Page 35 of The American

She chewed a few more bites, following his Google searches, reading the articles with him. Then she groaned. “We are going to get zero work done for days. This is going to take over everything else, isn’t it?”

Tapping her knee with his fingers, he seemed to consider. “I’d have to agree.” Then he stopped and turned to her so suddenly, he almost toppled over her eggs. “Come to Torren.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

“Come to Torren. It will be an excellent publicity move, but mostly I just want to go because there’s way more to do there than stuck in this apartment. And frankly, the thought of seeing Zachary right now makes me ill.”

She gulped down her milk. “Okay, I’m in.”

Thad wanted to fist pump in the air, but instead, he leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Thank you.”

They finished up breakfast and then Thad made some arrangements on his phone. He sent an assistant to Sage’s apartment to grab a few things and felt grateful she was so easygoing about the trip. He did have to assure her that the palace kept many sizes of women’s clothing for just such a visit. And that excellent shopping was nearby. “We won’t be staying too long, anyway. We can’t, but just a couple days.”

They entered the car in the underground parking lot, filled with people trying to talk to them. Thad looked forward to the unique security set up at the palace and to see Sage with his family. So much became clear about a woman when she sat next to his brothers at breakfast.

Soon the Valdez jet was in the air and Sage let out a relieved breath.

“Stressed?”

“Not now. Thad, will I be hounded like this forever?” The lines around her mouth concerned him.

“It will blow over. There might be some who recognize you even next year, but most people are easily distracted by the next gossip.”

She nodded and then reached for his hand. “I’ve always wanted to go to Torren.”

This surprised him. “You’d even heard of it before you met me?”

“Well, sure. Every American woman has heard of Torren.” She smiled. “And stalks the hot princes.”

Pleased, he leaned forward. “Oh? And which Torren prince is your favorite?”

She turned a bright shade of red, which shocked him. He didn’t think he’d ever seen her unsettled.

“Will you be hurt if I tell you it wasn’t you?”

“Hurt? No, but we can’t let this get out.” He thought for a moment. “Let me guess. Nico? You’re into blonds?”

She laughed. “No, and besides he was taken by the time anyone in America started following the Torren princes.”

“Ah, true. So…?”

She widened her eyes. “You want me to tell you? Really?”

“Of course, so I can pound him when we arrive.”

“Lucan.”

A surprise hint of jealousy twisted inside. “Ho ho! Our grumpy head of security.”

“Is that what he does?”

“Yes, and he’s the best at his job. By now, he likely knows everything there is to know about you and your past. He’s seen your awkward pictures as a kid, all of it.”

“Why? Does he check out everyone you guys work with?”

“Yes… And more especially if he thinks we are getting close, or might have feelings for a woman. He’s always all over that.”

“So he thought he had reason to check me out?” She seemed too pleased.

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