Taunting Callum (Big Sky Royal 3)

“It’s never a good idea to have so many members of the family gone at once,” she reminds me.

“Frederick never leaves Europe,” I say. “The commonwealth will be just fine if you and Father take a holiday in the States for a few weeks.”

“I suppose you’re right. I’ll have a chat with your father. What’s on your mind, Callum? I know you didn’t call to simply talk about holidays.”

“I suppose not.” I drain the rest of the glass. “I’d like to talk about Aspen.”

“Have you been seeing her?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“I’m in love with her.”

She’s quiet for a moment. “I knew that when you stood here in the palace last week and told us about her. I’ve never seen that look on your face before.”

“And how big is the shit storm going to be when I ask her to marry me?”

“Callum.” I can just picture her jaw dropped in surprise. “You are in love with her. Well, I knew that when it happened for you, it would be all-encompassing. You’re not one to give emotion away frivolously.”

“No. I’m not.”

“We read the report from security on her past,” she says slowly. “I assume you did the same?”

“Yes, and I spoke with her about it at length. I also suggested that she think long and hard about being with me because this life is no picnic.”

“And what did she say?”

“That she’s not ashamed of her past or the events that led her to where she is now. And that us being of the same mind is the most important thing.”

“I think I’m going to like this woman very much.”

“You will. But, Mum—”

“Your father and I are traditional people,” she says, interrupting me. “We take our duties seriously and love our family’s history. But we’re also not going to tell you that you can’t follow your heart. We learned valuable lessons with both Sebastian and Ellie in that regard. And now, both of them are happily married to the people meant for them.”

“I need you to do me a favor, Mum.”

“Anything, you know that.”

“It’s not a small thing.”

“It never is with you, darling.”

I smile with the knowledge that she’s not being cold but telling the truth.

I’ve never been easy.

I outline my idea to Mum, and by the time I hang up, we have a plan in place—as long as my father agrees.

The king always has the final say.

I would have spoken to him this evening, but he was already asleep.

The clouds from the past few days have cleared, leaving the sky scattered with millions of stars. It’s amazing how clear the sky is here. How quiet the nights.

I walk back inside, ready to open my laptop and work for a few hours before I try to sleep when I hear a knock at my door.

I frown. Usually, if David or any of the others need me, they text or call.

I cross to the door and open it, shocked to find Aspen standing on the other side of the threshold with wide green eyes, slightly out of breath as if she ran all the way from her house.

“Security told me you’d cleared me to come whenever, but if you’d rather I call—”

“You’re welcome here. Any time, day or night, Aspen.”

She swallows and nods twice. She looks nervous.

Christ, is she going to tell me it’s over? What in the hell has happened over the last twelve hours?

“Callum, I’m ready.”

I narrow my eyes. “Ready for what?”

She raises a brow, and I suddenly know down to my bone marrow what, exactly she’s ready for.

“I’m ready.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life.”Chapter 10~Aspen~Jesus, I’ve never been so nervous in my life. I’m out of breath, my mind is racing, and if Callum turns me away, I’ll die of humiliation.

I might anyway.

But he tugs on my hand and pulls me into the apartment. Rather than strip me bare and carry me into the bedroom the way I pictured it in my head on the way over here, he calmly takes my jacket off, tosses it over a chair, and leads me into the living area.

“Have a seat. Would you like some wine? Whiskey?”

“No, thank you. You don’t have to get me drunk to have sex with me, Callum.”

He rubs his hand over his mouth and sits in the chair opposite me, his elbows braced on his knees as he watches me with those dark eyes.

“If you’d rather I go…” I stand to leave, but his calm, deep voice interrupts me.

“Sit down, Aspen.”

I comply.

“I don’t want you to go. In fact, it’s lovely to see you. I was just thinking about you.”

“You don’t seem happy to see me.” I don’t like the vulnerability in my voice. I’ve been so used to keeping my walls up with this man for so damn long, letting them down isn’t easy. But I can’t stop it. I’ve fallen in love with him, and if that means I end up with a broken heart, then so be it.