Page 58 of Royal Pain

Gage didn’t need to bother unlocking the door, but he opened it for us like a true gentleman. I could tell he was eager to see how I liked his house. Now, my house. At least for a little while. I could feel safe here, which was something I hadn’t truly felt in a very long time.

The moment I stepped in, I couldn’t help but gasp. I think I expected the interior would be formal and stodgy. It was anything but. Even the flowers in a stunning vase on the glass table in the entrance foyer reminded me of freshly picked wildflowers.

“Don’t get used to the flowers. I told Emily I had a special guest. She took it upon herself to believe I meant a woman and wanted to brighten up the place.”

“They are lovely.”

“Come on. I’ll show you around.” He led me through a gorgeous house. While the arched doorways continued throughout the premises, a huge stone fireplace sat in the one living room we entered, and the furniture also looked comfortable. I wanted to sit in one of the plush chairs or lie on the couch reading a book.

“I’m floored and nothing about you should floor me.” I headed toward the set of double French doors, peering out at the insanely gorgeous pool that reminded me of something you’dsee in the tropics. There was even a smaller outdoor kitchen, also insanely gorgeous. The umbrellas dotting the exterior of the lagoon-style pool, complete with a massive waterfall, were all colorful.

He smirked. “Unlike my brothers, I wanted to enjoy the home I lived in. They are always working, which drives me insane. Why bother having money if you can’t enjoy it? Let’s go see the kitchen. We can spend some time outdoors later.”

When we closed in on the kitchen, I heard two female voices, both laughing. He boldly walked in, smiling as if this was normal.

Another pleasant and refreshing sight.

“Oh, God. Mr. Royal. We didn’t know you were home.”

“It’s quite alright, Camilia. I just wanted to introduce my house guest. She might be here for an extended period of time.” He seemed happy about explaining who I was. “Her name is Evangeline Weathers.”

“Miss Weathers, I’m Emily. Whatever you need, just ask.”

“Evangeline, please. You’ll make me feel tremendously old by calling me Miss Weathers. Lovely to meet you both.” They were young, both still blushing.

“I took the opportunity of purchasing a few food items and wine for your arrival home,” Camilia said.

“And I purchased the few things you asked me to for Miss… Evangeline.”

I lifted my eyebrow and gave him a look, even punching him in the gut with my elbow. That seemed to delight the two women, especially when he grunted like I’d seriously hurt him.

“Big baby,” I muttered.

I had a feeling the girls could tell me stories.

“You are incorrigible. Come on, let’s show you to your suite.”

“All fresh linens and towels,” Emily piped in.

“What would I do without either one of you?” he asked.

“Suffer,” Camilia said, acting very coy.

I could easily tell the household wasn’t strict or with heavy rules. I already loved the atmosphere. He led me up a flight of curved stairs to a lovely hallway. Again, every door had an arched top, the wood color adding to the vivid paint on the walls.

As he opened the door, he was the one now giving me a wicked grin. The room was just as incredible as the rest of the house. As I walked through the sitting area complete with three built-in bookshelves, I was overwhelmed by gratitude. The wide opening on the side led to perhaps the prettiest bedroom I’d ever stayed in, nice hotels included.

“There’s a bathroom right through there. And of course, you have your own private balcony.” He was leaning against the doorjamb, an adorable grin on his face.

“What? I can’t stay with you?”

I was halfway teasing, although I did want to see what he had to say. “I’m no fool, Evangeline. What we’ve shared has been incredible. However, when you find out something tragic like your son has been taken, that takes precedence emotionally,physically, mentally. I’m not going to push you into acting as if this is nothing but a romantic interlude. Plus, I think sometimes just having a private space will do you some good. We’ll see what happens, but my main goal is getting your son back.”

I could tell there was more by the sharp look in his eyes. Honestly? If he wanted to destroy the great commune, I was all for it. “This is amazing. Thank you.”

“No thank you needed. I knew your size, so I had Emily pick out a few dresses and shorts, sandals and even a bathing suit. Nothing fancy but at least you’ll have a start. There are some toiletries and I have no doubt six kinds of shower gel and shampoo in the bathroom. I think the girls have been waiting with bated breath for me to bring a woman home.”

“You haven’t done that before?” Now I was floored.

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