“Ladies,” Ivar walks in as we’re all in the middle of eating our junk food. He grins when he sees what we’re doing. “Is there some for me?”
“Yes, sir,” Kay immediately stands up.
The others follow and bow their heads. I press my lips together to glare at him, but I am grateful he showed up when he did. I’m hoping for a change of topic. I don’t want to think about my mate, much less talk about him.
The girls are having a hard time taking their eyes off him. He’s not weaing his usual suit today. The black straight jeans fit his thick thighs amazingly. He has on a Bad Omens t–shirt and a leather jacket with a zip up hoodie under. What really sells the bad boy look his the baseball cap with the visor facing back. He’s a pretty boy and he knows it. Now, so do my friends.
“Your friends are very polite, Sophie,” he smirks, holding up his phone. “Do you have a moment? The big guy wants you.”
“The big guy?” Mary asks, without hesitation. The others look at me expectantly.
“The King,” I clarify. “On a scale from one to ten, how much trouble am I in?”
“We’re both a solid ten, Shorty,” he sighs. I grimace and wipe my mouth. “Don’t take his wrath too personally, he gets it from our father.”
“I’ll be back, guys,” I excuse myself. “Behave yourself, your highness.”
“Scouts honor,” he places his right hand over his heart and holds up the other.
“I would say something rude if you hadn’t been part of my older brother’s troupe,” I roll my eyes.
“By the time this over, you and I are going to be best friends,” he smiles.
I take the phone out of his hand and step outside the room, shutting the door behind me. I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. I decide that it’s not far enough and start making my way down the hall towards my father’s study. I hesitate, but then remember the King has never been one for patience. Growing up, it was his least favorite virtue. It drove
my brother crazy. It was a good thing that he had the patience of a saint being related to our brother Oliver.
My Dad’s study was always off limits. A part of me is nervous to be in here, but the rebellious part of me that would barge in here to scare the hell out of the old man and make him chase me away is thrilled to be back here. Being home is actually keeping distracted from what’s really happening. I’m a little grateful to my grandma for bringing me back here. Even is she isn’t here with me herself.
“King Ragnar, how can I help you?” I finally answer him.
“Sophie,” he says my name as if it hurts, and honestly, with everything going on right now, I feel that deep in my jellies. I am making an ass of myself and his brother.
“Sir, I am so sorry. I know it looks bad, but I swear a lot of those pictures and videos were taken out of context,” at least, I think there are pictures and videos going around. That’s what the girls say and I trust that they’re not going to lie to me. Exaggerate, maybe. but not lie.
“What pictures and videos?” he chuckles. His tone making a complete one eighty. “Soph, did you accidentally put something revealing out, and where can I find it? You know, so I know what kind of punishment you deserve.”
“That is not what I meant,” I feel my face get hot remebering when he said he’s spank me over lashing me because we’re friends.
1/3
Chapter 19
“I know. I’m teasing you. Are you okay? I can hear how raspy your voice is,” he says worriedly.
“I’m fine. I wanted to push him, and it worked a little too much.”
55 vouchers
I fall back in my Dad’s office chair and look around. There are pictures of my parents all over the room. Pictures of my brothers and me growing up until it was over for them. I look down at the desk at the fancy typewriter keyboard my mom. had gotten him for his birthday the year before they died.
“I have reprimanded Ivar for neglecting his duty. He’s there to protect you and nothing else. I apologize on his behalf and hope you don’t turn us over to the Major General. I had Ivar contain the media posts, and our best team is working on getting those videos off the internet.”
For a moment, I am rendered speechless. I can’t even begin to think about how angry my grandma would have gotten with me for allowing myself to be put in that kind of situation. She’s going to find out anyway, but I am hella grateful for the time they’ve bought me.
“Thank
you. You didn’t have to do that. It’s not a big deal, and Ivar did nothing wrong. He’s not the one at fault here.”
“Ivar also reminded me that the Romanos are giving you a hard time with putting your properties on the market. I could
send-”
“It’s okay. I can take care of it,” I stop him because he doesn’t need to do me any more favors.
“All right. I’m just making sure you’re okay. Your grandmother has been a little preoccupied trying to get this ceasefire finalized. I’ll have her call you as soon as she can.”
“You don’t need to bother her with my problems, my King. I know she’s very busy. Again, I am very sorry for the trouble I caused and for embarrassing your brother.”
“My brother doesn’t need you to make an ass of himself. He can do plenty of that all on his own. I won’t keep you anymore. Have a good night, Sophia.”
“You too, my King. Be safe.”
“You too, Soph. Don’t make me come down there and end those assholes. You know I will,” he hangs up before I can say anything else.
I set the phone down on the desk for a moment and take a deep breath. The last thing I want is for the Lycan King to come down here. It would be a massacre. Ragnar and Gavin were as thick as thieves. He’ll do it. He’ll hurt anyone who’s gotten in my way, trying to get the hell out of here. I just want this to be over already. I want to get the hell out of here. There doesn’t need to be any blood shed for that. I’m no one.
“Here is your phone,” I place the phone in front of Ivar. “I am so sorry about that. I hope he wasn’t too hard on you.”
“Eh,” he shrugs. “I honestly deserved it. I took my eyes off you for like ten minutes and this happened.” He pulls at my collar to expose the bruising. “I’ll do my best to try and prevent another attack like that. You have my word as a prince.”
“Where are the girls?” I ask when I don’t see them trying to get into my business about my talk with the Lycan King.
“I sent them away with a couple of assignments,” he holds up a file. “I think it’s time we start playing dirty.”
2/3
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
