Page 28 of Learning to Love

“Good. Now what is my first lesson?”

“You want to start now?”

I nod enthusiastically.

“All right. You already have a perfect stance. I believe yoga is to be thanked for that. Your chin is parallel to the ground, but you fidget, and that’s not becoming of a lady. Try to keep your hands down by your sides more.”

I think of a calming yoga pose and rest my hands gracefully at my sides.

“Like this?” I question.

“Perfect. I don’t think your stance will be a problem. Let’s try some harder protocols. From now on, garlic will be off-limits.”

“What?” My eyes go wide.

“No garlic, ever. The king is not a fan.”

I hold my hands up in the air theatrically. “That’s it, I quit. Get me to shore immediately.”

Mr. Hinchbottom’s top lip curls into a small smile.

“May I say, Miss Nash, I think you’re going to fit in perfectly.”

Sixteen

Dalton

“Your Highness, I think you need to take a look at this.” Hinchbootie calls down to where Elodie and I are waiting to disembark from the yacht.

We were informed ten minutes ago we were approaching the harbor. I’ll be sad to leave the peace of the ship. I’ve loved spending this time with Elodie and enjoyed, immensely, bringing her to orgasm with my tongue again after breakfast.

I have to admit I’m not looking forward to parting company with her. The more I learn about her, the more I’m drawn into the world of Elodie Nash. I fear I upset her with talk of my family and our traditions yesterday. She left the room shortly after, but she assures me this morning she’s perfectly happy.

“What is it?” I shout up at Hinchbootie, who’s in an elevated position on the upper deck and can see everything around us.

He looks down at me, and from the expression on his face, I know it’s trouble. Taking the steps two at a time to where he’s standing, I follow the direction of his gaze.

“Shit.” The wharf in front of us is filled with journalists, their station logos clearly visible. They’re from all over the world, including the Janastrian central station.

“What’s wrong?” Elodie calls up from where she’s remained on the lower deck.

I look at Hinchbootie.

“Get security increased immediately. Miss Nash and I will travel together in the same car back to Serendipity.”

“Certainly, sir,” he confirms, and with a final look at the assembled reporters, he disappears to carry out my instructions.

“Dalton?” Elodie looks up at me. I can see the worried look on her face. “Please, what is it?”

She makes to start up the steps, but I jump down to stop her so she won’t be faced, just yet, with the sight that will greet us when we leave the yacht. I take both of her hands in mine.

“I don’t want you to be alarmed but getting off the yacht is going to be a bit problematic. It seems the story about me being with all the women from Serendipity has taken on a life of its own.”

“What do you mean?” Elodie looks terrified, and I pull her into my arms in an embrace.

“There are members from most of the world’s press out there,” I mumble quietly, very unbecoming for a prince.

“What?” She pushes me away and runs up the stairs to the top deck.

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