The Millionaire's Royal Rescue

“Oh. I didn’t realize.” She paused as though letting this information sink in. “But you only have to deal with it as far as your business is concerned. At least, they aren’t involved in your personal life.”

Grayson rubbed the back of his neck. Now she was heading into exceedingly uncomfortable territory. Time for a change of

subjects. “Should we go to the police station together in the morning?”

“After what happened with my uncle, I didn’t think you’d want anything to do with me.”

“Seriously? That was nothing. Trust me, my father ruined more dinners than I could ever count. What your uncle did was just his way of showing that he cares about you and is worried about your safety.”

Her eyes widened with surprise. “You really believe that? Or are you just trying to make me feel better?”

He wasn’t going to feed her a line. Other people had done that to him and he knew it wasn’t helpful. “How about a little of both?”

A small smile pulled at her lips. “Thanks for being honest. I really appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome.”

She studied him for a moment, making him a little uncomfortable.

“Do I have something on my mouth?” When she shook her head, he asked, “My nose? My chin?” She continued to shake her head but a smile had started to lift her lips. “Then what is it?”

“You look tired. Is it jet lag?”

“Actually, it is. I can’t sleep on planes.” He always envied those people who could snooze after takeoff and wake up at landing.

Annabelle got to her feet. “Why don’t we call it an evening?”

“But the financials?”

“Can wait until tomorrow.” She started for the door and he followed.

It wasn’t until she paused outside his room that he realized she hadn’t answered his question. “About the police station—”

“Oh, yes. We can go together. Is first thing in the morning all right?”

“It’s fine with me. Just ignore the jet lag.”

Then hesitantly she asked, “Will it be a problem if my bodyguard accompanies us?”

“Not a problem at all.” A question came to his mind although he wasn’t sure if he should ask, but seeing as they were starting to open up to each other, he decided to go with it. “Are you always under protection?”

“Yes. Ever since my mother was murdered.”

“Murdered?”

Annabelle averted her gaze and nodded. It was obviously still painful for her. He couldn’t even imagine the pain she’d been living with.

Grayson cleared his throat. “I’m sorry.”

Her gaze finally met his. “Thank you.”

“Your father, he thinks the person is going to come after you? After all of this time?”

“I don’t know what he thinks. The official report says that she died during a mugging. My father doesn’t believe it, but he has no proof of anything to the contrary. And it isn’t just me that my father has a protective detail on. It’s my brother too. But Luca doesn’t let it bother him. He still keeps up with his globe-trotting, partying ways. Maybe that’s his way of dealing with everything. I don’t know. We’ve grown apart over the years.”

“I take it you don’t believe your father’s suspicions?”

“Quite honestly, today is the first time he’s shared this information with me. And I don’t know what to make of it.”