54. Wesley
54
WESLEY
Nina doesn’t realize that she’s the reason I’m not being charged.
Not only because I was protecting the future queen, but because she mentioned Suchko when she told the royal guard—and the police commissioner—everything that happened.
Suchko, the biggest product supplier and business partner of Vitalis.
Vitalis, who specializes in human trafficking.
I should’ve shot Arlo the second I saw him at the meeting. The princess of Maldana almost being sold into human trafficking warranted such deadly force, according to the head of the royal guard, the police commissioner, and a Supreme Court judge. Regardless, the hours of pouring over the salvaged records of my crimes leave a heavy pit in my stomach.
The fact that those were a small portion of everything I’ve done only makes it worse.
The effects of the past few days break me down at last. Exhaustion steals my energy.
Nina. Her name echoes through my heart as I walk down the corridor. Just a few minutes of being with her, holding her, and I’ll start to feel better.
I spot Maia exiting her bedroom as I turn the corner. She pauses, cocking a hip. “I asked you to look out for my sister—not fall in love with her.”
“Apologies, but to be fair, it happened long before our conversation.”
She smirks. “Good answer.” Her bracelets chime together as she crosses her arms. “Do I call you Wesley now?”
“Wesley is fine, yes.”
Awkwardness lingers around us, but Maia’s the type to feel most comfortable in an awkward situation. “I trust you with her,” she says sweetly. Then, in the same tone, she adds, “Break that trust and I’ll break your neck.”
I can’t help the chuckle breaking free from my chest. “Understood.”
“And she’s not in there,” Maia calls as I approach Nina’s bedroom door. “She’s in the throne room.”
After another five-minute walk, I stride into the room with a long path lined with pillars. I spot Nina standing in front of the throne at the other end.
Once I get closer, I say, “This view is the reason I call you angel .”
She looks over her shoulder. The windows behind the throne reach the ceiling, the evening sun illuminating her figure. “What view?”
I wrap my arms around her from behind, burying my face in her hair. “When you watch the sky or sunset, the light outlines you.” I kiss her neck. “Angel. Mi angeli.”
I feel her tense as she blushes. She holds onto me, shifting her head to connect our lips.
“I had a meeting with the Higher Court today,” she mutters.
I hum. “No doubt they want me gone. Bad publicity.”
Nina shakes her head, attempting a smile as she meets my gaze. Her eyes glisten in the light. “It’s taken care of, so don’t worry.”
I lift my brows. “As in…”
“As in they can’t tell me who to love. Your records will be sealed and you’ll make as many public engagements as you want.”
“Which is none.”
She chuckles. “I know. And another thing. Jack told me about the task force for Lo Revínastí. I want you to lead it.”
My eyes widen. That’s not what I expected her to say.
“The job isn’t meant for anyone else,” she presses. “We both know that.”
I hadn’t had time to consider work after this, but I nod and say, “Okay.” It will keep me close to Nina and I’ll be doing something I’m good at: hunting.
When I notice her watching the throne, I say, “You can sit there, you know.”
“But there’s a rope.”
She points to the velvet rope that prohibits further entry. With a scoff, I unhook the latch and gesture toward the expensive chair.
“Your Highness.”
She rolls her eyes, but a smile spreads across her lips. She takes my outstretched hand, walking up the dais before wiping her palms on her pink floral dress.
I slide my hands into my pockets, watching her. The golden hour glows against her brown skin as she pulls her soft curls to one shoulder. Lastly, she smooths the dress beneath her as she sits on the decadent throne, her movements graceful and delicate.
Mi verinìta Maldasso.
I might be biased, but the throne was made for her. Royalty. Princess. Queen. Nina was meant for this. When she meets my eyes, an incredulous grin flies onto her face and she clamps her hands over her mouth.
“How does it feel?” I ask.
“Overwhelming.” She huffs, flopping back into the million-dollar seat. After a moment, she blurts, “Take me somewhere.”
“Like where?”
“Anywhere—as long as it’s just us. Everything is about to get a whole lot crazier and I want to go somewhere with you first. We can leave tomorrow.”
“Hm.” Excitement thrums through me at the idea of having her all to myself for days on end. There’s one city I’ve always wanted to visit. “Rome?”
Nina grins. “Rome is perfect.”