I snort. “Like her father’s lackeys give her any time to be sneaky. She’s watched closer than the president. Honestly, I don’t know how she doesn’t feel like a prisoner.”
“You wouldn’t have her watched?”
“She would have a guard, but I would not limit where she could go unless I felt she was walking into danger. I protect my own.”
Another beat of silence “Her father refuses to consider your offer.”
“I figured he would. What about you?”
He chuckles. “Smart man. I’ve chosen two suitors while her father has made his choice. You will all three date her over the next month while I make my decision. For your candor tonight, I will allow you the first date. It will be tomorrow, or well today since it is early morning. Callum will be her guard. He will contact you with the details.”
“Understood. Thank you for this opportunity.”
“Listen to me, Haruaki. If you hurt my niece or you’re playing games, I don’t care what your reputation is. I will find you and I will end you. Am I clear?”
“Crystal.”
“Good. Good luck.”
I’m nervous.My hands are sweaty and if I keep biting my lip, I’m afraid I’ll make it bleed.
My first date is today. Not just my first date with my eligible bachelors. My first date ever.
I’ve always wondered what it would be like. To go out on dates. Flirt and have fun.
I’ve seen others on dates when I’ve been out. It looks nice. The way they look at each other as they get to know one another. Their bodies speaking for them. If they are enjoying themselves, how they unknowingly lean in. Or when it’s going horribly and they have their arms crossed, shields up.
I wonder if there is any truth to the fiction I read and watch. Those dates don’t always turn outright, but in the end, the two magically find their way back to each other.
True love.
I want that. I want someone to love me so much that he puts me first. I don’t want the hero. No, straight-laced, good guys aren’t what I need. They would do what they believe is right, but that wouldn’t always mean making me a priority.
No, I want the bad guy. The one in the book who would murder everyone in his path if it meant saving the one woman he loves. I want that kind of mindless devotion. I want him to love me selfishly.
Do I think I will ever experience that kind of love? No. How could I? I’m going to be promised to a man out of duty, not love. He will always put business before me, like my father.
I’m destined to be a plaything to be looked at and touched on a whim, but then put up on the shelf to collect dust when they are bored.
This is the life my father condemned me to.
As we draw closer to the café, my nerves settle in.
What if he changed his mind?
Who is my date? Killian told me I’m responsible for scheduling all of them but this one.
Who did he choose for me to see first?
Is the man I’m about to see his top pick?
My thoughts spiral as I slide out of the car and walk toward the café. I take a deep breath as Callum holds the door open for me. Stepping inside the café, I let out a relieved breath when I see Kai waiting for me. I don’t know why I feel relieved, but I don’t question it.
Callum and I walk toward the table he has grabbed for us, Kai holding out my chair for me.
“Thank you.” I smile at Kai.
Callum leans down, whispering in my ear, “I’ll be over there to give you some time to get to know him. If you’re uncomfortable, just signal me.”
