Page 28 of The Princess and the SEAL

My father’s hands shook. “Giselle, you stayed with an American mercenary? What were you thinking? You are engaged to be married! Young lady, how foolish could you be?”

Normally, I would just allow my father to have the final word.

But not today.

“I was thinking, Father, that I had just been mugged, and I was terrified. This man, who you just called an American killer, was actually the only person in this entire town to ask if I was okay. He ran after my mugger and attempted to get my items back.” I paused—about to lie. “Absolutely nothing inappropriate happened between us. I’m completely lucky that I met him. You should be thanking him.”

My father glared at me, and I met his gaze right back. I was not going to back down.

“Why didn’t you just walk to the nearest hotel and have them call me? I would’ve wired you money immediately.”

Good question. I didn’t want to tell him the truth. Which was that I’d seen the past twenty-four hours as a brilliant once-in-a-lifetime adventure with a handsome stud. One that I would never regret.

“Well, honestly, Papa, it was late, and I was scared. I was pretty shaken up after I had been mugged. And I really didn’t want to bother you or have you worry. I took this trip to become independent and enjoy my last days as a single woman. The last thing I wanted to do was run to my father and ask for help.”

My father exhaled. “I understand, Giselle. So, what are your plans now?”

Breathe, Giselle, breathe.“I plan to continue my vacation.”

“Very well. But I must insist on providing you security. Pierre and Henri traveled with me. Henri can stay behind with you.”

I didn’t want to travel with Henri—I wanted to travel with Ryan.

“I appreciate that offer, Papa, but I have to do this on my own.”

My father shook his head. “No, Giselle. I insist. See what happened when you traveled without protection?”

I nodded. “Yes, I do. And that was wrong of me. But I want to be alone, away from the palace and everything that goes along with it.” I paused and closed my eyes. “I’ve hired the Navy SEAL as my own personal bodyguard for the rest of the trip.”

His eyes bulged. “An American? No. Our security detail is fine.”

I silently doubted Henri or Pierre would’ve handled the mugger the way Ryan had. “Well, it’s not up to you, Father. This is the last time I can be on my own before my wedding. I’m continuing my trip with Ryan.”

“That’s completely out of the question. In case you have forgotten, young lady, you are engaged to Miguel. It’s inappropriate for you to be traipsing across the country with an American man.”

Heat stirred inside me, and years of anger and resentment pulsed through my words. “And what, pray tell, is Miguel doing at this exact moment? Last time I checked the tabloids, he was on a yacht in Ibiza with a bunch of models. I’m not married yet, and I will do what I want, when I want. I’m sorry I worried you, but I assure you that I am fine, and my virtue is intact. You will see me back at the palace in a week, but until then, I’m going to continue my trip with Ryan as my bodyguard. That’s final.” A wave of relief rolled off me as I said those words.

Wow. I couldn’t believe I actually stood up to him. I had always been the dutiful daughter, princess, and subject. What had possessed me to stand up for myself?

One word.

Ryan.

I had only known him for a day, and I was already asserting myself.

My father locked his eyes on mine. I had his stubborn streak; he knew that all too well. I would not back down.

“I must meet this young man.”

Right. Ugh. Meeting the parents was a bit too soon, but Ryan wasn’t my boyfriend; he was my bodyguard. But Ryan had already offered to talk to my father, so I was sure it would be fine.

“Of course you can. He’s in the lobby. I’ll go get him.”

I walked out to Ryan, who was staring at his phone. His eyes lit up when he saw me, and warmth flooded my body.

“How’d it go? Do I need to kidnap you from your castle in the middle of the night?”

I rolled my eyes. He was always such a smartass. “My father wants to meet you.”