Page 62 of Viral Affair

“Were you talking to James?” I asked.

“Yeah, he’s dealing with security footage that I handed to him from my property in north London, but he said he hasn’t had the chance to go through all of it yet as his new client is keeping him busy.”

“A client? Who’s that?”

“Princess Evangeline. She’s the next in line to the throne of Bellavista—a small Eastern European country that’s situated between Poland and Russia.”

“Oh yes, I know of it. They’re unique because of their Italian connection in the past, despite their location. They used to be some kind of protectorate, no? Wow, he’s working for the princess now, right?”

“Hmmm… it’s going to be interesting.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

Rupert

“Hold on,” Veronica added. “Isn’t that the same princess who was caught screwing around with one of the staff personnel at her palace?”

That scandal had gotten major press coverage. I nodded, wondering why James had decided to take on such an intense assignment far from the UK. My brother was a workaholic through and through. He hadn’t taken a day off since he’d started the business, except during Christmas, of course, and he worked through every summer holiday cooped up in his office. To get so much out of his comfort zone wasn’t like him. That guy was a robot, and he never cared about anything other than work in his life, so when we all heard that he’d taken the job as personal bodyguard to the princess of Bellavista, we were all shocked.

“Yep, the princess is the only living relative to inherit the throne as her older sister died in a car accident a few years back,” I explained, staring at the woman who completely shook my world. I was utterly and completely screwed. “She is a wild one because a few months later, she was caught giving head to some other guy who worked at the palace. Another huge scandal. The parliament of Bellavista called for her abdication. I don’t recall exactly what happened after that, but she managed to somehow salvage her reputation.”

“And your brother is not getting on with her?” Veronica questioned, drinking her iced coffee.

“He said, and I quote, ‘She’s a brat and stubborn as a mule. I fucking count the days until this contract is over.’” I smirked and quickly added, “James hasn’t dated anyone for years. I’m sure he likes the princess, but he’ll never admit it to anyone. He’s got issues. He probably has severe PTSD from his military tour in Afghanistan because he’s never been the same since then.”

“How are you so sure that he likes her?”

“I know James. All he did during that phone call was complain about her, and that’s saying something. Trust me, sunshine, I’m never wrong about these things,” I said. My brother had had a few girlfriends before the army had truly fucked him up, but never anything serious. He was incredibly dedicated and had a cold personality. Now I was very curious to find out more about this mysterious princess. “Anyway, we’re going to be docking soon, and I’m fucking excited to see if you can figure out where we are.”

We were getting closer to the marina in Mykonos. Veronica had no idea what I was planning, but I’d already booked us a romantic dinner at my favourite restaurant on the island. It was time to have a serious conversation about us. We were finally done fucking around, and I wanted her to tell me she was leaving Emperor for good. I wasn’t ready to propose to her yet, but she was mine, and I wanted to make it official.I wanted us to be exclusive and for her to stop fucking around with other men from her job.

After around twenty minutes, the captain finally managed to dock the yacht in the marina, and Veronica bounced up and down as she squeezed my arm.Her excitement was infectious.

“I recognise this place. Clara and I went to a party here once. Oh my God, Rupert, don’t tell me you brought us back to Mykonos?” she asked.

I turned to face her, wrapping my arms around her tiny waist.

“Yes, and later we’re heading to town, maybe even popping into the bar where we met.” I winked at her.

Veronica’s green eyes sparkled, and I instinctively moved my hands down to her arse, then farther down between her legs. “Then we’ll lock ourselves in the hotel bedroom and fuck like bunnies all night long. I can’t wait to be inside you again, sunshine.”

“Rupert, I … maybe we should slow down a little. I love everything you’re doing to me, but we don’t need to rush this,” she said, biting on her bottom lip.Something flashed across her eyes.

She was having cold feet, which was normal. That had to be it, just normal cold feet. Something this serious, that was bound to happen. Maybe we had to take this day by day.

“I want you, sunshine, and I want us to be an item. I’m tired of going back and forth, but if you really are that concerned then we’re going to take it slow from now on,” I said, hoping this would reassure her that I wasn’t screwing around anymore.

“All right, hotshot,” she agreed with a smile.

Several minutes later, we stepped out on land. I’d never liked sailing for too long. I quickly announced to the captain and Suzanne that we were going to be spending a few days on this island, and they were free to do whatever they pleased until then.

At the port, a car was waiting for us already. The rep from the rental company handed me a key and wished us a pleasant trip.

I decided to take us to the best beach on the island since we’d been stuck on the yacht for the past few days. Spencer sent me a text asking me where I was and what I was planning next. He was probably fishing for information, and I was kind of glad that no one from our close family or friends knew Veronica was with me.

“Agios Sostis beach. I’ve heard so many good things about that place, but I’ve never actually managed to get here with Clara,” Veronica said while we drove through the roads of Mykonos.

It was scorching hot when we arrived at our destination, and I couldn’t wait to get into the water. The temperatures soared during this time of the year, and we had to make sure we stayed out of the sun for some time. Technically I was on holiday, but I was always cautious with respect to taking care of myself, especially in the heat.

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