Page 155 of Taken Princess

Enjoy the smells of autumn and coffee and all that.

I’ll beoff campusin a sense.

It’s the most perfect spot ever for me.

When I step into the coffeehouse, I take a breath and smile.

Do I feel guilty for skipping another class?

A little bit, yes.

I didn’t ask to be here. I didn’t ask to take economics classes. And business classes. And all the other stuff I’m forced to take. All to prepare me for…

For what?

To take over a mafia family?

The thought of it actually makes me laugh.

I stand in line.

I laugh.

I feel a hand touch my shoulder.

“Laughing in public like this is a sign of insanity.”

I look back and see Rosa’s big eyes shining at me.

Plus a big smile.

“Oh, I am insane,” I say to her. “What are you doing here?”

“What are you actually doing here?” Rosa asks.

“Getting coffee.”

“No class today?”

“Are you my father?”

Rosa laughs. “You’re in a mood today.”

“Just a little.”

“Do you really want coffee?” Rosa asks.

“Of course I want coffee. Why else would I be here?”

“What about instinctual desire?”

“Meaning?”

“This place isn’t for coffee for you,” Rosa says. “This place is…”

“Can you two move forward?”

A young woman behind Rosa throws attitude like it’s cheap paper.

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