Roaming Holiday (Genius in Love Book 2) by Hill Marina

Author:Hill, Marina
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Evergreen Books
Published: 2024-05-08T00:00:00+00:00

27

NINA

After docking in Antina, Jace and Roman leave for the house while we three girls search for french fries at a nearby restaurant.

“Wait—where’s our luggage?” I ask, mid-chew of a fry.

Vanessa chuckles. “It will be waiting at the house for us.” She plops on a sunhat and guides us into the village where the paths are like a fairytale. Although the walls and buildings are dirty white, the roofs and shutters are either sky blue or shades of pink. Cats trot along the ledges, hopping from one side to the other. I thought the stone roads in Kosita were hell, but Antina is worse. My eyes glue to the ground with each step. Mason even catches Maia’s stumble once or twice. Shops flank either side of the narrow walkways. Trellises provide shade in some sections, the greenery and pink flowers making a pleasant umbrella.

“Neen! I found a black cat!” Maia squeals.

Vanessa blanches. “You don’t think they are bad luck?”

My sister gives the cat little scratches. “Look at this face! How can anyone look at this precious creature and think he’s bad luck?”

Just then, the feline stretches its long body and rolls to expose its belly. Maia damn near cries. She presses a hand to her heart.

“Nina. I want him. This is my baby now.”

I touch her shoulder. “This is his home. You don’t want to take him away from it.”

As expected, she pouts. I gather my sister in my arms and steer her away from the cat. We get little relief from the heat, and I drink in every breeze as it whooshes the skirt of my long dress around me. After following the path downhill, the roads get wide enough for cars and we almost get mowed down by a motorbike.

“Ay, prosíttento,” Wesley snaps, gripping my arm to push me out of the way as it zips by.

Be careful.

The same thing happened my first night in Maldana. In a subtle moment, I realize he’s been in my life the entire time I’ve been in this country. As if he’s weaved into my attitude and assumptions toward Maldanians.

I love this country.

Would that mean⁠—

No.

While I might be turned on every time he speaks Maldanian, those thoughts will lead me nowhere. I scold myself for forgetting so quickly.

“They drive so damn fast here,” Maia says, tugging me deeper into the sidewalk.

Each time I meet the eyes of a stranger, I wonder what they’d do if they discovered I’m the princess and possible future queen. Would they attempt to hurt me like that man did? It guts me to realize that I’d be hated for existing.

We don’t want you here.

Maia’s gasp rips me from my spiraling thoughts. “Ice cream!”

“Yes,” I insist. “I’m dying out here.”

My bodyguard curves around me to open the door for us. It’s nothing new, but he pointedly doesn’t look at me. I roll my eyes while passing him.

What I thought was an ice cream shop turns out to be a bakery that sells gelato. Maia squeals at the macaroons and their reasonable prices.

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