Royal Heir (Westerly Billionaire #3)(45)

Reggie continued, “He was a little on the creepy side, so I sent my kids back with my wife and kept following you.”

Okay. That’s also a little creepy, but I’m going to try to see it as sweet. Don’t they say never ask questions you don’t want to hear the answers to? But I have to. “Did you see anything else?”

“This is where it gets weird—”

This is? This is? Rachelle kept silent, both because she wanted to hear what else he’d seen and because her head was spinning.

“There was a woman following the man who was following you. No shit. When you were in front of the café, about to make out with your prince boyfriend, did you think you were alone? They were both there, just standing around pretending they weren’t watching you.”

Lurch, you’re freaking me out. Rachelle rode down the elevator with Reggie. “Why would anyone be following me? I’m no one.”

“You’re an heiress to billions, the sister of an A-list movie star, and you’re dating a prince—not a no one. I bet you’re about to be kidnapped and ransomed.”

Rachelle gasped. She remembered how she’d initially felt about Magnus’s guards. “I’m paranoid enough without any help. Don’t joke like that.”

“Who’s joking?” Reggie said with a shrug.

Grabbing Reggie by both arms, Rachelle said, “I’m going out with Prince Magnus now. Do you think he’s involved?”

Reggie pried her hands off him. “Now you’re letting your imagination run away with you. Not everyone is out to get you.”

“Just the two people who are following me around?” Rachelle asked in a high pitch. She looked around. “Do you see them now?”

“Listen, I wouldn’t have told you if I thought it was going to upset you. It could be nothing.”

“You said I was about to be kidnapped.”

“I shouldn’t have said anything. I don’t know. It’s just a feeling.”

Rachelle hugged her arms around herself. How could I not have noticed someone following me?

Where was my mind? Chocolate and Magnus.

What great final words those would make.

Eric had been right about money changing a person’s life—and not all in good ways. She was beginning to see what he meant. “Reggie, do you think I need a bodyguard?”

He made a face. “I’d get one. I’m willing to watch out for you, but take a bullet? Eh. I have kids. You know?”

Rachelle nodded. Note to self: Reggie—not a hero. At least, not mine.

The elevator stopped before the lobby, and Reggie stepped out.

“Where are you going?” Rachelle asked.

“Not on your date. I’ve seen how the two of you drool all over each other. It’d be awkward.”

“I shouldn’t go, either.” She went to step out, also, but Reggie held up a hand to stop her.

“You want my opinion? You’re safer with him than you are alone.”

The door of the elevator closed a few inches in front of Rachelle’s face. She stepped back and almost lost her balance. Safer with Magnus? If we’re at that point, shouldn’t I go to the police?

And say what? “My brother’s electrician was covertly following me and noticed he wasn’t the only one doing it”? “Oh, where’s my brother? I can’t say. Who’s following me? I don’t know.”

Am I losing my mind?

Probably.

She took out her phone and considered calling her grandmother. I can only imagine what she’d say if I tried to explain this to her.

And then I’d have to tell her why I won’t leave Vandorra yet. Eric would never forgive me for involving her.

When the elevator door opened at the lobby, Magnus was right there—smiling.

Rachelle took a shaky step toward him.



Magnus tensed when he saw how pale and unsteady Rachelle was. He took one of her arms and guided her to a bench near the elevator, then sat beside her. “Are you feeling okay?”

She shook her head. “No. I might throw up.”

Phillip took a step back. Magnus didn’t budge. “Are you ill?” He placed his hand on her forehead. No fever. He took one of her hands in his. It was cold. “Did something happen?” This wasn’t at all how he’d imagined seeing her again would go, but he didn’t care. He needed to make sure she was okay. “Tell me.”

“Can I trust you?” Large, scared eyes sought his, and his heart began a wild dance in his chest.

Her question hit him like a punch. He’d come to her thinking mostly of himself and what he wanted, but when she looked at him, none of that mattered. “Yes.”

Her eyes shone with emotion. “We have to make sure Eric is safe without letting everyone know where he is or what’s happening.”

“Eric is safe, Rachelle. I spoke with him this morning.”

She shook her head. “That’s not enough. I need to know he is. I need to know I am.”

She was genuinely upset, and he was filled with an anger that had nowhere to go. Something had spooked her. Whether the threat was real or imagined, he would do whatever it took to make sure he never saw that look in her eyes again. “I should not have allowed you to choose your own hotel. Phillip, have her things packed and brought down.”