Page 20 of Hiding out with a Royal Billionaire

When she at last joined them and sat in her throne chair, it was all she could do to not throw her arms around their necks. “What has happened?”

“Did Lucan advise you?”

“He said there was a security breach, onto our very property, and that it was gone now.”

“Yes, his men and Brooks’ had it taken care of quickly. The guests hardly knew there was a blip, and then the party resumed.”

“And where were you?”

“We were behind the master.”

“And I behind the library.” She suddenly felt very tired. “It’s all supposed to be about a dumb treasure chest we found.”

“Oh, but don’t talk about it here, my dear.” Her mother even knew something.

“That’s all I even know. There’s nothing else to say.”

“I trust our boys. We’ve known dear Brooks forever and Lucan as well.” Her mother patted her hand. “Did I see you and Brooks dancing?”

“Yes, we always dance.”

“But there was a closeness there, or did I imagine it?” Her mother seemed pleased with the prospect.

“You didn’t imagine it, but I’m afraid that closeness just left as quickly as it came. He’s hiding something. He won’t confide in me.”

Her father’s eyes sparkled. “He’ll learn soon enough that telling a Costas woman everything about the situation is always the best choice.”

“Precisely, my dear.”

They smiled like they shared a joke, and suddenly Skye was irritated with the whole world and everyone in it. “I think perhaps I might head to my quarters.”

“Are you sure, my dear?”

“Very. Can you handle the announcements at the end of the gala without me?”

“Yes, we will be fine. You rest now. Did I hear you’d be travelling? With Brooks?”

“They want me to go to a safe house, to go into hiding until…something.” She waved her hand. “I’m not going anywhere until I understand.” She stood. As she leaned forward to kiss their cheeks, she said, “Good night parents.”

She felt Brooks’ eyes on her as she left the ballroom. She knew he had questions, knew he wanted to be at her side, knew even that he would likely come to find her or at least attempt to talk further. But she didn’t look behind her. She didn’t even try to make eye contact. Her frustration carried her all the way to her room without much thought. As she closed her bedroom door behind her, she wasn’t sure which of all the problems pressing her was the most distressing. And she knew that her ruined date with Brooks sat higher on the list of frustrations than it merited.

7

Brooks shook his head at Lucan’s ridiculous request. “We’re not sending Chase for this job.”

“Because you don’t trust him or because you don’t trust him?” Lucan’s raised and amused eyebrow did not do anything for Brooks’ mood.

They’d both been asked to sleep at the palace which Brooks had planned to do anyway. He didn’t plan to leave until Skye left or was safe. “I’ll escort her myself.”

“And when you have to leave?”

Brooks ran a hand through his hair and turned away.

“When things got serious between Anna and I, I knew it was time to step away from the job.”

“But she understood. She started at the military school with you.”

“True. That helped. But Skye is bright, strong, full of courage. And I know you’re not asking for my advice, but you’re gonna lose her if you don’t start opening up to her. I’m going to tell Chase she has clearance.”

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