Twisted-Games

expected such a one-eighty so soon. Rhys was almost colder now than when
we’d first met.
“Thank you.” I was so caught off guard I couldn’t think of anything else
to say. “For packing and breakfast.”
“You’re welcome.”
My good mood from earlier drained away, but I hid my disappointment as
I ate breakfast alone while Rhys checked to make sure everything in the
house looked okay before we left.
He saved the kitchen for last, maybe because I was in there.
“Mr. Larsen.” It didn’t seem right to call him Rhys, given the chill
hanging between us.
“Yes?” He opened the now-empty fridge and gave it a cursory scan
before closing the door.
“I have a proposition for you.”
He tensed, and I couldn’t hold back a bitter smile.
“Not that kind of proposition,” I said. “And before I say it, I want you to
know, it has nothing to do with…recent events.” I hoped I wasn’t making a
fool of myself, but if I was, so be it. If I wanted something, I needed to voice
it. Otherwise, I had no one to blame except myself when I was wracked with
regrets over what-ifs. “You’re a good bodyguard, and I’m already going
through enough changes with Nikolai’s abdication. I would like someone by
my side who I’m comfortable with during the transition.”
Rhys was so still he resembled a statue.
“If I put in the request, I think the palace would be amenable to extending
your contract until I’m more comfortable in my new role.” I took a deep
breath. “It would mean you’d have to move to Eldorra temporarily, and I
understand if that would be too much. But I wanted to give you the option. In
case you wanted to stay.”
I hadn’t lied when I’d said it had nothing to do with last night. The idea
had been brewing for weeks, and I’d kept putting it off. But we were getting
down to the wire, and if I didn’t speak up now, it would never happen.
Rhys finally blinked. “When do you need an answer by?”
I fought back another wave of disappointment. Of course he needed to
think about it. It was a huge commitment. But still, I’d thought…
“Within the next week, before your contract officially ends.”
He nodded, his expression neutral. “I’ll let you know my answer before
the end of the week. Thank you for the opportunity.” Rhys left the kitchen,