Page 27 of Once Upon a Royal Billionaire

“And she’s reminded me of every naughty thing I’ve ever done.”

“All your naughty behavior was limited to this house?”

“Pretty much.”

He laughed then tugged her hand, bringing her into a too brief hug. “Glad you’re alright.”

Mrs. Halstead shot him a look. “And why wouldn’t she be alright? You’re not endangering our child, are you?”

“She’s not quite a child any longer.”

“I’m glad you noticed.” She pointed her finger at Rhett, making Emily laugh.

“I have indeed noticed.” He sat. “Oh, and they’ve served your favorite cookies.” He sighed.

“Is that a problem?”

“Well, I do prefer the strawberry ones.”

“And you’re not the guest, are you? King or no.” Mrs. Halstead winked. She waved over a servant with a plate of strawberry cookies.

“I knew it! Thank you.” After snarfing down two in rapid succession, Rhett leaned back in his chair. “You always did like Emily best.”

“And why wouldn’t I?”

“Exactly what I say. Why indeed.” The gaze he turned to Emily stole a bit of her breath. His intensity said way more than his words had admitted. And Emily wasn’t sure what to do with the feelings that flooded through her. He reached for her hand, and when their fingers were laced together, Emily felt like everything in her life was finally fitting together.

“Shall we talk out here or in one of the conference rooms?” All the warm, cozy feelings shifted, and Emily almost shivered. Kenworthy stood in the sliding glass doorway, the breeze lifting up just the few strands of hair at the front of his head.

“The conference room. No sense ruining this beautiful view or dear Mrs. Halstead’s peace of mind.”

“Very funny.”

Emily stood. “I’m certain there are items of national urgency that must be discussed, is that what I’m here for?”

“Kenworthy seems to think so.” Rhett squeezed her fingers. “But when we’re finished, how about you and I ride out into the lavender fields?”

“Oh absolutely. Yes!”

They made their way back through the beautiful home into a room that belied the relaxing Mediterranean feel by being filled with the latest technology. Once they were seated, a screen lowered, with several people already up and live in a video call.

Kenworthy took over the meeting. “It’s great to have you all here. With a new face in the media world to consider among us, it is important that we are all on the same page about her purpose and presence here in the country and with the king.

Emily tensed, but Rhett rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. Perhaps he would make everything right. She just really didn’t like Kenworthy. He’d disapproved of her from the beginning.

“To begin, Emily, is there anything in your past that we need to be made aware of?”

“Pardon me?”

“Skeletons in your closet—issues or actions that might be viewed in a questionable light by the crown?”

Emily sat up straighter. “If by the crown, you mean Rhett—”

“I’m sorry. To be clear, the crown in this instance would mean the royal family, the cabinet, and members of the royalty.”

“I see. At any rate, the answer is no.”

“And the man you married but then divorced, is he beyond reproach?”

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