Vicious Prince (Royal Elite 5)

“Can you say that?”

“Don’t take us back, please.” It was the first time I’d spoken in weeks, and it was because of Agnus.

He didn’t hug me, though. Dad did, and maybe that’s why I see him as my knight.

Agnus is different. I watch his side profile with a small sigh. I never considered him a father. Weird, I know. After all, he’s the one who took care of Knox and me during the years Dad spent in a coma.

He never acted as a father, either. He’s always been efficient at getting things done and that’s all.

Over the years, the initial admiration has been developing. I don’t know at which point I am exactly, but all I know is that I enjoy his silent company, and the fact that he never smiles or shows emotions is a plus.

What? Everyone has different tastes.

“Thanks for picking me up, Agnus.”

He merely nods.

Little to no words — another one of his qualities. Oh, did I mention he’s Dad’s trustee and right-hand man? He’s the one who managed Dad’s steel empire when he couldn’t. He’s the one who’s helping Dad snatch his place back in the business world now that he’s returned.

There are practically endless positive qualities in Agnus.

“Will Knox and Elsa be there at dinner?” he asks without taking his eyes off the road.

“Knox is out with friends and Elsa is with Aiden, so I assume no.”

“Perfect.”

Of course he’d find it so. They make too much noise at the table, and while Dad is amused by it, Agnus never is.

Tonight, it’ll just be the three of us, peaceful and perfect.

I also dislike a lot of energy. It messes with my senses and exhausts me.

Like a certain arsehole from earlier. I can’t believe I acted that way with the girl who was kneeling at his feet.

So what if she sucked him off? It’s none of my business.

He’s a pawn, just a damn pawn.

But sometimes, pawns can flip the entire game. Dad has won several times by just using his pawns.

I shoo the thought away.

Why am I allowing that bastard to ruin my alone time with Agnus? I study him again, his strong hands and face.

Memories of other hands touching me, feeling me up, and trapping me barge into my mind.

Get out of my head, damn you.

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

I startle at Agnus’ question. I was too caught up in my fantasies about Ronan, and I nearly forgot about him.

Way to go, Teal.

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, knowing full well it’ll be untucked in seconds. “About what?”

“The whole engagement idea.”