Page 29 of Hiding out with a Royal Billionaire

“Right now.”

Her deadpan silence concerned him.

“It’s for a mission, Skye.” How odd it felt to confide in someone else. He had to force those words out of his mouth, but he hoped his gesture would help her understand why he must leave.

“What mission? What’s going on?”

“That’s not public information.”

“Oh, I see. So, is this how it works with you? They call you up or something? Like Mission Impossible?”

“Sort of. I have to go in a few minutes so listen. This house is safe. But nowhere is perfectly impenetrable. Outside the house is less safe. The guys can keep you safe. Chase…” He paused unsure what to say.

“What about Chase?” The slight pink on her face sent bolts of irritation through him.

“He’s assigned to protect you. And that’s all.”

Her eyebrows lifted. “And that’s all? What’s that supposed to mean?”

His watch dinged the alarm, meaning the copter was arriving. “Nothing. Just know. He is good at what he does.” He stepped closer. “But I don’t expect there to be a problem. All of this is just precautionary.”

Some of the worry lines smoothed, and he was glad to comfort her. “And you? Are you gonna be in danger?”

A new warmth spread through him. What would it be like to be on a mission with someone at home thinking about him? “I’ll be fine. I’m good at what I do.” He wrapped an arm around her back. “I’m sorry I have to go.”

She stepped closer and for one moment he let the lovely smell of strawberries wash over him. She lifted her chin. “When will you be back?”

“I don’t know. You won’t hear anything from me.”

“What? That’s it? You could be gone for weeks? Months?”

His watch beeped again. “I have to leave.”

Her wide eyes stayed wide, her worry and irritation obvious. But she said nothing for a moment. Then, “Take care.”

He dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers. Too short, too soon he stepped away, the impression of her soft mouth on his as he turned and ran down the hallway.

10

Skye stood alone in the hallway for many minutes, watching where Brooks had been until someone came to stand beside her. “Off he goes.”

Chase watched the hallway where he left.

Skye watched him. His face was blank. She laughed. “What are you doing?”

“Just wondering how much longer you’re gonna stare at the wall?” His eye brow rose and wiggled twice, making Skye laugh. “I’ve got cards. Or me and the guys have a huge Mario Kart competition going on…” He was the opposite of Brooks in many ways. Where Brooks was dark, he was light, his blond hair almost white in places. His eyes the color of the blue water of the Mediterranean. He seemed friendly, capable, professional. So she shrugged. “You’re on. Although, whoever currently holds the winning spot is gonna have to kiss it goodbye.”

“Ho ho! So we’ve got an expert on our hands. We’ll have to see. I’m the holder of that title, and I haven’t been unseated yet.”

They turned back to the main room, Skye grateful for the distraction. “How long do missions usually last?”

“What did he tell you?”

“Nothing.”

Chase eyed her for a moment. “That might be all he knows.”

Skye considered this answer. “I don’t think so.”

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