Page 94 of Broken Prince

I turned my head and kissed her forehead. “And you’re alsoverybad at it.”

“It’s okay. I’d rather be like that.”

“Me too.”

When we parked in front of Carter's mansion, apprehension ceased me. I released a shaky breath.

“It’s going to be fine,” Cassie encouraged me, squeezing my thigh gently.

I let out a humorless laugh. “Lord, you must think I’m a freak. First, I freaked out at the ball and now, here.” I shook my head. “I must look like a scared little boy.”

“No, I see a strong man who is starting to heal and is trying to get his life back. This is not easy and I’m so proud of you.”

I nodded. “Let’s go.”

As soon as we got to the big wooden door we were ushered in by a majordomo who took us to a small dining room.

Nazalie smiled brightly when she saw us and Carter had his usual scowl on but it didn’t have to mean anything to him.

Nazalie rushed toward me and hugged me. “Oh, Luca, it’s so good to see you again.”

I returned her hug awkwardly, refusing to let go of Cassie’s hand.

Carter approached us and gave a faint smile to Cassie before turning toward me.

“Luca, you’ve been missed.” I knew Carter King was not big on displays of emotion, at least for anyone other than the petty curvy woman standing beside him, and I thought it might have been why we’d been friends for so long—we were the same.

I pulled Cassie closer to me. “This is Cassie, She’s my…” I stopped unsure of how to put it. Girlfriend? That was not enough. Fiancée? A little presumptuous. Honestly, all I could think of wasmine. She was mine…she was my everything.

Carter nodded. “I get it.” He turned to Nazalie and gave her a soft smile. “She justis.”

“Yes.” I looked at Cassie. “She just is.”

I turned toward Nazalie and my eyes locked on her swollen belly… “Isn’t that the same as two years ago?”

She laughed, resting a protective hand on her stomach. “This is baby number three actually. Leo and Connor are sleeping upstairs.”

“Jesus! Three?”

Carter grinned. “What do you want me to say? I really wanted a little girl and it took three tries.” He winked at me. “Plus, let's be honest, I quite enjoy making them.”

“Carter!” Nazalie gasped, slapping his arm playfully.

He pulled her to him and kissed the top of her head. “I also love seeing my babies grow inside her.”

My eyes instantaneously connected with Cassie’s flat stomach—yes, I could definitely see the appeal. I couldn't wait to see my Cassie carry our baby, that little part of us. My inner caveman was overexcited at the idea of impregnating her… But not yet, she was still so young. We had all the time in the world.

Dinner went much better than I expected and it was like falling back into a routine. Despite the two years that had passed, it was like we never really lost touch.

Nazalie and Cassie connected immediately and I could see Carter was also fond of her—how could he not be? Cassie was an angel in disguise.

After dinner, Nazalie took Cassie on a tour of the house while I followed Carter to his office for a drink.

“So you’re back?” Carter asked after extending me a glass of bourbon.

I nodded, taking a sip.

“That’s good because your uncle is not the best at ruling this city.”