching ribs, she took a long, shallow breath. This, however, couldn’t wait. She could no longer put off the inevitable. Giving her father an accusing glare, she said, “So Gideon is your employee? Papa, how could you?”

“Lina.” The sigh he released was long, frustrated, and a familiar one. “I am not only the king, but I am also your father. I gave you the autonomy you needed and requested. However, it will never negate my need to take care of you and keep you safe.”

“I requested no bodyguards. You agreed.”

“Has Gideon impeded your life in any way? Stopped you from living the way you wanted?”

Of course he hadn’t, but that wasn’t the point.

“You both lied to me.”

“No, we didn’t, Lina. Gideon is your partner and friend, but he was also charged with making sure you stayed safe. I was able to allow you the freedom you requested because of him.”

“He is your employee.”

“Not anymore.”

“He quit?”

“No, but he will be relieved of his duties.”

“You’re going to fire him?”

“He failed to do his job.”

“How so? The accident wasn’t his fault.”

“Doesn’t matter. His job was to keep you safe. He didn’t.”