Page 27 of Heart Thief

“What do you mean?”

Passersby stroll past us, ignoring the man and woman having a deep conversation in the middle of the sidewalk, a small dog between them.

“I like to think of it like this. A king found his queen and he was enamored with her from the very beginning. He loved her more than he’d ever loved anyone in his life. They had a son to complete their happiness. But the queen was ill and the pregnancy took too much out of her. She died when her baby was only three months old. The king was devastated and couldn’t be consoled. He poured all of his love onto his son, because he was a manifestation of the love between him and the love of his life. Then he found someone new, someone who could put a balm on his grief. He married her and she became the new queen. Unbeknownst to the king, she was evil. Soon, she had a son. But the evil queen could see that the king loved the child of his one true love more than he loved her son. She became jealous. She hated the firstborn son because he was heir to the king’s kingdom. She wanted her son to be the heir and she’d do anything within her power to make it happen. Even if it meant turning the two half-brothers against each other.” He pauses. “That was my life. It still is. But I took myself out of the equation.”

“Wow. I wasn’t expecting that. Everything makes sense now.”

“It’s complicated. I’m not sure Ryker understands it completely. He’s been brainwashed by Debra.”

“Why are you returning home? Why would you put yourself back into the situation?”

“I need to be with my dad. I don’t think he has much time left. I have commitments to the Army. It took me a while, but I was finally able to get an assignment here.”

My hand lifts toward him of its own accord, but I let it lower to my side. I can’t offer physical comfort. It wouldn’t be appropriate.

“I had no idea. Thanks for helping me understand the dynamics.” I feel lied to by Debra and Ryker. The situation isn’t quite what they made it out to be. Assuming Zane is telling me the truth, that is. I’m not sure why, but I feel inclined to believe Zane.

“Mila, keep in mind, Ryker’s not the bad guy. He’s a product of his mother.”

The evil queen. How much of his mother is inside of him? I’m confused and unsure. “We’d better get back.”

On the walk back home, my mind is reeling. I thought I was taking a walk with the bad guy, the villain, the rogue. The man I was supposed to be wary of, the man who should not be trusted.

Turns out, I’m walking with the prince.

The true prince.

chapter eleven

~

I ARRIVE HOMEfrom practice with the symphony only to find music once again blasting through the penthouse. It’s so loud, Zane doesn’t hear me enter.

He’s in the kitchen making dinner, wearing his usual at-home attire—torn-at-the-knees jeans and his signature white t-shirt. And of course, he’s barefoot.

At least he’s wearing a shirt. He’s been here for three days and I’ve learned it’s rare for him. If he has pants on, he considers himself dressed.

I observe him unnoticed for several moments. Adele is singing about sending her love to her ex’s new lover and Zane is singing along, dancing around the kitchen as he cooks. The mess he’s making causes my stomach to twist.

For a moment, my mind conjures up a vision of Ryker in the kitchen, plating expensive take-out he purchased for us. He’s wearing a suit because he’s always wearing a suit.

I wrack my brain, trying to remember if I’ve ever seen him in anything other than a suit.

If I have, I can’t recall.

I like him in a suit. He’s a clotheshorse and wears them well. I’ve always thought he looks like he walked off a magazine shoot wherein he was the lead model.

Every time I’ve ever visited Ryker, the penthouse has been silent. We eat formally at the dining room table and spend our time talking. The lights are always at full brightness. There’s never candlelight.

The thing is, I enjoyed those evenings. I treasure the time we’ve spent together, even if it has been a tad formal.

Yet, I have to admit, this is more me. I like the relaxed atmosphere, the informality, the stress-free vibe. I immediately feel calm.

I could see Zane doing aRisky Businessslide across the floor while lip syncing toOld Time Rock and Roll. It would be as natural to him as breathing.

He spins around and freezes for a second when he notices me.

“Oh, hey Mila. I didn’t hear you come in.” He’s completely unembarrassed, comfortable in his own skin. “I’m making chili. Want to join me?”

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