Royally Kidnapped by the Prince novel Chapter 12

THAYER

“So?” Lud asked. His eyes sparkled with anticipation.

“Don’t stick your nose in my business.”

He shook in the front seat. I wanted to hit him in the head. He thought it was funny. In my entire life, I had never encountered being turned down by a woman. I was the one who was used to turning offers down. 

Even if Kennedy knew who I really was, I might still be getting the same answer. She wasn’t ready to give up her job. I shouldn’t be surprised.

“It wasn’t so bad. She’s in love with you, but you left with so many unanswered questions.” Ash looked over his shoulder.

“I hope you’re right.”

“I know when a woman has feelings or not. She wouldn’t have acted the way she did if she didn’t have feelings for you. She was confused and undecided. You have to give her time. She’ll come around.” 

“And that precious time you didn’t have,” Lud sang.

“Shut the fuck up, Ludovic.” Ash glared at him.

“She doesn’t fully trust you, man,” Lud was still talking. "I can't blame her, though."

“Damn it. Do you have a plan to stay in the US?” Ash warned him again.

I rolled my eyes. “I need peace of mind before I meet my father.”

My phone rang. It was Aunt Alessia.

“Let me guess. You’re on your way.” Those are her first words.

“Yes.”

“And you don’t sound so happy.” Nothing made me happy at this moment.

I rubbed my temples. I could still feel her kiss, the taste of her lips. Her scent was everywhere. I squeezed my eyes shut. “I need a favor.”

“I thought you’d never ask.” There was excitement in her voice.

“You don’t know what favor I am asking from you, Aunt Alessia.”

“Okay. I’m listening.”

“I want you to fire Kennedy.”

My words caught Ash’s attention. “What?”

“Why in the hell would you do that?” Lud gave me a look as if I was losing my mind. Right now, I was.

“I can’t do that, Thayer,” she answered with hesitation because she shouldn’t have said no to me. But she was also a family.

“Would you rather let me live in vain? If I couldn’t have her, then I would be breaking my words. That’s the only way I can think of right now.”

“Let’s kidnap her instead.”

“Are you out of your mind?” Ash spat out at Lud.

“I have a better idea. And it works in progress,” Aunt Alessia replied from another line.

My chest expanded with hope. “What do you mean?”

“My assignment to her.”

“Are you kidding me?” Ash faced Lud in disbelief. “She would surely succeed. I’ve only known her for a few days, and she’s the kind of woman who never gives up until she gets what she wants.”

“I hope you’re right, man,” Lud sang. “Because I can feel that you’re her next conquest.”

“She would, but by that time, she would learn who you are. Secrets are always the reason for unsuccessful relationships, Thayer. All you have to do is show her the real you.”

“Easier said than done.”

“I never said about anything easy. You really have feelings for Kennedy, haven’t you?” Aunt Alessia asked.

“Are you doubting my feelings?” 

“Then I would be the last one to come in between the two of you. But firing Kennedy without any reason, I couldn’t do that. Her works contributed a lot to the company, and she would be my great loss if I fire her. But for the sake of my family, I’m willing to give her up as long as you will take care of her, Thayer.”

“Thank you, Auntie.”

“Don’t thank me yet because you are about to face the most difficult quest.”

***

I couldn’t think of anything other than the image of Kennedy while I watched her sleep. She consumed me. She was all I could think about. 

“You need to get your head straight, Your Highness.”