Steel Princess (Royal Elite 2)

He called it a weakness.

I never asked him again about that, but I will. Just not now.

Maybe, just maybe, I’m starting to figure out Aiden. It’s not that he’s closed off, it’s that he dislikes being pushed. If I take my time with him and make sure he’s well satiated, he’ll be on my side.

He’ll tell me everything I need to know.

All I have to do is be patient and stop antagonising him when he’s volatile.

It’ll take work, but I’ll get there.

Eventually.

I also need to teach him not to antagonise me either.

“Like what you see, sweetheart?” he asks while turning around.

The playful gleam in his dark eyes hits my heart in all the right places.

“Maybe.” I smile. “Where are you going?”

The spark leaves his features just as fast to be replaced by his poker face.

“What is it?” Alarm grips

me by the throat.

“I have to meet Jonathan.”

I straighten. “Don’t go.”

“Worried about me, sweetheart?” He grins.

Yes, and I don’t want Jonathan between us.

“Just don’t go.”

“I have to or he’ll come here.”

“Oh.”

The resemblance of happiness from earlier withers away.

Obviously, Jonathan King holds a grudge against me — or my father. Aiden is his son. When it comes to choosing, he’ll be on his father’s side and I’ll only get hurt.

Aiden strides to my side with purposeful, confident steps.

He places two fingers under my jaw and forces me to face him.

“I told you I’ll protect you from everyone.” He leans over and drops a peck on my cheek. “That includes Jonathan.”

My breath hitches as he pulls away.

Did he just say what I think he said?

I think Aiden said he’ll go against Jonathan for me. But that can’t be true, right? Something must be wrong with my ears.

“Repeat that,” I breathe.