Inside the car, Raphael couldn’t wait until he got to the hotel. He pulled out his phone and sent Frank a message.
Are you still at the restaurant? Do you mind if I come pick you up?
A few moments later, his phone buzzed with a reply.
Who is this?
Raphael suddenly realized that he hadn’t introduced himself. He quickly typed back:
Oh, I’m very sorry. I should have told you this is Prince Raphael.
Frank replied shortly after.
Oh, it’s okay,Your Highness.
Frank added that he had already left the restaurant and was almost back at his hotel.
Raphael immediately sent another message.
Can I come over to where you’re staying?
Frank replied a moment later.
Sure. I’m the only one here. If the prince wants to come over, he’s welcome.
Raphael hesitated for a moment before replying.
I’m sorry for moving so fast. We only just met, and I shouldn’t be rushing to see you. Maybe I should come pick you up, and we could go explore a few places instead?
Frank’s response came through a moment later.
I’m already close to my hotel, and I’m quite tired after lunch. Right now, I just want to get back and rest, so I won’t be coming out until tonight. If the prince wants to come by, that’s fine.
Raphael quickly replied.
I’m not doing anything at my hotel either. I don’t mind coming to meet you if you want.
Frank replied: I already said you can come.
Raphael smiled at the message before typing again.
Then send me the address of your hotel.
Frank sent the address a moment later.
I’ll be there in a few minutes, Raphael replied.
Raphael showed the address to the driver. "Turn around. We’re going there."
The driver immediately changed direction. The rest of the convoy followed, turning onto the new route toward the hotel Frank had sent.
Not long after, the cars pulled up in front of the upscale hotel where Frank was staying. Raphael stepped out and walked inside with his lead bodyguard and two others. The hotel staff had already been informed of his arrival, so they were taken straight to the elevator. They rode up to Frank’s floor and walked down the quiet hallway until they reached his room.
Raphael knocked gently.
A moment later, the door opened, and Frank looked slightly surprised to see the crown prince standing outside.
"You actually came, Your Highness."
Before replying, Raphael turned to his guards. "Wait nearby. You can stay in the lobby or somewhere close by. I’ll let you know when I’m ready."
The guards bowed respectfully. "Understood, Your Highness."
They turned and walked away, leaving Raphael and Frank alone.
Frank opened the door wider and stepped aside. "Come in."
Raphael stepped inside. "I always keep my word, Frank. I told you I was coming, and here I am."
Frank closed the door behind him. They walked over to the seating area by the window and sat down.
Frank crossed his legs and rested an arm on the armrest. He looked at Raphael curiously. "What can I offer you, Your Highness? Should I call room service? They can bring you anything you want."
"I don’t need anything," Raphael replied softly. "I’m here for you. Ever since I saw you at the restaurant, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you. I know this is probably fast. We’ve only known each other for a few hours, and yet here I am, already showing up at your hotel."
Frank let out a low, disbelieving huff and leaned back in his chair. "Are you trying to make me believe you really like me, or are you testing me? Honestly, I don’t know which one you’re doing."
Raphael sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Trust me, I’m not trying to make you believe anything. I want you to believe me. I know it’s hard to believe, but what I’m feeling right now is real. I just... I don’t know how to put it into words. I’m so drawn to you in a way I can’t explain, and I honestly don’t know how to express it properly."
Frank slowly shook his head. "Okay... well, I’m not used to sudden declarations like this, so I honestly don’t know what to say."
"Then let’s take a step back," Raphael said sincerely. "Let’s start simple. What kind of business brought you to Northway City? And before you head back to Central City, would you spare me a day? I have to return to the palace tomorrow to take care of something important, but before you leave, I’d like to personally host you and spend the day with you."
"You said you wanted us to start simple, yet you’ve already asked me several questions and made a request, Your Highness," Frank said with a faint smile.
Raphael smiled. "I’m sorry. I can’t help it."
Frank chuckled softly. "As for my business, I came here to work with a company on a business deal. That’s all I can say for now. And as for whether I can spare you a day..." He paused, looking at Raphael. "I won’t give you an answer yet. Once I’m done with what I came here for, I’ll let you know."
Raphael smiled. "I’m hoping for a positive answer, Frank. I really, really like you."
Frank stared at him for a moment, studying his face. "Can I ask you something directly?"
Raphael smiled. "Yes, Frank. You can ask me anything."
"When you say you like me, what exactly do you mean? Are you looking for friendship with benefits, something casual, or something more serious? Are you interested in a relationship, or is this simply physical attraction? I just want to understand your intentions, Your Highness."
Raphael didn’t flinch or look away. Instead, he held Frank’s gaze. "What you see right in front of you is a man who wants to share every moment he can with you. This isn’t just about a brief thrill or a temporary distraction. If I can feel this strongly about a stranger after only a few hours, then I know I want to invest my time in getting to know you."
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
"I want to be clear with you, Frank. I’m not playing games, and I’m not trying to waste your time," Raphael continued, his voice steady. "I know you have every reason not to trust me. A royal showing up at your hotel only hours after meeting you probably seems reckless. That’s why I suggested we start as friends to give you time to get to know me and see for yourself whether you can trust me. But if you’re asking whether I want something serious, then yes. I do. I’m not backing out, and I’m not hiding behind pleasantries. If you’re willing, I want something real, something far beyond just sharing a bed."
Frank sat in silence, taking in the sincerity of the prince’s words.
Deep down, his thoughts were spinning. He had watched his friends find their partners—Adrian was with Matteo, and Charles was with Mark—and he often wondered when it would finally be his turn to have a steady boyfriend. He never expected someone to come into his life so suddenly, especially someone like Raphael. As tempting as the offer was, he didn’t want to sound desperate or too eager. He needed to take his time and see if Raphael was truly serious.
It felt too fast, too surreal, and almost too good to believe.
Yet when Frank looked at Raphael, he couldn’t see any sign that the prince was playing with him.
"You know," Frank murmured, his voice softening, "I already have friends who are important to me, and I’m not looking to add another one just for the sake of having a friend. If you genuinely want something more with me, then I’d rather you be honest about it."
Raphael looked at him, his expression turning entirely serious. "I am, Frank. If all I wanted was one night with you, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you like this. I want to truly get to know you. I want to spend time with you and see where this can go."
Frank stayed quiet for a moment, studying the unwavering sincerity in the prince’s eyes.
"I’m not asking you to trust me immediately," Raphael continued softly. "Just give me a chance to prove that I mean every word I’m saying."
Frank let out a soft sigh, a faint smile touching his lips. "Alright. Let’s give it a chance."
Raphael’s face lit up with a brilliant smile. He leaned in a fraction closer, his dark eyes gleaming with hope. "Can I ask... do you like me, too? Do I attract you at all, even just a little bit?"
Frank looked at him, taking in the striking royal features, and chuckled softly. "You look good, Your Highness. Anyone would surely fall for your charm and like you."
Raphael didn’t let him off that easily. "So, did you fall for my charm? Do I look like the man in your dreams, the one you always imagined spending your forever with?"
"Your Highness," Frank warned, his cheeks warming.
Raphael stood up smoothly and closed the distance between them. He walked over to where Frank was sitting and leaned down until they were nearly at eye level, his voice dropping to a low, intimate murmur. "Tell me. I want to hear it."
Frank stared into Raphael’s eyes, his thoughts racing. No, Frank, you can’t fall this easily, he scolded himself. It’s way too early to admit you like him.
Feeling the heat rising in his face and the dangerous pull of the prince’s nearness, Frank quickly cleared his throat and looked away.
"I think..."
Author’s Note
Regular Chapters for this book will officially start tomorrow, with two Chapters updating every day at 5:10 PM Nigerian time.
Thank you so much for all your love and support. Please continue to support this book with your Power Stones, Golden Tickets, comments, votes, and in any other way you can. Every form of support means so much to me.
Your support, encouragement, and motivation are what inspire me to write faster, prepare Chapters early, and keep updating consistently. Knowing that you’re enjoying the story truly motivates me to give you more.
And to everyone who has been following me from my previous books all the way to this one, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I truly appreciate and love you all. ❤️
See you in the next update. 🥰