Page 25 of Broken Prince

By the time Dom came back with two glasses, I was more or less back to normal.

“Chardonnay for you,” he said with a smile on his thin lips, sliding the glass in front of me. “I think it’s the best way to start.”

I took a sip; it was fresh and nice. “I like it.”

He nodded. “I figured.”

He took a sip of his amber drink in the tumbler.

“Why have you done that?” I asked.

He sighed, leaning back on his chair. “I thought it would help him,” he admitted.

“Help him?”

“Luca…” He shook his head. “He was not like that before. He—” Dom winced. “He changed and he never talks to anyone except me and some mandatory contact, but with you—he enjoyed it and I thought… I’m sorry.”

I looked down at my glass, tracing the ring with my finger. “I enjoyed our chats too. I liked him,” I admitted, keeping my eyes down.

I looked up when he remained silent. He was looking away, his face taut.

“Who is he? Luca? Who needs a security detail like that?”

He shook his head before looking toward me again. “I can’t tell you that.” He seemed genuinely regretful about that. “It is not my secret to tell.”

I shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll be gone in the morning.” I tried my best not to sound defeated. I’d liked it here even if I’d been lonely sometimes. It paid well and I was left alone, but the terror I’d felt tonight? I could not get past that.

He nodded with a weary sigh. “I truly wish you wouldn’t but I understand. I do.” He reached in his jacket and got out a small white card with a number printed on it and nothing else. “It’s my number. When you’re ready to leave tomorrow, just text me and I’ll meet you by the entrance to take you wherever you want.”

I looked down at the card on the table. “Yeah…” I’d have to go back to Mrs. Broussard. I knew she would be happy to have me back; she had a big heart, but it was a step back and a responsibility she didn’t need.

I let out a sigh as Dom finished his drink in one sip and stood up. “I’ve got to go to the security post by the gate for the change of security, but if you need anything, just call me, okay? Or come to my room—second floor, third door on the left. I should be back in an hour or so.”

“I’m not allowed up there.”

He gave me a small smile. “Who cares? You’re leaving, remember?”

“Yeah… True.” Did my voice sound as uncertain as it did to my ears?

“You know, it’s not too late to change your mind. Luca, no matter what, he wouldn’t have hurt you. He’s changed but this—” He shook his head. “He just wouldn’t. Have a good night, Cassie.”

He left before giving me a chance to answer, and I stayed at that kitchen table a little while longer, finishing my glass of wine. I looked down at my now empty glass. I decided I liked wine and the gentle warmth that settled in my chest after drinking it.

I stood up and went to the utility room to retrieve the cleaning products. I knew that Dom said to leave it, but just the thought of the tomato sauce seeping through the old wooden flooring or permanently staining the expensive-looking gold and moss green flock wallpaper was bothering me probably more than it should.

I went to the room with an apprehension settling in my stomach. What if he was back there? I rested my hand on the handle and took a deep breath.

When I walked in I found the table still set the way it had been. The candle on the table… I rolled my eyes at my own stupidity. Did I think it was a date? Yes, you did—a date with the reclusive owner of the manor. Stupid girl.

I shook my head and stopped by the wall, the broken plate and food were gone. If it was not for the wet spot on the floor and the barely visible discoloration on the wallpaper, it was like nothing had happened.

I looked around. Even his chair was back up. If only I knew what I did to make him flip, maybe—

Don’t, Cassie. Don’t defend his behavior. Don’t make the same mistakes you made before. Beasts will be beasts and monsters will stay monsters.

Jude. Jude was my goal and nothing else mattered.

Chapter Nine

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