Chapter 31

MILA

I gaped at Felix for a moment, in total shock.

“It’s been two days,” I choked out. Felix shrugged.

“Time feels like it moves slower with you, Mila, like I’ve known you forever. Besides, you don’t have a real place to live right now, and this way we can really get to know each other and strengthen our bond as a couple.”

I actually could relate to that feeling, of knowing him forever, but I still hesitated for a moment.

“If nothing else, it would give me tremendous peace of mind to know that you’re safe each night,” Felix continued.

It was a tempting offer.

“I do hate the motel,” I said finally. Felix broke out into a huge grin and threw his arms around me. He was so full of joy, it was almost a form of childlike excitement. I couldn’t help but laugh and smile along with him.

“I’ll have one of the drivers take you back to the motel so you can gather your things,” he said. “I have a quick errand I need to take care of.”

It did not take long to pack my things up at the motel. I really had very little to my name right now. By the time Felix’s driver dropped me back off at the apartment, it was mid-morning, and Felix had returned from his errand.

I started unpacking in his room–our room–when he dropped in to help me unpack.

“Have you checked out the closets yet?” Felix asked casually. Too casually.

“I saw that they were there when we came in last night, but I haven’t hung up anything yet,” I said.

Felix smirked. “Why don’t you go ahead and see what’s inside?”

“What’s inside?” Bewildered, I made my way over to the large mahogany door that guarded what I could only assume to be a walk-in closet.

I had assumed right, but that wasn’t the most shocking part.

All of the clothes I had tried on from the day Felix took me shopping hung in the closet, tags still on.

I whirled around to face him. “What’s all this?” I demanded to know, aware that my voice was shaking due to the lump in my throat.

Felix shrugged. “I know you loved all those clothes, and I know you would never get them yourself. But since you live here now, you have space.”

“Felix, this is too kind–” I tried to protest, but he cut me off.

“You deserve lovely things, Mila,” he said, taking a step towards me and cradling my head. “And I want to be the one to give them to you.”

My heart softened at his gentle declaration.

“Well, when you put it that way…” I leaned my head against his chest. I could hear his heartbeat–a steady, strong thump thump thump that assuaged all my doubts and anxieties.

“Not to mention, you’re my consort now,” Felix continued. “That means you’ll need appropriate outfits for a variety of occasions.”

“Oh yeah? When’s the next polo match?” I said.

Felix chuckled. “Well, our sporting activities are a little more… intense… than polo.”

“Rugby?”

“Something like that,” Felix replied. He had that distant look in his eye again. I tried to shake it off. We were having a good morning. No need to disturb that.

“What are you doing today?” Felix asked, in a clear attempt to change the subject.

“Putting down my official bid on the restaurant space,” I told him. “I have to send it in by 11. And then I’m hoping to unpack a little, make the room feel a bit more homey.”

“Is there anything you need?” Felix looked around the space. “I know we moved you in here kind of fast.”

“Well, I don’t have much,” I admitted. “I sold most of my belongings just so that I could move here.”

“Well, why don’t we go shopping today?” Felix suggested. “We can get a few things for the apartment so you feel like you have a personal touch here.”

“Felix, that’s very generous–” I began.

“Anything you want. I insist.”

“I wouldn’t mind getting some cooking utensils,” I said tentatively, “so that I can cook whatever and whenever I want. Some new pots and pans, a slow cooker, maybe.”

Felix smiled widely, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I would love nothing more than to buy you the perfect slow cooker.”

“And maybe some art for the walls,” I went on. “The modern aesthetic is nice, but it lacks color.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Felix said, pulling me to my feet. “Get dressed and let’s go.”

Felix’s phone started ringing. He looked down at it, his brow furrowing.

“It’s my father. I should probably take it,” he said. He gave me one more kiss on the cheek before heading out the door.

I had just sat down on the floor to unpack my suitcase when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned around to see Felix’s housekeeper, who I had met the first time I spent the night.

“Hello?” I asked. She looked just as grumpy as she had last time I saw her.

“A suitcase?” she asked. She looked concerned.

I looked down at my luggage and then back at her.

“I, uh, Felix, the Prince, he asked me to move in,” I said, stumbling over my words. “We’re dating. Courting, he called it.”

She stared at me, blankly.

“I’m sorry, we should have told you first.” I nearly whispered the words.

Imagine my surprise when a giant smile broke out across her face.

“A girlfriend!” she exclaimed. I nodded, a little confused by her sudden joyous reaction.

“Oh my dear, welcome! I am so happy to have you here.”

She hauled me to my feet and threw her arms around me. The hug startled me even more than the smile.

“Felix has so many girls come and go,” she explained, clearly seeing the shock on my face. “It is easier for me not to get attached to any of them. “But since you, there have been no girls.”

She leaned in closer. “You are the first girl to stay the night twice in the entire time I’ve known Felix. That makes you special.”

I blushed.

“I’m Mrs. Raven, by the way,” she said, kissing me on both cheeks. “It is a pleasure to formally meet you.”

“Mila,” I said by way of greeting.

She smiled at me warmly. “Mila. What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl.”

“I’ve known Felix since he was a little boy,” Mrs. Raven said lightly. “He was always very charming. But he knows all I’ve ever wanted for him is consistency. His parents have such a heartwarming love story, I thought he deserved one of his own. No girl has ever captured his heart, until you.”

I bowed my head to hide my embarrassment. “Thank you, Mrs. Raven.”

“Now come, come,” she said, ushering me out of the bedroom and towards the kitchen. “Write down everything you like so I can go grocery shopping. Are there any meals you would like me to prepare while you’re here?”

“Oh! I’m a chef, actually,” I explained. “I love to do my own cooking.”

“A chef!” Mrs. Raven’s eyes lit up. “We shall get along splendidly, my dear.”