Page 418 of Sweet Royal Romance Suspense

“Sorry.” Kiera shrugged, unrepentant. “I’ve heard lots of people say that.”

“She’s not wrong.” Levi smiled down at Faith.

Positives—that smile, his touch. Her knees went weak, and she leaned into him. He held her arm more securely.

“And the best news of all is Faith is going to stay with me for one entire month!”

“All month?” Levi’s brow squiggled, and his muscles stiffened against her.

“Yes, sir,” Kiera sang out. “By the end of the month, I’ll teach her to climb up the side of the castle better than Spiderman and race me down the poles.”

Faith refused to slide down the brass pipes that ran the length of the exterior walls of the twelve-story castle. Kiera refused to give up on trying to coerce her into it.

“I’m not in favor of that plan,” Levi said to Kiera, a stern note in his deliciously accented voice.

“Favor?” Kiera giggled. “Because you’re Captain Favor?”

They reached the lowest level and walked toward the garages.

“Wait,” Kiera protested. “You’re not in favor of Faith staying with us all month? Why not? Faith’s the best.”

Faith’s heart raced. He didn’t want her here? Her hopes were more far-fetched than she’d believed.

“I’m not in favor of Faith risking her life climbing the castle or sliding down those tubes of death.” Levi expertly skirted the question of wanting her here.

“I would never kill my favorite friend,” Kiera insisted.

“I’m in the business of protecting all of you,” Levi said. “I am telling you it’s a no on climbing up or sliding down the exterior of the castle. Especially when everything is covered in ice.”

Faith appreciated him protecting her, and was impressed he could stand up to even Princess Kiera.

“Ah, you’re no fun,” Kiera moaned.

“Thank you,” Faith whispered to Levi. “You’ve saved my life.”

He grinned down at her. His smile was perfect. The grin took it to the next level. The effect was beautifully inspiring and devastating to her peace of mind. She would sketch that grin as soon as possible.

They reached the door that led to the massive garage. Levi gently disentangled his arms from each of their grasp and backed toward the door. “Thank you for escorting me.”

“Thank you, kind sir.” Kiera waved, turned, and sprinted down the hall. “I’ll be in the kitchen.” Then she somehow ran up the side of the wall and did a twisting flip off of it. She laughed happily and dodged through one of the kitchen doors.

“That girl.” Levi shook his head, pushing a hand through his short hair. “It’s hard enough keeping her safe from external influences, then she has to risk her life every other minute doing crazy stunts.”

“It’s impressive how you protect everyone, but …” Faith tilted her head and studied him. “You aren’t a big risk-taker, are you?”

“Me?” His brows lifted.

She nodded.

“I rock climb, ride dirt bikes, paraglide, and cliff dive. Why?”

“Wait a minute. You’re a crazy maniac and that’s okay, but Kiera can’t take a risk?”

“It’s quite different for a lowly soldier to take a risk than the favorite princess.” His gaze traveled over her. “And I definitely don’t want you taking any risks.”

His gaze had made her warm all over, but his words made her want to defy him.

“Why not?” She jutted her chin out and planted her hands on her hips.

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