Page 98 of Royal Pain

As I headed to the door, I realized how lucky I was, more so than I’d allowed myself to think about over the last few weeks.

Between the FBI grilling me and the press who’d hounded all of the Royal family, it had been tough. But that had died down to some degree, not that we were watching the news any longer. There was no need. One day I’d return to my business. I’d glanced at the comments, most of them positive. But there would always be some who were unkind, even blaming me for model citizens being cut down in the prime of their lives.

The love of my life had reminded me that I didn’t need to work. I had money saved, and the sexy guy I was dating had just a little bit as well.

I grinned as I reached Gage, placing my hand on his chest.

“Are you stalking me?”

“Why yes, yes, I am.” He kissed my forehead and growled. “How is he doing?” The larger-than-life man had learned to keep his deep voice down.

“Much better than a week ago. The nightmares have all but ended.”

He nodded, sighing in relief. “I’m glad to hear that. I was worried.”

“You were, huh? You just might make father material after all.” I’d be damned if he wasn’t blushing. “By the way, all that money you and your brothers absconded with that the FBI has no knowledge of, I assume you didn’t add it to your bank accounts.” I gave him a hard look, even lifting an eyebrow.

“Of course not. We could never spend the money we have in ten lifetimes. I did as you suggested, my brothers agreeing. It’s been distributed across several extremely worthy causes including pet rescue locations.”

I smirked then gave him a kiss. “I want a dog one day.”

“I thought you wanted a pup for your darling boy.”

Shrugging, I looked away. “Perhaps.”

God, I loved his laugh, the deep tone that sent thrills right through me.

“You can have any pup you want. Come on. Let’s let him sleep.”

He wrapped his arm around me, easing me into the hallway. The room was equipped with a monitor, companion pieces inthe living room, the kitchen, his office, and outside by the pool. I wasn’t taking any chances that a single person who might have escaped justice wanted revenge.

The security system was even tighter, a guard following us anywhere we went. It wouldn’t last forever but for now, until the court cases began and some prison sentences were handed down, we just couldn’t put it past the bastards to try to hire someone to hurt us, even from behind bars.

As he led me downstairs, I was floored by how incredible he smelled. His scent seemed muskier than normal, rich in testosterone and exotic spices, some kind of amazing timber and even tinged with citrus and the ocean. The combination made me ravenous and it had nothing to do with food.

There was such a difference from being here before, the staff so good to me that it was insane. And while it had taken me a couple of weeks, I was finally starting to relax.

Maybe that’s what good love did for you.

While we were together, there was no talk about marriage or anything at this point. It was just too soon, too many emotions and that was fine. I wasn’t certain if I could speak to my mother again, but she was getting detox help from professionals who could help her eventually break the cult’s hold on her emotions and her mind. That could take a little while and since their funds had been frozen, Gage had insisted on paying for it, the in-care residency expensive but the best in the country.

He’d reminded me that this was my mother, a woman who’d been used like I’d been. I knew that of course, I just had continued anger for everything that had occurred.

One thing that I’d found both fascinating as well as terribly sad was the way my ex-besties had acted after learning about my involvement. I’d gotten over it, but I certainly wasn’t going to trust anyone easily again for a long time.

“Now, are you prepared for a little adventure?” Gage asked. His tone of voice was coy.

“Maybe. What did you have in mind, big boy?”

“Close your eyes. If you’re good, you’ll find out.”

“You are incorrigible.” I did as I was commanded, his surprises usually incredible ones. What I adored was that he’d been serious about preferring the simpler things. Walks on the beach. Watching Damien play in the sand. A night out getting pizza, and he’d been right. It was damn good.

I was led down the hallway and heard music within a few seconds. Simple, quiet jazz.

I could feel more warmth as I was led into a room. I expected he’d lit the fireplace, which I adored.

“Okay, you can open your eyes now.”