Page 81 of The Prince and the Bodyguard
“That makes sense. Education was always the point of this American adventure, wasn’t it?” There was something almost wryly amused in his tone. “I’ll continue funding your education. Consider it an investment in your future independence.”
“Thank you, Father. That means more than I can say.”
“There’s something else we need to discuss. Your security.”
My stomach tightened again. “What about it?”
“I won’t leave you unprotected, Gregory, regardless of our disagreements. I’ve arranged for Special Agent Puller’s assignment to continue temporarily, with funding through a discrete channel that won’t raise questions.”
I looked at Bash, whose expression had grown suddenly serious. “For how long?”
“Until you graduate. But Gregory, you need to understand something.” My father’s voice became grave. “When your relationship becomes public—and itwillbecome public at some point—Special Agent Puller’s career with the Secret Service will be over. They do not tolerate personal relationships between protectors and protectees, especially not relationships that compromise professional judgment.”
The words hit like a physical blow, even though I’d known this was inevitable. “I see.”
“Make sure he understands the implications. He’s sacrificing his career for this relationship.”
“He knows. We’ve discussed it.”
“And he’s willing to accept that consequence?”
I looked at Bash, who nodded without hesitation. “He is.”
“Then he must care for you a great deal.”
“He does. And I care for him just as much. We’re both making sacrifices to be together.”
“I suppose that’s what love requires sometimes,” my father said, and I heard something in his voice I hadn’t expected—understanding, perhaps even acceptance.
We were quiet for a moment, both processing the conversation and its implications.
“Gregory,” my father said finally, “I want you to know that while I may not understand your choices, I understand that you’ve made them. And I’d rather have a son who’s happy than no son at all.”
The simple honesty of it nearly broke me. “Thank you, Father. That means everything to me.”
“Call me again in a few days. I’ll have spoken with Uncle Henry by then, and we can finalize the arrangements.”
“I will.”
“And Gregory? Be careful. The media attention when this becomes public will be intense. Make sure you’re prepared for that.”
“We will be.”
“Good. Take care of yourself, son.”
I hesitated, then spoke the words I hadn’t uttered to him in years, not since I’d been a little boy. “I love you, Father.”
I could hear the little gasp of surprise, but then, “I love you too, Gregory. More than you know.”
After he hung up, I sat holding the phone. It wasn’t complete acceptance, and there were conditions and consequences that would fundamentally change my life, but it was so much more than I’d dared hope for.
“How much of that did you catch?” I asked Bash.
“Titles without duties, education funding, temporary security arrangement. And the part about my career being over when we go public.”
“I’m sorry about your job.”
“Don’t be.” Bash’s voice was firm. “I knew what I was risking from the moment I kissed you back. Hell, I probably knew before that. Some things are worth more than a career, Eddie. You’re worth more than any job.”
