Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
His pink cheeks still my frustration, along with the boyish smile. I can’t get angry when I know he’s only looking out for me. I lower my lashes and nod.
“Thank you.”
He leans in to kiss my forehead. “Anything for you.”
When I look up into his eyes, I see something I’ve only gotten glimpses of a few times over the last few days. I thought I was tripping the first few times. There’s no way he has feelings for me, but that look in his eyes says differently.
I clear my throat. Yup, I know I have a way of projecting so I shake the stupid thought away and turn to get out of the car. The driver opens my door and I climb out.
Looking up at the castle before me, I suck in a breath. It’s larger from outside the car. I still can’t believe this is the Château I inherited. In my head, this place was going to be some little house with a quaint kitchen and living room with a fireplace.
“It is a beauty, isn’t it?” Princeton says from beside me.
“Yes, I’m almost afraid to move. This has to be a dream.”
“No, it’s not. Come, let me show you around.”
I turn to look up at him. “Have you been here before?” I palm my forehead. “You said you handled the repairs.”
“I didn’t have to come here for that.” He chuckles. “Remember? Entitled prince at your service. Williams has been making the trips to ensure all is well. I received reports on the progress.
“But to answer your question. I’ve only been here once as a young boy.”
“Oh, okay. Right. You have staff that takes care of things. I will need one of those for this place,” I say absently. “We had house staff, but I’ve never had to hire my own.”
I’m totally overwhelmed. This, the offices in London and Milan, the money from the business. My life has done a three-sixty in the last month.
“Actually, you have staff already. They have been keeping the place up. The repairs were something they didn’t have the resources to fix,” he says.
“Are they not being paid?” I say in concern.
“It’s a bit more complicated than that. Yes, they are paid. That’s taken care of by Beasley. However, the grounds are a different source of funding.”
I’m even more confused. I rub my forehead and frown. I feel like I’m missing so much.
“Listen, we’ll get to all of those details. Allow me to walk you through.”
I nod and take his hand. He laces our fingers together and it feels so natural. Like we’ve been together for years.
When we enter the castle there’s an entire staff lined up. I feel so out of my depth. A tall, thin man steps forward.
“Ms. Trueman is the manager of the estate. However, she has been away on business. My name is Arthur Darcy. I’m your butler and I’ll be at your service whenever you need me, Your Highness.”
“Thank you,” Princeton says tightly. “You can call me Princeton and Ms. Ellis is fine with Cinder.”
Arthur turns beet red. He clears his throat. “Yes, sir. Cinder, it’s very nice to meet you.”
It feels like forever since I’ve had staff working in my home and never this many. I’m at a loss for what to say. I chew my lip nervously until I find my voice.
“Yes, it’s nice to meet you all,” I say shyly. I turn to lean into Princeton. “Um, is there something I should say or do? Like, dismiss them?”
Princeton bursts into laughter. I pout and glare at him. He pulls me into his chest and kisses my forehead.
“You’re fine, darling,” he says, looking down at me adoringly. “Thank you, everyone. We’re going to take the tour of the grounds on our own. You’re welcome to go about your day.”
When I turn back to the staff a few of the women have amused and admiring looks on their faces. Princeton can do that to you. I figure they’re crushing on him and shake it off.
When they start to file out of the foyer, they begin to whisper and giggle. Yeah, they must be fans of Princeton’s. I don’t get as jealous as I did in London. These women truly look innocent.
One of the younger ones turns to look over her shoulder and waves at me. I wave back and she beams from ear to ear. See, they’re totally sweet.
“Shall we?” Princeton says, kissing my temple and placing a hand on my back.
We proceed through the castle in a leisurely stroll. If I thought I was impressed with the outside, I’m completely floored by the inside. This place is nothing short of true opulence.
The more we walk through, the more I question returning to the States. I don’t even know if I can call New York my home. Without my father, I have nothing keeping me there.