Chapter 14: Erik
“Thank you, your majesty. We could not have gotten to this point without you.”
I inclined my head as I looked at the two sides seated in the boardroom, my eyes falling on each one of them. For the last three hours, I had listened to each side, giving my opinions here and there as they gave me their plights. While they all had valid points, there was no excuse for the loss of life, and I fully believed that the enormity of what had happened today, well, yesterday now, had touched each one of them. “We must move on from this and honor those that have died. We must put our differences aside and make sure this resolution that each one of you has agreed to are carried out.”
“Yes,” the chairman said as I started toward the door. “You will not be disappointed.”
I did not answer, blowing out a breath as I was escorted to the waiting car, loosening my tie as I went. I was bone tired, but happy that I had been part of this mending of fences that was going to happen over the next few days and weeks ahead.
“Erik.”
I looked up to see Monique standing near the doorway, dressed in a shirt that had her father’s logo emblazoned on it. One of the men in that room had been her father. “Monique.”
She cocked her head to the side, a hand on her hip. “You look exhausted. Have you had anything to eat since you got here?”
I shook my head, my stomach rumbling at the thought of food. A few cups of coffee had been the only fuel I had since climbing off the helicopter hours ago. “I’m afraid a meal was not served on the flight in.”
She laughed. “Come on. I know just the place. Can I get a ride though? I came in with father.”
I shrugged. “Sure.”
Monique smiled as we walked out together, the flashing of cameras capturing our every move as I allowed her to climb in the car first. The media was all over the secret meeting between the two sides, and while I had addressed them an hour ago officially, they were still looking for any juicy tidbit that was left.
“Gosh they are horrid, are they not?” Monique said as the car pulled away from the curb, having already given directions to the food.
“They will move on to something new tomorrow,” I said, drumming my fingers on my leg. Now that the crisis was over, I was looking forward to getting back on that helicopter and flying home. To Carrie. I owed her some attention from having to leave her tonight.
More importantly, I just wanted to get home.
“What are you grinning about?” Monique asked, a quizzical smile on her face. “Soaking in your victory now?”
I shook my head, a grin on my face. “Just thinking about going home.” I looked down at my watch, seeing that it a few hours before morning. “You know what? I think I will have to reschedule food for another time. I’m going to just head back.”
She frowned. “Are you sure? You will feel so much better with a meal in your belly Erik. I was going to take you to my place.”
My smile slid off my face. “What?”
She gave me a coy smile, her fingers running over the leather seat lightly. “I was going to take care of you, you know, like I should be doing anyway.”
I leaned forward, stopping the driver immediately. He pulled the car over, and I pointed at the door, a frown on my face. “Get out Monique.”
She let out a heavy sigh, rolling her eyes. “When are you going to stop pretending that American is going to be part of this life? I mean, she’s not even of royal blood.”
I reached over her and opened the door myself. “She might not be of royal blood, but she’s a hell of a lot better than you. Get out of my fucking car.”
She huffed but climbed out, and I shut the door in her face, tapping on the glass to get the driver to move. What the hell had she been thinking? I wasn’t interested in her, and I doubt I ever had been. Go to her place? That was the last thing on my mind.
I just wanted to go home.
***
The flight to the palace was quick, and the sun was just starting to rise on the horizon when the helicopter touched down, allowing me to wearily walk into the palace. I paused by the great hall, finding my father eating his customary breakfast at the crack of dawn. His eyes were full of relief as he saw me in the doorway, laying down his spoon before speaking. “I trust all is well?”
I nodded. “All is well. They reached a resolution that will stick this time or by god we are going to get rid of the lot of them.”
He chuckled, waving a hand at me. “Go on to bed. I know a particular young lady that would be happy to see you back in one piece.”
I arched a brow. Are you giving me permission to go to her suites under your roof?”
My father looked down at his porridge, a grin on his face. “I put her in yours. Good night son.”
I chuckled and pushed away from the doorway, my steps just a bit faster as I walked to my suite, stripping off my coat in the process. While I would love to have a hot shower, knowing that Carrie was in my bed, waiting for me, was enough to just strip off my clothes and climb in beside her.
The bedroom was dark when I entered, shedding the rest of my clothing along the way as I walked over to the bed, pulling back the covers and sliding in. Carefully, I reached for her, pulling her against the length of my body with a heartfelt sigh.
She felt fucking amazing, and I never wanted to leave.