Chapter 129
Amelia pushed open the bookstore door and it made a little creaking sound as the bells above the door chimed softly, and just as she had expected, there he was.
Kai.
Leaning against the counter, his shirt sleeves rolled up to his forearms, a pair of thin reading glasses perched on his nose. He looked up from a book, and the moment his eyes met hers, something in Amelia’s chest shifted. She immediately blamed it on the residual irritation from last night, giving no space for any additional thoughts that might want to filter in.
"You’re early today," he said, closing the book and straightening. His voice was low, unhurried, like he had all the time in the world for her. Then he added with a teasing glint, "I’m starting to think you actually enjoy my company."
Amelia walked toward him, setting her gloves on the counter and scowled. "Don’t flatter yourself. I needed a break."
"A break from what?"
"That damned p—" Amelia stopped mid-sentence. Kai didn’t know she was a noble; he thought she was a commoner just like him, and if she told him she was feeling irritated because of Prince Keiser, he would immediately guess she was a noble, and she wasn’t sure how he might react after that.
She didn’t want to destroy the friendship she already had.
She looked at Kai, who was still looking at her with a puzzled expression.
Amelia cleared her throat, looking away. "I work for Lady Amelia."
"Duke Volemont’s daughter?"