Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

“But you don’t have any regrets?”

I shook my head, pressing into my belly. I smiled. “No. I don’t have any. I wouldn’t change a single second of it.” The corners of my eyes stung. The tears were unexpected, but she had tapped into something. I loved him more than anything. And I had a life I’d never dreamed of because I took a wild reckless chance.

“No regrets,” I whispered.

“Then focus on that for today.” I loved Ayla’s practicality. She always steered me back to center. “You have no regrets. How many people can say that about love?”

I grinned. “You’re right. So, so right.”

“Then keep that as your focus.”

“I will. Thanks for listening. I’ll let you get back to the queen. I know you have a lot to do, especially this time of the day. I’ll try to call later and let you know when we plan on returning to Galona.”

“Have fun on your trip. I’m here if you need me.”

“Thank you.”

I hung up and tucked the phone in my purse.

I rested my head on the back of the seat. I felt better after talking to Ayla. It was going to be an unconventional friendship inside the palace, but I hadn’t lost my best friend. We’d figure out how to make this work, just like Nic and I had.

But like the great friend she was, she reminded me I had no regrets.

29

Dominic

I didn’t know what to expect the first time I saw Sophia. It sure as fuck wasn’t supposed to be flashbacks of the last time I saw her.

I’d relived that day enough to turn it into a novel. I didn’t need another run-through, but it was exactly what my heart felt. I saw her dark hair and dark eyes and I felt nothing but pain.

I balled my hands at my fists. This woman had ruined me. And it ended today.

“Dominic?” Surprise turned to fear.

“I’d like to come in, Sophia.”

She spotted the agents next to me. She folded without much of a fight, opening the door wide enough for the three of us to walk inside.

The townhouse was quaint, fitting for the location. A crystal chandelier hung over a round antique table. The small hallway was tiled with black and white checked marble. It somehow felt classic and modern.

“What are you doing here? What’s this about?”

She had pivoted to the dining room, but I turned in the opposite direction.

“Dominic!” she screeched.

I didn’t hear her anymore. There was a travel crib at the edge of the living room. There was soft music playing and the blinds were drawn, but I knew that was daughter sleeping. I walked toward her. The inches felt like miles. Something in my chest welled. I didn’t know if it was pride or love, but as soon as my eyes fell on her sleeping face I almost sobbed.

I looked at the angel before me. I touched her cheek gently, careful not to wake her. I shoved my hands back in my pockets and returned to Sophia. I nodded to the agents to leave us. They exited the house.

Sophia buried her face in her hands and started to cry.

“Don’t take her. Please don’t take her from me. You can’t, Dominic. You can’t.”

I glowered at the woman who I used to love. “What’s her name?” I asked.

She sniffed, and wiped her cheeks with the palms of her hands. “Adaline,” she answered. “I named her after my grandmother.”