Chapter 221

Cassie

Something was going on and I wanted to know what it was but I didn't have a chance to ask him because from the moment we sat in the back of the car to the second we stepped into the restaurant. We didn't have a moment alone.

First Ian was there and then the small man who owned a cliff side restaurant I had never heard of before.

"It's a pleasure to see you again your highness." The old dark haired man gave a bow of his head. He then turned his eyes on me and they widened. "And your beautiful wife. I have heard so much about you. Please come in. I've set a table out on the patio for you. I think you will find-"

His words trailed off as Julian tucked my hand into the crook of his arm and led me forward. "How many times have you taken your mistress here?" I hissed out of the corner of my mouth. Next to me Julian tensed.

"I'm so happy you are my first patrons." The old man continued.

I blushed. His first customers? I shot a look at Julian's face. His eyes darted to me and he smiled sadly.

"I understand." He whispered as he swept out the chair on one side of the only table on the patio and motioned for me to sit. I did , looking everywhere but at him.

It was beautiful here. With the twinkling lights of the patio around us and the dark sea lapping the rocks under us. The sound of the water was soothing.

Sighing happily, I leant my arm on the table and smiled a dazzling smile up at the owner.

"What a beautiful spot. I love it. Thank you for welcoming us. I don't think I've ever seen anything so stunning."

His eyes crinkled as he grinned at me. Pride puffing out his chest. "You're very well your highness and just wait until you try the food. My wife is-" he kissed his fingertips.

I couldn't help it. I laughed. "I'm looking forward to it."

"She's not as beautiful as you though, my queen." He turned to Julian as he slipped into his own chair. "You're a very lucky man indeed. Beautiful and caring. I think the queen is perfect."

"I think so as well." Julian said in a quiet voice and his eyes locked on my face.

I darted a look at him. He was really laying it on thick now with the charm and compliments and it was making me uneasy.

It made me think that he was up to something and what ever it was, I wasn't going to like.

The air around us hung heavy.

"I am not perfect. I can't cook." I said flatly.

Throwing back his head Julian laughed. "That is true. Although she does make a great eggs Benedict now." Again his eyes met mine.

"It's quickly become my favourite in the years. In fact I have it at least once a day."

I blinked at him? He did? I didn't know that?

Sensing the sudden tension between us, the owner made his escape. With a promise to be back soon with menus and champagne.

"You look beatiful tonight." He said when we were again alone.

"So you have said." I mumbled. I hated how my voice sounded. Like I was trying to start an argument but I wanted to know what was going on. Turning up and kissing me outside of work. Arranging this beautiful date for our wedding anniversary, it was all so strange and completely against what we had agreed.

"What you haven't said is why you are doing all of this?" I challenged him with my eyes.

"Because you are my wife and I love you?" Julian cocked his head to the side.

"I am your wife on paper only Julian. We said we would act a couple in public." I motioned around me with my arm. "This isn't very public." I pointed out.

For several long heartbeats he just sat there and sucked in deep breath after deep breath. Finally he sighed. "No this please isn't public. I came here because it's private." He paused and I held my breath. He wanted to tell me something, I could see it in the way he was looking at me and the nervousness that widened his eyes .

What could be so bad that he looked like that? What else could go wrong in our lives? Surely things couldn't get any worse. But even as I thought those things I knew I had just jinxed myself.

Of course things could get worse. They always did.

"Why?" I prompted when he didn't speak again.

"Do I need a reason Cassie? I love you and want to spend time with you. Is that so hard to believe?" He sounded genuine but I wasn't fooled. Something else was going on here but unless he started being honest with me. I would just have to wait to find out.

"A little. But I'm glad it's here." Turning my head I stared out at the waves crashing in a white foam under the cliff top patio. There was something so calming about it all.

Calming and romantic.

"It's beautiful."

Julian's sigh was loud. "Yes you are."

Rolling my eyes I turned to him. "Pack it in Julian. The charming lies don't work with me , they might work on Megan and women like them but not on me."

He was a fool for even trying.

"I know what does work on you Cassie."

I snapped my head towards him with a scowl. "No." I blushed because I knew what he was talking about and I hated how he had such a good read on me.

The corners of his mouth curved up. "Yes. I'll make you love me again Cassie. I have to because I'm lost without you."

He wasn't lost without me. He had Megan. But he would lose his kingdom if he lost me as his wife. I reminded myself.

This was all because of the contract.

And I had to remember that otherwise I would fall into his arms again before the end of the night."