Page 10 of Hiding out with a Royal Billionaire

“I couldn’t very well admit to anything at the time.”

They had tried to swing out of a tree on a long rope and land in the pool, like they had in the lake when they were kids, but neither wanted to get covered in lake water and lake algae and slime and all that. So Brooks’ idea sounded like the perfect solution. Until they ran into the statues at the side of the water and the flower pots, and then on one occasion into the pool technician himself. Thankfully nothing broke on him, but the pots and the statues had to be replaced.

Skye grinned. “Of course they’re happy to see you. We’re all accustomed to your ways.”

“My ways.”

“Sure, and we love you for it.”

They made their way through the streets of Falopogas. He loved their colorful buildings and the whimsical architecture. “Do you ever sit back and wonder how you will ever rule all of this?”

He regretted his comment the moment he saw a flash of insecurity cross Skye’s face.

“I know you’re going to be amazing. More amazing even that your father, and that’s saying a lot.”

“Oh stop. I already know what you’re trying to do. And yes. I often stare out at the city below our palace and wonder how I would even rule over such a a small piece of Falapogas, let alone the whole thing.”

Brooks reached for her hand. “I know you will be phenomenal. And you know you won’t be doing it alone.”

“I’ll have a good cabinet. I know, and advisors and all that…”

Brooks squeezed her hand. “I was talking about me, and the guys. We’d all advise you and support whatever you need.”

“The guys. We need a Princess society.”

“Who would be in it?”

The Mediterranean had a deplorably small amount of women siblings among the royals. She had Dahlia, the Valdez sister, and two others who were much younger.

“At least all you princes will one day marry. Then I’ll get me some princesses.” She frowned .”You better marry someone I can hang with.”

“I’ll make sure she passes your approval.”

But talking about Brooks one day marrying sat with an uncomfortable weight on his stomach. No one said anything for a minute, and Skye pulled her hand out of his grasp.

But soon they pulled through security, which, he was impressed to note, was in fact, state of the art.

Her parents and several members of the staff were out front to greet them.

“What’s this?” Brooks tilted his head.

“I’m not sure, but maybe you’ve been relegated to ‘visiting dignitary’ now?”

Disappointed, he preferred ‘additional family member,’ but he puffed out his chest. “And now I feel important. See, there is something to this third son gig after all.”

Their doors were opened, and Skye’s parents stepped forward embracing them both. Her mother, Natasha, squeezed him extra. “I’m so happy you came early for the gala. We could use your advice about any number of things, I’m sure. And you can keep Skye busy while we try to complete the other details she abhors.”

“I don’t abhor the details mother, I just know when to leave them in far more capable hands than my own.” She winked at Brooks who knew she was perfectly capable to choose décor for the ball, or to select the place settings or the music, but she much preferred almost anything else instead.

They headed up the stairs. Skye was on one floor and Brooks up on the next. They separated in the stairwell, the rounded marble refreshing under his hand. “I’ll move in and come down.”

“Yes, let’s wash up. Meet me in the family sitting room.”

“First, your sitting room.”

Her eyes lit. “Cause you have something to tell me?”

He chuckled. “Exactly.”

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