Page 38 of Romancing Rayne

“Shhh. Everything’s fine now.” I swallowed the lump in my throat before I continued. “I missed you.”

“I missed you, too. I was so worried.” She began to cry.

“So was I.” I gathered her in my arms and let her sob. Her body shook within my embrace, and I’d never been so thankful to hold her. Relief washed over me and the adrenaline crash hit me like a ton of bricks. I was bone tired and all I wanted now was to sleep for a week with Rayne safely tucked next to me.

15

Rayne

I was startled awake when the bed dipped, and I was rolled to my side. I opened my eyes to find Ghost staring at me.

“Morning, Princess.”

“Morning.”

The smell of bacon drifted around the room, and my stomach came alive.

“Hungry?” Ghost chuckled when my tummy grumbled.

“Yes. Starving.”

“Good. Spike sent up a full spread.”

The prince. Meghan. The palace. How could I have forgotten?

“Ghost!”

“Right here, Princess.”

I couldn’t stop the matching smile that formed upon seeing Ghost so happy. The relief I felt was profound. All was well as long as he was by my side.

“I’m so sorry about yesterday. I can’t believe I was so stupid and left the store.”

“None of it was your fault. It was mine. I never should’ve let you out of my sight. I’m the one who’s sorry.”

“But I knew better than to leave.”

“Let’s talk about this over breakfast, and you’re eating a big meal this morning. Doctor’s orders. Spike and Meghan are here; would you mind if they joined us? He thought you’d feel more comfortable eating up here.”

“They’re still here? Yes. Of course.”

“You go clean up, and I’ll let them know we’re ready.”

“Are you saying I look a mess?” I was sure I did, but I couldn’t help teasing Ghost.

“A beautiful mess. Please hurry, I really want you to eat something. You only had one pastry yesterday. You and the baby need food.”

“Speaking of, I have a surprise for you.”

“You want to have palace sex?”

“No.” I playfully shoved his chest. But now that he’d mentioned it, palace sex did sound fun. But Ghost was right. I needed to eat, and we needed to talk. As happy as I was to be in his arms, I still had an uneasy feeling. I was afraid once he heard about my series of dumb decisions he’d be pissed.

“What’s wrong?” He cradled my face and brushed his thumb across my cheek. “Why do you look so upset?”

“I’m afraid you’re going to be mad at me.”

“Princess, all I care about is that you’re safe and sound and in my arms. I was scared shitless yesterday, worst six hours and forty-three minutes of my life. I had no idea where you were, if you were hurt, hungry, scared. Fuck, I let you down. All I kept thinking about was how it was my fault you were out in the city alone, not even a week into our marriage and I’d already broken my promise to you.”