Page 26 of The Royal Engagement

“But does he want me to come on your last vacation before you’re married?” I ask. “What if he wants to spend quality time with his big brother? I don’t want to ruin that.”

Damek chuckles. “My brother would laugh if he heard you say that.” He turns slightly so he can face me better. “Trust me when I say that my family will all welcome you on this trip. Even my mother will welcome you, even if not at first.”

“Okay.” I sigh. “Fine. I won’t object anymore. I just wanted to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. This will be the first time I’ve ever spent more than a couple of hours at a time with your family and going on a week long vacation seems like a lot.”

“I think a week on an island is exactly what we need.” Damek smirks.

A week where I’m unable to run away from his scheming mother. Yes, that sounds like it’s going to be a load of fun.

Still, spending a week with Damek won’t be so bad. And I do want to get to know his family better. And maybe he’s right. Maybe I do need time to get to know his mom. Maybe once she gets to know me she will like me better.

Or maybe the whole week will be miserable.

Still, I can’t back out now because Damek is clearly ecstatic. He wants me there. So not even his mother will scare me away.

I put my head on his shoulder. He slips an arm around me and we stay snuggled up like that for the rest of the flight home.

We land at the airport and I am surprised to see Julien is waiting for us. I figured my father would send one of his drivers to get us.

“How was the engagement party?” Julien asks as he drives Damek and me toward the Scott Clan estate.

I look at Damek and decide to let him answer this one.

“It was an experience I hope to never repeat,” Damek says simply, then turns his gaze to me. “And if they try anything like that at our wedding, they will promptly be escorted off of Rune Clan property and banned from all future events.”

I grin at his protective proclamation. “I will pass the message along to Grandpa.”

“Please do,” Damek says.

Julien chuckles. “Ah, I knew I should’ve gone. I could’ve been comedic relief. Or, at the very least, I could’ve distracted all your female cousins with my dashing good looks.”

I snort. “Succubi are really picky. I doubt any of them would be swayed by your looks, Julien. No offense.”

“I’m not sure that I believe you,” Julien replies. “You’ve never had confidence in yourself. I, on the other hand, know exactly how good looking I am. Trust me when I say they would all be tripping over themselves to get close to me.”

Damek looks at me, then at Julien. “If you met them, I’m not sure you’d be impressed. They’re nothing like Maddie.”

Julien glances toward me, but quickly looks back at the road. “What happened?”

“Nothing,” I respond before Damek can. “Just my cousins being themselves.”

“If any of Maddie’s family comes to visit, I need you to keep an eye on them,” Damek says to Julien. “Don’t let them drip their poisonous insults to her.”

Julien grips the steering wheel tighter. “I will look after her, don’t worry.”

I groan, sinking further into my seat.

It’s sweet that they want to look after me, even if it’s not necessary.

9

APOLOGIZES

Istare at my empty suitcase as I chew on my bottom lip.

What does one pack for vacation with their future in-laws and finacé?

It shouldn’t be this difficult. We’re spending a week on the beach.

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