Page 19 of Broken Prince
“If I can.” I nod.
“Good, I’ll make sure Joe has eyes on the grounds while you do.”
“Joe?”
“Head of security. He will make sure nothing happens. Although, our property is really well guarded and safe.”
My heart fills with emotion, and I smile. “Thanks, that would help a lot.”
He gives me a small smile and nods. Then he wrinkles his nose. “Damn, son, you're nasty.”
Benny bursts into giggles, and we all laugh. “I need to go change him. Enjoy your run, Laney.”
“Thanks,” I tell him. “Bye-bye, stinky boy,” I baby talk, waving at Benny.
Placing my phone and bottle of water on the edge of the fountain, I start to stretch. My eyes scan the area, seeing where the best place to run is. It’s a relatively open space, but there are some trees towards the left side of the property.
Zipping my phone in the pocket of my shorts, I grab my water bottle and start off with a light jog. Deciding not to push it today, I stick to the open spaces.
It doesn’t take long before I’m smiling, the familiar feeling I used to get hitting me hard. The breeze against my skin is nice. The sun is out just enough to lighten the sky, but it’s not beating down on me, so the temperature is perfect.
I take my time, enjoying myself, and by the time I get back to the house, I’m dripping with sweat while tears fill my eyes. I did it, I ran, and I didn’t feel like someone was watching me like someone would pop out of the trees and grab me.
I’ll take this small victory.
Chugging the rest of my water, I head into the house and up to my room to shower.
Once I’m dressed in a cute sundress, my hair done up in loose casual curls, I head down to grab something to eat.
When I get to the kitchen, I find Mom making eggs. But she’s not alone. James is there, and so is Elijah.
“Morning,” I greet them, taking a spot at the island next to Elijah. If he’s avoiding me, maybe I won’t make it so easy for him.
“Good morning, honey.” Mom gives me a bright smile. “Are you excited for today?”
“I am.” I smile back. “I can’t wait to see you try everything on.”
“I’m jealous. You get to see your mom in all the dresses.” James chuckles, kissing the side of my mom’s head. “I know she’s going to look gorgeous in everyone.”
“Oh, stop it, you.” She shoves at him playfully, giggling.
“Do you have a dress yet?” Elijah asks me.
“Nope.” I smile. “So it’s going to be extra fun.” I laugh.
Mom sighs, shaking her head.
“What?” Elijah asks, looking between the two of us.
“Delaney is a picky girl. We went to so many stores back in San Francisco, but she hated everything she tried on while her aunt and my best friend found their dresses at the first store we went to.”
“What?” I laugh. “I’m sorry, but none of them were right. I know the wedding is in a week and a half, so I promise I won’t be picky anymore. If I don’t find anything I love, I’ll just pick the dress I hate the least.”
“Just promise you won’t say anything negative around the people who work there, please.” Mom gives me a pointed look.
“You know I won’t.” I wave her off and thank her as she sets a plate of eggs and toast in front of me.
“No, I don’t. Might I remind you of the time we were out shopping, and you saw some young lady trying some things on. You practically ran out of that dressing room naked to track her down and tell her not to buy the dress she tried on.”