Ruthless King

“I won’t.”

“Uh-huh.”

Thea called Ace’s name and he perked up. “Um, gotta go. And I was never here.” He held his finger to his lips.

Jilly shook her head. “I don’t know whether to be amused or terrified by him.”

“Both,” Regent said. “He’s going to take over the world one day.”

She couldn’t believe he’d been willing to give up his Disney money for her.

“New rules,” Regent said.

Uh-oh.

“No going on the hoverboard.”

Her shoulders slumped.

“Without protective gear. And mats laid out for you to safely land on. I want to be with you the first few times.”

“Does Ace need mats?”

“Ace is a young boy. They bounce, they don’t break.”

That was actually true.

“Next rule. No being anyone other than Jilly.”

“I can agree to that. As long as you don’t try to change for me either.”

He shook his head. “Not just for you. For me as well.” Regent cupped her face between his hands. “Next rule. Communication. I will try to tell you more often how I’m feeling. And what I need. If I need privacy to work or if I need you around. And you will tell me when I’m not giving you what you need. I will need your help to change. All right?”

“I will. I can do that.”

“And the last rule, I want you to read what you want to read. And to write whatever you want. Because there is no way that you could ever disappoint me.” That last part was said sternly and she swallowed heavily.

“Am I in trouble for that?”

“Oh, yes.”

“My butt already hurts, though.” She pouted.

“Hmm. That is true. But that’s not what your punishment is going to be.”

Uh-oh.

A knock on the door had her glancing over in surprise. Then Lottie stuck her head into the room. “Can I come in?”

“Of course, darling,” Regent said.

She tried to get off his lap again. But he wasn’t having it.

“I just wanted to check that Jilly was all right,” Lottie said with concern, watching them both closely.

“I’m fine. Just a bit embarrassed.”

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” Lottie told her. “And don’t be concerned about that vase. I’ve never liked it. I’m pretty sure everyone was hoping Ace or Keir might run into it.”