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Multi-colored eyes capture mine, and a feeling of warmth and safety blanket me, much like our first meeting.
Another feeling rises up as well, one I’ve only ever felt around this man. I feel… raw and exposed, but instead of being scared, I long for Ryker to gather me up in his embrace and soothe every part of me.
“No, I’m sorry,” Ryker responds softly. “I didn’t mean to scare you. Are you looking for the dining hall?” he asks, stepping away from me. I busy myself by brushing off my shirt, as if I care about wrinkling this two-dollar second-hand piece of fabric.
“We are,” Ren says, looping her arm through mine and smiling at the King. Ryker gives me one last look, and I swear I can hear him silently asking if I’m okay. I give him a smile and a nod, and he winks at me.
Good lord, that should be illegal. Coupled with his easy grin and mesmerizing eyes, it’s just not fair how sexy this man is.
“I’m headed there too,” Ryker says. “I’ll show you the way.”
We fall into step with King Ryker, and I share an excited look with Ren as we head down the hallway and then down the stairs.
“How did you two sleep?” he asks..
“Good. I just might steal that mattress when I leave,” I tease him as we head into the dining hall.
The tables are half filled with the six other girls and some of whom I assume are King Ryker’s advisors.
“Sit with me,” King Ryker insists. We nod, following him over to the head table.
I notice a few of the girls glaring at us, and I step closer to Ren. It’s not the first time we’ve faced judgmental people, but I know we’ll always have each other’s back.
Ren squares her shoulders and straightens her back, making me smile. She may be shy, but she’s loyal and scrappy, and I have no doubt my bestie would defend me if it came to that.
Thankfully, it seems like these girls are more bark than bite.
“It doesn’t look like we’ll be making any friends here,” I whisper to Ren. She nods, then shrugs.
“That’s okay. I have you.”
I smile and bump her hip with mine. She’s the best bestie I could ask for.
Ryker pulls out two chairs, and I thank him as I sit down. He takes the seat beside me, and a server is instantly in front of us, ready to bring us whatever we want.
Ryker and I order the pancakes and bacon, while Ren gets eggs and sausage. After the server is gone, I turn to face Ryker
“So, what’s on the agenda for today?” I ask him as three cups and a carafe of coffee are set in front of us.
“Well it’s the first group date today. Then tomorrow is a one on one outing.”
“Are the dates planned out too?” Ren asks. Ryker shakes his head.
“No, the King can set the schedule.”
“What are we doing today then?” I ask him.
“I thought that we could go into town. I can show you two some of the hidden gems in my kingdom, and we can do some shopping for the ball on Friday.”
“Are you paying?” Ren asks with the sweetest smile. I elbow her as the waiter heads our way with our breakfast.
“Ren,” I hiss, my cheeks burning. She shrugs, giving me a playful smile.
Ryker just chuckles and nods. “I am,” he says with a grin. The king winks at me, and just like every other time, I can barely breathe. He’s too dang handsome for his own good. Whoever ends up as his queen is one lucky lady.
Our food is set in front of us and we all dig in. I didn’t realize how hungry I was. We barely had a chance to eat last night. We had to stand lined up with everyone else while Ryker announced the eight girls who would be staying, and then we headed back to the hotel to get our things. By the time we got back and were shown to our rooms, the party was pretty much winding down.
“Do you want more?” Ryker asks. I look up at him, realizing I’ve just been shoving food into my mouth instead of joining the conversation. He frowns at me, then his eyes turn soft. “I didn’t think about feeding you dinner last night. You must be starving.”
