Page 22 of A Girl and HER Prince
Her knowledge of the place was limited, only that his homeland had been embroiled in civil war so long that this might mean he was also a refugee.
He nodded. “I grew up there actually. Not all of us were so fortunate as to… get away.”
She stopped herself from shuddering at the thought. His childhood must’ve been terrible, especially if he had been from the noble families, and seeing that he was so close to Venice, that was probably the case. “When did you get out?”
“Only a few years back.” That would explain why his accent was different than the prince’s. “Venice’s father used his connections to bring about my family’s safe passage. He’s a good man.”
Was he? His daughter had the tongue of a viper, and his son? Well, Livvy wasn’t so sure anymore, but she harbored suspicions after meeting Bris. She nodded her support anyway. “I’m glad you were able to leave.”
“We are of the same mind, although… it would seem only after we left that things are changing in Tirreoy. The Myrdons have been chased out of power, and well…” He broke into a laugh as the elevator door opened. “Sygnomi, I do not mean to bore you with politics.”
“No!” Livvy exclaimed. This washislife. There was nothing boring at all about a country finally finding peace after all these years. “I’m so happy to hear that your homeland is recovering after such a terrible war. I hope that you’ll be able to return soon.”
The creases against his eyes grew more pronounced with his pleased expression. “You cannot speak truer words. I long for my home. Be that as it may…” He seemed to shake himself. “You’ve been patient long enough to listen to my stories—the pool is just down the hallway through that door.” He pointed past a wall of glass where the beautiful sky and ocean seemed to pour into the living area in a view of glimmering stars she’d only found in paintings before this. “You will not miss it.”
She stepped out into the hallway, sniffing at the acrid smell. “Is something burning?”
“Just a grease fire on the stove. It is safe now.”
She nodded, but another thought froze her in place—what if she was interrupting Deedee now? “Did you see Venice wandering around up here?” she asked.
“The last time I saw him, he was in the dining area looking for his sister.”
Livvy scowled—he’d probably found her then and was celebrating their victory over “Cinderella” with a hearty meal. Bris would monopolize him the rest of the night.
Good! Livvy still had time to talk sense into Deedee… or at least make sure she wasn’t doing anything too reckless. She marched ahead. “Thank you!”
“Hey, Livvy… that is your name, is it not?”
Livvy twisted back around in surprise. “Yes!” How rude of her not to say. “I’m so sorry, I should’ve… Wait, how did you know?”
He laughed. “I watched Deedee’s video a few minutes back, and… welcome to our voyage. I am happy you will experience theOdysseyjourney with us. In fact, I hope you do not mind my boldness, but you are as a ray of sunshine after a heavy storm.”
Livvy’s heart lifted at the sweet sentiment and her happiness burst from her lips in a bright smile. That was possibly the nicest thing anyone had ever said to her, and in such a romantic accent. Now she was withering in happy embarrassment. “You’re so kind. I needed to hear that… a lot.”
He gave a self-conscious smile. “Well,kalé mou file, I’m sure you get tired of guys giving you compliments.”
“No! I don’t ever hear compl—” Should she admit that? She tried to amend her words, “I’d never get tired of hearing something so nice.”
“You have a friend on this boat,” he told her. “Me… and I am also a fan. You have won Deedee’s channel another ardent follower, but remember, we are friends first.” The way Turner watched her was in no way platonic. In fact, the admiration in his eyes was one step away from picking her up and carrying her back with him into the elevator to enjoy some privacy.
She wasn’t quite ready for that, but at the same time, she was having a hard time keeping her hands from fanning her face. Despite all these unfamiliar emotions the intensity of his gaze was inviting, his vow of friendship smacked of sincerity.
“Always remember it,” he said. His smile was almost as much a part of him as were his lips.
Goodness! He was charming. Her cheeks hurt.
Was Deedee right? Could this miraculous dream trip also lead to romance? It was hard to imagine after being buried in work so long to dull the pain of losing her father.
She sank back against the soft cushion of her flip-flops, feeling all warm and gushy inside as the elevator doors began to shut. “Ta léme,” she said. It meant “see you later”—probably one of the few phrases she knew, but it was enough.
Turner grinned broadly in return as the doors closed between them.
Looking forward to their next meeting, she practically skipped for the pool doors. Well, well! She had more to tell Deedee than just warning her off of Venice. Her friend’s screams of joy would shatter glass after she heard how Livvy hit it off with the handsome bodyguard, and it was a good thing too.
Livvy needed something to forget this weird obsession she had with a certain prince.
She pushed through the door and stepped out into the candlelit deck. Delicate china decorated a round table frosted in white lace. Steam rose from a silver serving dish with a dome lid next to a lavish display of fresh fruit and flowers. The staff had gone all out with napkins rolled into elaborate configurations and all the forks and spoons anyone would ever need.
