The Cursed Prince by Teresa Roman (reading e books txt) 📕

help Nicolai. He doesn’t deserve what’s happened to him.”

“Good people don’t usually wind up getting cursed.”

“He’s being punished for something his brother did,” I explained.

“You care for Nicolai, don’t you?”

I looked away. “Yes. I do.”

“But you’re dating Peter.”

“I know. And I barely know Nicolai. But for some reason, I can’t stop thinking about him.” I ran a hand through my hair. “It doesn’t matter, though. Once Nicolai’s curse is broken, he’ll return to his country, and I’ll probably never see him again. I’m not going to screw things up with Peter for some guy who doesn’t have the same feelings I do.”

“What if he does?”

“He’s a prince, Dad. And I’m just some girl from nowhere, New York.”

My father shook his head. “You’re far more special than you realize. Not only are you beautiful, but you’re intelligent, well-spoken, kind, strong. Those aren’t qualities that go unnoticed. Even by royalty.”

“You’re only saying that because you’re my dad,” I said. “And anyway, it doesn’t matter because I’m with Peter. Things are getting serious between us. If it wasn’t for Maria’s meddling in my life, we’d be in his cabin in the Catskills right about now.”

“What did she do?”

“Maria’s the reason you wound up in the hospital. She seems to think Peter is some kind of demon who’s been feeding off me and draining my power, which is ridiculous, but it’s apparently the excuse she’s giving for being the reason you had that stroke. She knew it would keep me from leaving town with Peter.”

My father sighed again and shook his head. “This right here is the reason your mother bound your powers in the first place. She didn’t want you pulled into situations like this.”

“Well, it’s too late now. I can’t just not help someone who needs me. That’s something you taught me. No matter how angry and confused I am right now, I promised Nicolai I’d do whatever I could to break his curse, and I’m not going back on my word.”

“I understand that. But it doesn’t solve your Peter problem.”

“I don’t have a Peter problem. Everything is fine between us.”

“Fine is hardly the word I’d use. Does he know about all the time you’ve been spending at the castle?”

“You know I can’t tell him any of this.”

“No. I don’t know that at all. Trust is important. Do you think it was easy for your mother to tell me she was a witch? But she did, because she knew I had a right to know.”

“Once Nicolai’s curse gets lifted, I’ll probably never see him again, so there’s no point in telling Peter. He’s just going to get all jealous and possessive for nothing.”

“Okay. I see your point. But that’s the least of your problems as far as Peter goes. If Maria’s right about him being a demon, then you need to stay as far away from him as possible.”

I grimaced. “He’s not a demon.”

“You can’t just dismiss Maria’s warnings. This isn’t Grace telling you she saw Peter kissing some other girl at a bar. Your life could be in danger.”

I was ready for this conversation to be over.

“Well?”

“I know what I’m doing, Dad.”

He put his hand on my shoulder. “I’m going to be honest with you, Willow. I never did like Peter. I think you know that, but you’re a grown woman, and the last thing you need is your father telling you who you can and can’t date. But if what Maria says is true—"

“She’s not. You’re worried for nothing.”

“If he hurts you, demon or not, I swear I’ll kill him.”

“Dad, for the last time, Peter is not a demon.”

“Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I promise.”

My father looked like he had something else to say, but instead he picked up his newspaper. I stood and walked into the kitchen, pouring myself a cup of water. I took one big gulp and realized something. I needed air. And company. The kind that didn’t talk about witches or demons.

Chapter 15

McAllister’s was more crowded than usual. Grace and I were lucky to find a table, which I was grateful for since I didn’t feel like standing by the bar.

“That’s crazy about your dad. I can’t believe he’s already out of the hospital,” she said.

“It’s a miracle,” I said, trying my best to keep the sarcasm and bitterness out of my voice.

“Well, I say we toast to him.” She lifted her bottle of beer in the air. I tapped mine against hers and took a swig.

“So what’s new?” I asked. “I feel like we haven’t talked in a long time.”

“Yeah. The last time we did, you were telling me about playing nurse to Nicolai. How’s that going?”

The Korzhas were the last people I felt like talking about. I shrugged. “Fine.”

“Care to elaborate?”

“No. Not really.”

Grace lifted her head and looked over my shoulder. “OMG! Who is that?”

I turned my head to see who she was talking about. Maxim had just walked inside and was headed over to our table. I swore under my breath. “That’s Maxim Korzha.”

Her eyes widened. “Are his brothers also that gorgeous?”

“Is he? I hadn’t really noticed.”

Maxim reached our table before Grace could reply. “Good evening, Willow,” he said.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Looking for you. Your father said I’d find you here.”

“Ahem.” Grace cleared her throat and stuck her hand out. “I’m Grace, Willow’s best friend.”

Maxim smiled and shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Willow never mentioned that she has such lovely friends.”

Grace blushed and returned Maxim’s smile. Too bad I’d have to burst her bubble and explain that the Korzhas weren’t relationship material. Maxim let go of Grace’s hand and turned his gaze from her to me. “Can I speak to you for a moment in private?”

I gritted my teeth. “Fine.” I got up and followed him outside. “You couldn’t have just called?” I said as the door to the bar closed behind us.

“I was afraid you wouldn’t answer.”

“Well? What’s so important that you had to come all the way out here to find me?”

“Frederic said