CARLY It was always difficult and painful for me to speak out about my failures in life. But it didn’t take a while to tell someone like my boss because maybe we were relatively strangers or because of this tension between us. When he started talking about his past, I felt like he was opening up his life to me, and I had to do the same. And I had this feeling that my secrets were safe with him. I somehow felt like losing a few tons of weight over my shoulder. And what was great after that heart-to-heart with him was no awkward moment. He made me tea, and we watched docuseries for a while before he called his driver to send me home. “Call me once you get home safe,” those were his last words before he shut the door, and we drove out of his property. I ignored Zee’s watchful eyes from the rearview mirror. I focused on the beautiful scenery around us. Minutes later, he cleared his throat. “Just ask away, Zee. Can I call you Zee?” I stayed in that position, still watching the blu

CARLY “You are buying me lunch at a food cart?” I asked him in surprise. I like it more when people treat just an ordinary girl. In his defense, he didn’t have any idea who I was. “You can’t be picky for a free meal. And you mentioned that you want a burger or a chicken sandwich.” Rome was smiling as we filled in line, waiting for our turn, and it was actually pretty long. “Boss, do you need help?” “No, Zee. You go ahead and take a break.” “Boss,” Zee hesitated. “I was in the military too, and may I remind you that I worked in security service once. I can handle myself. And Storm is safe with me. Now, go.” He literally shooed Zee away. “I’ll be right back. Call me—” “We’ll be fine.” When Zee left, I turned to my boss. “So, tell me about the last girl.” “What last girl?” he asked innocently. “Where is she now?” “No idea. I’m not keeping track of my exes.” “How many?” “Tell me about the asshole.” I knew who he was referring to. “He was good at what he did.” “In bed?” I

CARLY “What’s wrong?” With his furrowed brows, Rome asked before he looked over his shoulder. “Nothing.” I thought I saw Aunt Alessia. “Um. I need to use a restroom.” “I’m coming with you.” “To the restroom?” My eyes widened. “Not inside.” I stepped back. “I’ll be fine. It’s just the crowd is kind of overwhelming. And I need to freshen up.” “Alright. Come find me when you’re done. I’ll be with Mykel.” I gave him a thin smile. “I will. Thanks.” I rushed out of the crowded ballroom toward the hallway. My stomach was constantly in knots. I knew my father’s illegitimate sister was in New York, but I wasn’t expecting to bump into her tonight. Aunt Alessia ran a multi-million dollar fashion magazine. Now I realized I was with a billionaire, and chances were feasible. I entered the bathroom, which was empty, thank God, until someone just grabbed my wrist. I yelped. “Princess Carlott?” I froze. My body turned as cold as a corpse. I instantly recognized the voice behind me. “Princ

CARLY I like Rome. I mean, I like him a lot. And it had been a while since I kissed someone. I knew he’d been calling me and texting me, but I was pacing back and forth in my room, berating if I should apologize for my behavior and ignore him. But how could I? -Sleeping around with his employee??? I barely had enough sleep and would turn into a monster if I didn’t get at least three hours. But this morning, it wasn’t the case. I threw my restraint out of the window, and for once, I followed my feelings. I had nothing to lose anyway. I was a nobody if I broke my heart, by all means, because my face wouldn’t flash on national TV. Right now, I was going with my gut. I left the issue about my family in the city. All I wanted to do right now was to kiss this man carrying me upstairs to probably his bedroom. I came prepared. I knew I couldn’t just kiss him if he wanted more, and it had been a while, well, years since I’d been with a man. He carefully laid me down on his king-siz

CARLY After the call, I felt like I wanted to run away far from here. I didn’t even bother asking how did Aunt Alessia get my number. So, the monarch knew where I was all this time, and they just let me be. I felt relieved and hurt at the same time. It could only mean one thing—the rogue princess didn’t matter to them anymore. I wondered what was my brother’s opinion about this. He was the one who helped me to be here, after all, and that was why Seth was still protecting me. I only managed to eat a little of the chicken mozzarella he cooked. This man knew his way in the kitchen, business, and bed. Damn, I could still feel the tingles, the humming of every cell in my body coming to life. “What’s on your mind?” he asked as he put the last plate into the dishwasher. I could feel the amusement in his tone. “Nothing important.” “I disagree.” He kissed my neck and whispered, “You’re blushing, Storm. Either you thought something embarrassing or something naughty. I bet for the latter.