Page 68 of The Wrong Royal

As we walked through the property, I couldn’t help but notice Emilie’s eyes lingering on me. Her gaze was intense, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was trying to read me like an open book. It was as if she was trying to understand the inner workings of my mind, but I kept my focus on the task at hand.

Emilie stopped me. “What about the rooms?”

“I already went over that with Gus,” I answered irritably.

“Are you suggesting we remodel them?” she pressed.

I barely looked her way. “I don’t think that’s necessary. I already covered that.”

I walked away, following behind Gus who was anxious to show me the garden area.

As we made our way through the garden, the scent of blooming flowers filled the air. I took my time examining the area, noting the different plants and flowers that were in need of pruning and care.

“It’s coming along, Gus,” Emilie said. “Don’t you think it’s pretty, Theo?”

“Do you have plans for the garden?” I asked Gus.

“We’d like to clean it up and possibly make an area for tea.”

“That would be perfect,” Emilie gushed.

“I think with a stone patio under those trees, it might work.”

Gus and I moved to the next area of the property, the pool. As we approached, I could see the neglect that had set in. The water was murky, and the tiles were chipped and stained. Emilie trailed behind us, her eyes scanning the area.

“It’s a shame,” Gus muttered. “The pool used to be the main attraction.”

I nodded, already making mental notes of what needed to be done.

“We can definitely fix this up,” Emilie said, her eyes meeting mine.

I felt a sudden jolt of electricity at her touch as she grazed my arm. I tried to ignore it, but it was impossible.

I cleared my throat. “We’ll need to drain the pool and give it a thorough cleaning.”

Emilie nodded, her eyes still locked on mine. “And we can replace the tiles, right, Theo?”

My heart raced at the sound of her voice. “Yes, we can definitely do that.”

As we continued to survey the property, I couldn’t help but notice Emilie’s every move. Her soft curves and luscious lips were impossible to ignore, and my mind began to wander to places it shouldn’t.

I had to remind myself I was pissed at her. I was giving her the cold shoulder. That meant no fantasizing. If she happened to pick up on some kind of pheromones or something, she was going to take advantage. One little touch or her breath across my neck and I would turn to putty in her hands. I needed to be strong.

Gus went to the office to get some paperwork, leaving me alone with Emilie. I couldn’t help but notice Emilie’s growing frustration. Her attempts to engage me in conversation had gone unanswered, and the distance that had grown between us was taking its toll on her. I knew it was cruel, but it was kind of the point. I needed her to see the other side of this situation.

We found ourselves standing alone near the edge of the property, the air thick with unspoken words. Emilie’s irritation was evident in her expression, and I knew that it was time to address the elephant in the room—or the meadow.

She turned to me with her little hands clenched into fists. “Theo, I can’t keep doing this. This distance between us is driving me crazy.”

I sighed. “Emilie, I understand why you pushed me away, but I can’t keep pursuing you romantically if you’re not open to it. I need to know where you stand. I told you before, I’m marrying for love. I’m not a stud you use to get off and then leave in the morning. If that’s the kind of thing you’re looking for, I’m not it.”

“I wasn’t using you for a stud,” she said.

“I don’t know what you thought that night was about, but for me, it meant something. I don’t sleep around. I don’t sleep with random women.”

“That’s good to know,” she said, smiling.

“This isn’t funny,” I said. “I was very clear with you about what I wanted. What I need. And I guess, to be fair, you told me what you wanted. I thought I could convince you to do something you didn’t want. I thought if I showed you how good it could be with me, you might change your mind. But you didn’t. So, here we are. This is the relationship you asked for. Cold. Unfeeling. No affection. All business. Congratulations.”