Page 24 of Ruthless Prince

Father stares Vincent down. It would chill most people to the bone, but Vincent doesn’t look afraid. I’ve never seen him look afraid in any of the fights he’s participated in.

The only time I’ve seen him afraid was tonight. Was it because of me?

“You saved my daughter?”

“Yes.”

Father nods once. “Good. But she wouldn’t have needed saving if a hitman wasn’t coming after you. I’ll find out who and stop this. I want you in this competition, Vincent. I want you to win.” He turns to me. “Ellie, go to bed now.”

I have no choice but to go to my room. After a few moments, I hear footsteps behind me. It’s Vincent.

“I just wanted to make sure you were all right,” he says.

“I will be. I’ll probably bruise.” I nod toward my stomach where the assassin hit me. “But I’ll be fine. Vincent, you looked scared tonight.”

“Well, it’s not every day a hitman comes after you.”

“I know, but …” I shake my head. It’s silly to even assume he cares about me enough to be afraid if I was hurt or not.

“What, Ellie?” he asks in a softer voice. It makes my heart flutter.

“Why are trying to protect me?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“No,” I whisper.

He pushes a lock of my hair behind my hear and gives me a warm smile before walking away. Even though he didn’t speak, he told me all he needed to say.

Vincent cares for me.

And that’s dangerous.

Father and I go out to lunch again. It’s mandatory on my part. He expects us to share time together, and time together we shall share.

“You’re getting close with Vincent,” he comments, cutting into his steak. I think it’s too heavy meal to be having for lunch, but I don’t say a word about it.

“He lives in our house. We’re bound to talk.”

“Oh, I know. But make sure you don’t get too close to him. For your own benefit, Ellie.”

“He’s not going to hurt me, Father.”

“Being around him puts you in danger. I wont have your reputation ruined because of this boy. He’ll win this competition and then leave. Understood?”

“Yes, I understand.” Meaning, Vincent is not here to stay, so I shouldn’t get attached.

My eyes widen when I see Nico Mancini walk through the restaurant door. He spots us and comes to our table.

“Moore,” he says, giving my father a handshake.

“Is your competition shaping up how you wanted it to go?” Father asks.

“It’s been … enlightening. That Vincent is proving to be a formidable fighter. You took him in?”

“I did. Vincent has a natural talent.”

“Maybe you should meet him,” I offer. I know it’s not what Vincent wants, but I can’t help but say it. I want Vincent to meet Nico. If I can give him that chance, I will.

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