Chapter SIXTY-NINE

  I rubbed my neck gently one more time before turning away from the mirror and exiting the room. It’s afternoon already, and I’m not sure when Ryder left but it must have been a long time because his scent on the bed wasn’t as strong as I would have liked it to be.

  I blushed when all the memories of the previous night came flooding back in my head. I’d hoped to still find him beside me when I woke up, but after sleeping till mid-day, I didn’t see how that would have been possible. I feel different, but in a good way.

  To my relief, the new bodyguard wasn’t anywhere around when I stepped out, and when I passed the other guards stationed at different locations, they bowed to acknowledge my presence.

  I got to the front porch to find Elsie and Layla waiting for me, looks like Ryder forgave his sister after all. The excitement in their eyes said it all - they knew.

  “Let me see,” Layla squeals, turning my neck gently to admire Prince Ryder’s mark.