Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“Oh, I am a workaholic with a martyr complex when it comes to my people. Her words, not mine,” he says smoothly as though we’re talking about the weather and not our future engagement prospects. “Any woman who I’m with has to deal with the fact that the crown will likely always come first.”
I did understand. “We’ve talked about that. I understand your job is unique. Now I’m worried about what Emma found on me. I use some weird memes.”
“Stop freaking out,” Ivy says as she types on the keyboard. “Like I said, Emma works beautifully. Emma, tell us about the king and Anika.”
“Anika Fox is an excellent match for Reginald Lucannon St. Marten. Their values dovetail. They have the same beliefs, though the king sees things from a community perspective while Anika thinks about the individual. This could cause disharmony, but both are able listeners, willing to see viewpoints past their own. Anika is service oriented, which will be indispensable when it comes to working as a modern royal. The king has indicated that he will support and encourage his wife to pursue her own interests, something Anika will need to do. In the negative, Anika might find it hard to have all the public attention being royal brings about, but if the king handles it correctly, I believe she’ll find her way.”
Luca smiles at me. “I take back what I said. The computer is always right.”
Joe frowns his way. “I thought we talked about this.”
I was unaware they’d talked about anything.
Luca shrugs off his concern. “The cameras aren’t running. I assure you I’ll be a perfect gentleman when they are. I’m not going to molest the future queen of Ralavia on camera. I’ll do that in private.”
“Luca,” I hiss under my breath.
It merely makes him grin.
Ivy is staring at us with wide eyes. It takes a lot to shock Ivy Jensen, but my showmance is doing the trick.
Heath, on the other hand, seems perfectly cheery. “Nonna did her research when I told her you were doing this thing. She gives you the thumbs-up, too, and says she wants an invite to the wedding.”
“I will be pleased to have all of Anika’s friends and family,” Luca says smoothly.
I hold up a hand. “Nothing is settled. Absolutely nothing.”
A look of pure innocence crosses Luca’s face. “Of course. We’re still in the middle of the process. We have to trust the process.”
“Yeah, that’s what you’re doing. And it’s a journey, not a process.” Joe sighs and turns, gesturing for his camera crew to come in. “All right. Let’s roll in ten. Check the lighting, please. Shelby kicked some of the equipment on her way out.”
Luca stands, stretching and looking a little like a satiated lion. It’s amazing what good sex will do for the man. “I’m getting some of your mother’s scones. Can I bring anything back for you, darling?”
“I’m good. Thanks.” I want to kiss him again, but I remember we’re in a space with twenty people watching our every move. I’ll be so glad when all of this is over and Luca and I can try to find some kind of normalcy.
“Okay, now I’m really worried.” Ivy watches as Heath joins Luca, talking more about Emma and how they plan to market her. It’s usually a conversation Ivy would never miss, but it’s clear she’s thinking about me. “Honey, are you sure about this?”
“I’m not sure of anything,” I admit. “I just know I’m crazy about him. In the overused words of my fellow contestants, I’m falling for him. Or rather I’ve totally fallen for this guy.”
“That would be great if he was an accountant or worked the counter of a deli on 42nd. Ani, he’s a king. He will have to pick his job over you every time.”
“That’s a bit over the top.” I argue with her even though I’m worried about it, too. “You’re a workaholic. I hardly think you should judge.”
“Less since Heath and I became a couple and we’re working together,” Ivy counters. “That’s not what I’m talking about, and I’m not judging the guy. I told you I like him, but he has responsibilities we can’t understand. Heath can chuck his career right out the window for me, and the only people it affects are me and him. That’s not how Luca’s world works.”
“Well, I don’t intend to make him pick between me and his crown,” I reply.
“Yeah, well intentions are great, but the world has a way of forcing things on us,” Ivy warns. “Just know that no matter what happens, we’ve got your back.”
“She’s right about that.” Harper is suddenly beside us, her arms going around our shoulders, connecting us. “Come on. I want to show you something amazing.”
“Is it original crown molding?” I ask because I’ve heard a lot about original crown molding.