Page 95 of The Romance Adventure
“Look, there’s stitching here.” I point.
Royal smooths his fingers over it and glances up at me, eyes bright.
If it were printed, it could certainly be part of a treasure map.
Royal’s lips part with wonder. I hardly believe my eyes. This is the real deal. We’re all quiet, eyes flitting from the map fragment to each other.
Royal grips his brother’s shoulder. “Sorry that I doubted you, CJ.”
“Well, don’t thank me yet. That ship is still out there.”
Our gazes turn toward the water where a massive ship glides past.
“Glandman is likely going to try to make opening this place difficult, and—”
“Save it. We’ve had enough trouble for one day.” Royal shakes his head sharply.
“Yeah, but—”
The sound of helicopter blades cuts through the air. CJ glances up, an unreadable expression on his face—excitement, trepidation, something else.
“When is Magnus supposed to return?” he asks.
Royal shrugs.
“I’d better get back,” CJ says, already rushing away.
“Expecting company?”
“Something like that,” he calls over his shoulder.
“I have some reading and research to do. I’ll find out if Mr. Edmonton knows anything.” With the ship’s logbook in hand, Bean heads back to the bookstore café.
Royal and I remain at the Driftwood, keeping a weather eye on the ship with the dark sails.
“So, your mother was a princess?” I ask, recalling the story of the House of Sousa.
“The descendant of a princess.”
“Does that make you a prince?”
Royal smirks like he has a secret. “I thought of this whole thing like one of Chip’s chess games. You were the queen, positioned to undo me.”
“I wouldn’t think of it. We’re equal partners in this endeavor.”
“I’ll settle for that.” We link hands. “We have adventures ahead and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather go on them with.”
“As long as it doesn’t involve skydiving.”
“Have you tried it?”
I swallow thickly. “Once. I liked it about as much as you enjoy being in a boat.”
“I guess that’s something I’ll have to get used to. And saying I’m sorry. Sorry for being a royal jerk.”
I lace my arms around his neck. “Sorry for getting you involved in that mess with Dax and his goons.”
Royal rings his hands around my waist, clasping them behind my low back. “No, I’m sorry you got duped by the Norris brothers. You’re not the only one, though.”
