by Amelia Wilde
You’ve Got Mail.
Grow a dick, MacCallam.
I love it when you use my full name.
Snorting a laugh, I roll my eyes. You’re not watching that.
Come make me turn it off.
Not tonight.
A few seconds tick by, and I look over at the television. Picking up the remote, I change the channel until stupid Meg Ryan appears. This movie is so dumb, I text.
Gotcha. What are you wearing?
Slanting my eyes, I think of our first night. Changing clothes.
Send me a tit pic.
No!
Smart girl. I’d make that shit my wallpaper.
Still no Prince Charming, I reply.
It’s Playboy Prince, sugar tits.
I laugh again, rolling my eyes. Goodnight, MacCallam.
Goodnight, beautiful.
With a sigh, I push off the couch, switch off the television, and walk slowly to my bedroom. I consider calling Reggie, but I have no idea what to say. It’s not like I can ask him straight out what he’s got up his sleeve. Instead, I pull up our last text exchange searching for any clues. It’s only questions about how it’s going with Rowan, or “CPR,” and me.
“I’ve got to get something on him. I’ve just got to,” I whisper, plugging my phone into its charger and walking into the bathroom to get ready for bed.
Our pickup time for the ball is an early six thirty, but Cal says it’s because the spectators like to cheer and watch as the racers board the yacht.
“It’s going to be on a yacht!” I call to Ava as I stand by the wet bar waiting.
I’m having a glass of champagne, careful not to spill it on my filmy red designer gown. It’s knee length, and the halter-top shows off my shoulders. It also has a large, upside-down triangle cutout ending at my lower back. I seem to recall Cal liking such details, and I confess, I like his hands on my skin.
True to his word, Reggie is keeping us bankrolled. I can only suppose that means we’re still “useful” to him. I feel like a shit taking his money, but it’s the only way I can continue working on my own agenda. We have to look the part, and at least I haven’t been able to tell him anything he doesn’t already know about the guys.
“Will it set sail?” Ava walks out in a strapless beige dress. It’s knee-length, and the scalloped top just covers her breasts. Her hair is styled over her shoulder so that one long lock ripples down, the bottom just curling where her nipple is hidden.
“Damn. Ro is going to tent his trousers when he sees you in that.”
She laughs, her cheeks flaming, and I give her a hug. “You look beautiful.”
“What about you? I love that dress! The color is gorgeous, and the back is a total tease.”
My phone buzzes, and I pull it out. “It’s show time.”
Rowan sent a decoy limo to the front of our hotel so we can escape through the kitchen entrance. The manager escorts us to the door, where outside Cal is leaning against the actual limo.
“Sorry for the alley pickup…” His words drift away when our eyes meet, and that little fish is alive and well in my stomach, flipping all over the place. “You look incredible.”
I push a lock of pale blonde behind my ear doing my best not to blush as hard as Ava. “Yet another reason I needed to be here last night,” I say in a tone that’s far more carefree than I feel. “We had to shop today, get our hair done.”
He catches my forearms and leans down to kiss my cheek. “The entire miserable night was worth it for this.” Warm hazel darkens, and I’m squealing on the inside.
Ava walks up behind us. “Where’s Rowan?”
“He thought it would cause less of a problem if he met us at the pier.” She makes a little sad noise, and he tears his eyes from mine. “Oh, wow! He probably should have come with me. That dress will definitely provoke a response.”
“That’s just what I said!” Moving to his side, I slip my hand in the crook of Cal’s arm.
“I’m sure the crown prince knows how to conduct himself in public,” Ava says, but I don’t miss her smug tone.
“When the two of you go missing, we’ll know to search the bedrooms,” Cal teases.
“No way!” I cry. “If the boat’s a-rockin, don’t come a-knockin!”
Cal slides a hand over my lower back, hitting me with a cascade of chills. “Mm, if we go missing…” he rumbles in my ear.
“Come on,” Ava climbs into the limo with the help of Hajib.
It’s only a short drive to the dock. We’re pulling into the parking area and stepping out to meet Rowan in no time. As predicted, his eyes fix on Ava’s, and I see the muscle in his jaw move when she crosses the space to him.
“You’re beautiful,” I hear him say in a low voice, and her skin flushes a pretty color.
His large hand takes hers, lifting it to his lips, and her eyes gleam as she watches him. Protecting her future, knowing how perfectly safe and happy she would be here with him dominates my thoughts.
“What are you thinking?” Cal’s voice is low beside my cheek, and he places his hand around my waist.
Turning my head just slightly, I don’t take my eyes off them as they walk the short distance to the gangplank. Cheers and shouts come from the crowd, flashes go off in a strobe of white, and Rowan waves discreetly, smiling to his subjects. He holds Ava’s hand tightly in his, and she follows, watching him and smiling.
“She’s so happy,” I whisper.
It’s all I’ve ever wanted for her. She’s found a tall, dark, and handsome prince to carry her away to her happily ever after.
“You’re such a good friend,” Cal says, and just like that, I’m pulled from my fairytale and back to our lies.
“Right,” I say, clearing my throat, hating this so much.
“I hope you’re so happy.”
You have no idea how happy, I think, with a sad little exhale. His hazel eyes have a rare earnestness as he lifts my fingers to his lips. It’s a feather-light kiss, a brush of skin I feel it straight between my thighs. Damn, MacCallam Lockwood Tate is so irresistible to me.
I answer him honestly. “I had no idea this vacation would go this way.”
It’s a short walk to the boat, and Cal has his share of screaming fans. He waves, and I wish I could be like my sister—so completely enraptured with my date that I don’t even notice all the death glares shooting at me from the crowd. Too bad, I see all the bitches that want to take my place. I can’t think about them. I have enough complications on my plate.
Once onboard the super yacht, it’s like my first night at the charity ball, only this time, I’m far more comfortable in my dress and heels, and the entire plan has fallen apart. I have nothing and everything to lose.
“MacCallam! Introduce me to your lovely date.” The same woman who cornered me with Reggie that first night approaches us, and while I remember her, I’m pretty sure she has no recollection of me.
“Mother,” he says, leaning forward to kiss her cheek.
Her majesty gives me a more focused examination tonight, and I can feel her sizing me up.
“Miss Zelda Benedict of Texas,” Cal says.
Inside I cringe hearing him repeat our lies, still I hold my poker face intact. “Your majesty,” I say, doing a slow curtsey.
“Benedict? We’ve met before,” she says, clearly not connecting me with Reggie.
“Yes, ma’am. At the charity ball.”
She waves a hand dismissively. “A legion of young ladies attended that ball.”
“And out of them all, I found Zee,” Cal says, taking her hand and stepping forward to kiss her cheek again. “We’re just making the rounds.”
I can tell he’s trying to disengage, but his mother isn’t finished. “Who is this young woman who has Rowan so infatuated?”
“She’s a friend of Zelda’s,” he says, nodding to me, which gets me a more pointed inspection from the queen.
“From Texas?” Her eyes are on me, but I’m not sure she’s actually
addressing me.
“Florida, mother,” Cal says, releasing her hand and stepping back. “Lovely girl. We’ve spent the last several days together.”
The old crone’s about to launch into some complaint, I can see it in her eyes, and my hackles start to rise. I might not be Ava’s mother, but I’ve been the closest thing for the last ten years. Lucky for both of us, Cal makes some excuse and leads us away, further into the crowd toward the deck of the enormous yacht.
We’re walking slowly under white canopies and Cal speaks briefly to couples sitting on round, wicker love seats and long, flat deck chairs.
Once we’re somewhat alone, he assesses my cooling temper. “Mother has very definite ideas about what the future queen should be like.”
I have to remind myself she’s his mother, but it’s difficult. “I’m sure she does,” is all I’ll say.
I’d like to see that old bat find anyone sweeter than my little sister, even if Ava might steal your watch.
“We all should have friends as loyal as you,” he chuckles and leans in to kiss my cheek. “I’ll get us a glass of wine. Don’t move.”
I give him a little smile and walk over to the rail of the yacht, looking out at the breathtaking view. It’s a clear night, a light breeze is blowing, and the air is a little salty. Turquoise water stretches away, turning slowly deeper blue, and it’s so beautiful, I dream of what it would be like if we could just run away.
“It won’t work,” I whisper to myself. I’ll have to be honest with him at some point.
“What won’t work, Zelda Wilder?” I jump at the exaggerated country twang, and just as fast, fear shoots through my stomach.
I turn slowly to face… “Seth.” A tremor is in my voice. “What are you doing here?”
“Well, you could’ve knocked me over with a cotton ball when I saw your sister Ava’s picture on the arm of the Crown Prince of Monagasco!” He’s doing the casino act, and I am freaking out. “I hopped the first flight over to come check on my girls.”
“Stop it,” I hiss, grabbing his arm and my composure as fast as possible. “You can’t act like that here.”
Seth’s eyes narrow, and his smooth Kansas is back. “How should I act, my old partner in crime? What kind of a con are you running, Zelda Wilder?”
I frantically scan the crowd looking for Cal. He’ll be back any moment. “It’s Benedict, and Ava is not my sister. I’ll explain it all to you later. You’ve got to go.”
In a swirl of ice-blue chiffon a woman joins us. She’s very beautiful and clearly noble. Her pale blonde hair is styled in a French twist, and an ornate necklace with brilliant blue sapphires is around her neck.
“There you are, Colonel,” she says, taking his arm. “Felicity wanted to stop and speak to the crown prince.”
“Colonel?” My brow arches.
“Oh, I just told Miss Westingroot I was a little ole Kentucky Colonel.”
It’s then I notice he’s wearing a gold pin on his black tuxedo jacket. Sure enough it has Kentucky Colonel stamped on a blue background under a bald eagle.
“Did that come with the coat?” I snark under my breath.
“It’s just an honorary title, of course, but Lara here seems to think it’s worth a damn.”
“Who knew America had such things?” Lara says, but I don’t care for her snotty tone.
My heart jumps again at the sound of Cal’s voice. “Hello, what do we have here?”
Locking my eyes on Seth’s, I mentally order him, Don’t fuck this up…
“MacCallam,” Lara steps forward to kiss my escort’s cheek. “How is your health?”
“Good as yours, I imagine, who do we have here?”
He touches my lower back, and Seth’s eyes narrow. My jaw tightens in response.
Lara gestures toward Seth. “I’d like to present Mister Seth Hines. A real Kentucky Colonel.”
Her tone is still mocking, and I break my staring battle with Seth to evaluate this Westingroot chick.
“As in the chicken franchise?” Cal actually sounds impressed. “Incredible business model. All built around fried chicken.”
“Yes, the Colonel was a smart man,” Seth continues in that ridiculous accent, “Our honorable order lost a real gem when he passed.”
My eyes are back on Seth now, and I’m speechless. Is he actually attempting to be some fried chicken heir? I guess I have no right to judge. I’m supposed to be an oil baron’s niece.
“I’m sorry,” Cal speaks to me. “Zelda, do you know Miss Westingroot? Mister Hines?”
“We’ve only just met,” I say, doing my best to keep it together.
Seth is right on it. “I didn’t get your name, Miss…?”
“Benedict,” Cal answers for me. “Lux Benedict is her uncle. Of Texas?”
“Well, cotton and fiddles,” Seth says, and I cringe. “Texas is a mighty big state, but I’ve still heard of the wealthy Lux Benedict.”
“That’s right!” Lara Westingroot is addressing me now, and her tone has turned to solid ice. “You’re the one we have to thank for the lovely Miss Wilder’s presence.”
“Miss Wilder?” Seth asks, his eyes round with fake curiosity.
“The young lady attached to the crown prince like a remora.”
“Excuse me?” My voice is sharp. “She happens to be one of my best friends.”
Seth’s eyes widen, and my fear at what he could say to expose us is the only thing keeping me in check.
“I declare, Miss Benedict, have you known the crown prince long?” A wicked gleam is in his eyes, and I start to sweat.
“Yes, Miss Benedict,” Westingbitch chimes in. “How long have you known his royal majesty? Or better yet, how do you know him at all?”
My shoulders are tight. I don’t want Seth knowing anything about our arrangement or why we’re here. “I… We… We met the grand duke.”
“A Grand Duke!” Seth exclaims. “Now that is a fancy moniker. Did you meet him in Texas?”
I’m fumbling, searching for anything to deflect these questions. Thankfully, Cal takes my hand. “I’m pretty sure you promised me a dance, Zelda.”
Glancing up, he gives me a reassuring smile, and I want to kiss him. “Yes, you’re right, I did.”
“If you’ll excuse us.” He does a little nod to Seth and the Ice Queen.
After securing our glasses on a low table, he leads me away from the grand inquisition to an area at the back of the enormous deck. An acoustic band is playing softly, some kind of yacht rock, and Cal pulls me against his chest. My forehead touches his jawline, and he speaks in my ear.
“Lara is an elitist prig. I’m sorry if she embarrassed you.” His arms are warm and strong around me. I hold him, fumbling my way back to calm.
“She really hates Ava,” I think out loud, scanning the area for my sister. I haven’t seen her since we boarded, and I know she’s going to panic if she sees Seth. “We should probably find them.”
“Don’t worry. Ro can take care of her.” He kisses the side of my ear. “I’ll take care of you.”
A shimmer of longing moves low in my pelvis. It’s followed quickly by sadness. I would stay with Cal forever if I could. The song ends, and our eyes meet. He reaches up to touch my chin.
“Why so sad, beautiful?” I love his smile, that light in his brownish-green eyes.
“It’s nothing.” I force myself to smile. “I don’t want to spoil our night.”
“Thinking about home?”
Reaching up, I run my finger down the lapel of his elegant tuxedo coat. “I’m thinking about a lot of things.”
The band starts on another song, and I want to scream when fucking Seth appears at my side. “Mind if I cut in?”
Neither of us has a chance to respond before Seth grabs my waist and turns me away onto the floor. His face is at my ear now, and panic is in my heart.
“I confess, Zelda Wilder, you make me proud out here among all these aristocrats. Who would believe you’re the same little bruise
d-kneed hick I found in Tampa?”
“What do you want, Seth.” My jaw is tight. An edge is in my voice. I don’t like being cornered, and this asshole will not intimidate me.
He leans back to meet my eyes, street-smart hardness flashing in his. “I want to know what you’re doing here. I know you weren’t hired for your looks.”
My lips tighten, but I’m aware we’re being watched. I move closer to his ear. “It’s over. We botched the deal. I’m leaving.”
“I’ve worked with you a long time, Zee. You think I’m buying you threw a job?”
“It’s true! I was supposed to be with the crown prince. It didn’t work out, and now he’s with Ava.”
“Of course, he’s with Ava. She’s a fucking supermodel.” We turn, and I blink around the room, holding my hand at the top of his shoulder so it blocks my lips.
“Right. She’s a liability. You’ve always said that.” I’ve got to keep him away from her.
“What were you supposed to do with that guy? Tell me the plan, and maybe we can salvage it.”
No. I don’t want Seth knowing anything. “I’ve got it under control. Ava’s going to stay here. I’ll be back in Miami in a week. You’re not losing out. You never wanted her on our team anyway.”
“You let me be the judge of that. Is it a full loss? What’s your take?”
“Only ten thousand.”
I feel his body tense. “Only ten thousand?” His hard laugh is in my ear. “Only? You have a fucking distorted sense of the world if you can say only ten thousand.”
“It was supposed to be a lot more, but now it’s over.”
He’s quiet, and we turn again to the slow rhythm. My heart is beating so fast. Desperation is making it difficult to breathe. I’ve got to keep Seth at bay.
My eyes meet Cal’s, and his brow lowers. Dammit, he knows something is wrong, and I watch as he sets his glass down and moves through the crowd to where we’re dancing. I love how protective he is, but I’m panicking because I only have seconds left to appease Seth.
“I’ll split it with you, fifty-fifty,” I hiss in his ear, teeth clenched. “Just don’t fucking ruin this.”
“Fifty-fifty?”
It’s the last words Seth says before Cal is with us.