Page 4 of Learning to Love

"Go ahead." I put down my weights and stand up straight to listen to what he has to say.

"You're thirty next year, and it’s time you realized that everything you do now could come back to haunt you when you do take the throne. You could be creating a rod for your own back, making your rule more difficult. Future leaders may see you as the king who always has his dick out. They won’t take you seriously if you aren't willing to take yourself seriously. It could create problems with negotiations and affect your ability to carry out all sorts of duties in the future. That’s what your father is worried about, and why he wants you to behave with a little bit more decorum."

I pick up a Serendipity monogrammed towel as Hinchbootie speaks—every word penetrates deep into my subconscious. I've only ever wanted to have fun, but I've not looked at how it could affect my future. I thought the fact I would be king one day was enough to put the fear of God into the people who would dare to defy me. But, for once, someone has explained it straight to me in a way that makes sense. Wiping the towel over my sweaty body, I spend a few more moments silently contemplating his words.

I want to rule Janastria and be a good king. It will be difficult for leaders to take me seriously if all they see when they look at me is a video of my ass pumping up and down as I fuck a girl senseless.It's all fun and games until the reality sets in.

"You're right," I finally agree and let out a long breath of defeat. I need to get my act together and start taking myself more seriously. "I'll sort myself out. Maybe I could do some volunteer work while we’re here? Show I'm not just a stuck up rich boy—that I can be more."

I swallow deeply before saying ,"As for the women and drinking…” The words stick harshly at the back of my throat because they’re both something I love. “I can't promise I'll stop altogether, but I'll definitely try to be more discrete. Particularly, if I decide I would like the company of a woman for a few hours. I want to be a good king. I guess I've just lost my way."

"That’s all we ask. You and your father have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. I'll be with you as much as I can to help you out."

I take a look at my father's closest confidant. Just like my father, even though Hinchbootie’s at the age of retirement, he's still up and working every day. I know he hasn't married, having devoted every moment of his life to working alongside my family. I will keep him at my side for as long as I can, but I can't be selfish, although most people probably think it's my middle name, he needs to enjoy a retirement at some point. A cold chill shivers over me at the thought of him not being there to guide me.

As a housekeeper starts to clean down the equipment we've been using, I reach out and pat him on the back. "I'm not sure I've said it before, but I'm very grateful to have you in my life, Mr. Hinchbottom."

He smirks back at me with happiness on his face. "Let's not get sentimental, Your Highness. My full name sounds wrong on your lips. I think I prefer the nickname."

We both laugh just as another woman enters the studio—she's not dressed like the housekeeper, but that doesn't stop me from throwing my towel toward her, for her to tidy up. Caught up in the moment, my aim is a little off, and it smacks her directly in the face.

"Oh shit, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

She pulls the towel down and glares at me. Her bright blue eyes promise death in painful ways.

"We were so caught up in our chatting. I should have handed it to you, not thrown it. Give me your name, and I'll see you get a bonus in your wages this month by way of an apology." I hold my hands up in regret.

The woman doesn't move.

She just grinds her teeth together.

I can hear the eerie noise in the silence of the room.

She grabs hold of the sweaty towel in her hands and throws it to the floor at my feet.

"Firstly, I'm not an employee here, so you can't give me any bonus, and secondly, if I were, I wouldn't be picking up your towels anyway. You're obviously a spoiled rich kid who seems to be upsetting everyone he comes into contact with at Serendipity. You think your money can buy you whatever you want, but it can't. I will get my studio and my livelihood back if it's the last thing I do."

She spins on her heels, her long blonde hair, pulled back in a ponytail, swishing across my face. As she walks to the door, my eyes fall to her tight backside in the yoga pants she's wearing.Damn, she's got a fine ass.

This woman just chewed you up and spat you out, and you're looking at her backside!

She turns around when she reaches the door, and I bring my eyes back up to look at her face.

"Good day to you, Mr.—"

She doesn't know who I am.

Hinchbootie steps forward at my side and informs the woman, who's becoming more and more intriguing to me by the minute, of my full title.

"His Royal Highness Prince Dalton Frederick William Albert of Janastria."

"His what now?" The woman's face falls, and she turns bright red like a beetroot. "I didn't know. Oh God."

Before anyone else can say anything, she runs out of the studio, leaving me in stunned silence.

Hinchbootie turns to face me.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" I question.

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