by Tia Louise
“They’re really beautiful, aren’t they?” Ava speaks, and my stomach tightens.
“It’s always been my favorite part of the museum.”
“Look at that one!” She points a slim finger at a Portuguese man of war the size of my torso. Thick tentacles extend down as it floats in the current.
“They have no mouths, but they’re able to consume entire fish.”
“We used to get those in Florida. They have a horrible sting—much worse than jellyfish.”
“When were you in Florida?” I lean on the wooden rail surrounding the tank, watching as the purple lights flicker in her eyes.
She hesitates a moment before continuing. “I grew up there. I guess that’s something we have in common. Were you able to go to the beach a lot growing up?”
“All the time. Cal and I would spend every day playing in the surf when we were kids.”
“So being royal isn’t that much different from being any other kid on the beach?”
“I wouldn’t say that. Most kids don’t have guards lurking around the sand dunes.”
She wrinkles her nose in an adorable way and starts to walk. I push off the rail and follow her. “I suppose they couldn’t risk losing the two of you. Who would be the king?”
“We have that all worked out in our constitution.”
That makes her stop. “You have a constitution?”
The surprise on her face makes me laugh. “How do you think our government is organized?”
“I don’t know. I guess I thought you did whatever you wanted and told everyone what to do.”
That makes me laugh more. “Our government hasn’t operated that way in centuries, although, I think Cal wishes it still did.”
“Still, you can do anything you want.”
Watching her walk through the dark space, I can only wish that were true. “You might not believe it, but I probably have less freedom to do what I want than you do.”
“Tell me about it.” She turns and leans against the wooden railing.
Stepping up beside her, I watch the glowing orange clown fish swim along the coral reef. They dart in and out of the swaying pinkish-purple venomous plants without even hesitating.
I lean forward on the railing, and the warmth of Ava’s body is right at my side. Without hesitation, I gently lift her hand in mine, threading our fingers like the swaying tentacles.
“Everything I do now is tied up in the good of Monagasco.”
“How does that change what you can and can’t do?” Her voice is soft, and I turn to find her green eyes round and full of concern.
“You’re very beautiful.”
Pink floods her cheeks, and her chin drops. Reaching out, I touch the soft skin of her jaw, lifting her face with my finger. Her soft lips part, and she blinks fast, gazing at my mouth. We’re hidden in the darkness, only a breath apart. The slightest dip, and I’ll have her. My lips ache for hers, and as I lean forward to have my first taste, Cal’s fucking voice cuts through the silence.
“Now this is my all-time favorite part of the aquarium. It’s dark and winding. Loads of places to make out.”
Zelda laughs. “Somehow I get the feeling you know all the good make-out spots in all the historic places.”
“How well you know me already, Miss Benedict.”
“I met your kind in school.”
“You probably drove them all crazy.”
“I’m sorry,” Ava whispers, slipping from my grasp and hurrying to where they’re talking.
My head, shoulders, and hand drop, and for a moment, I grip the wooden rail with all the strength of my frustration. It makes a creaking noise, and I release it. No use destroying historic property. I follow slowly after them, thinking ahead to tonight, after dinner, walking through the garden maze or along the shore. We will finish what we started.
Playing
Zelda
“You’re going too fast!” I cry as Cal pulls me through the great hall under skeletons that make me feel the size of a toddler.
Today, he’s dressed casually in khakis and a light blue shirt with a darker blazer on top. I want to say I’ll just look at him. Instead I move too close as I pass him, or I hold his arm. I can’t seem to stop touching him.
“I want to see the whale skeleton.”
At that he stops and turns so suddenly, I run right into his chest. I actually let out an Oof!
“Hello, there!” He grins down at me as I hold his waist, his strong arms surrounding me, sending heat surging between my legs. “What interests you most in this moldy old building?”
I can barely think with his face so close to mine. That dimple is back, and his hazel eyes sparkle. You? No, can’t say that.
“I-I don’t know. I’ve never been here before.”
“Hm… I see your point.”
Remembering my job, I push myself out of his embrace and straighten my dress. “Like this!” I say, pointing up. “Can you believe how big that is? I could fit in that thing’s stomach along with four other people.”
He steps beside me and looks up at the whale bones. His body is warm, and I imagine leaning into him.
“Oh! And the jewelry—I want to see the Ocean tiara!”
“Hm… I saw that on my aunt’s head. You need to see the deep sea room. It’s the coolest thing in the place.”
I meet his eyes, and his expression darkens. It makes me feel like a tiny fish is trapped in my chest, struggling to get out.
“Where is it?” I manage to say.
His hand covers mine again, and we start down the wide marble staircase to the floor below. Glancing out the impossibly wide windows, I see the sparkling turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and pull us to a stop.
“Wait!” I’m on the second step breathing hard, looking at the gorgeousness from this luxurious palace of a museum. “Look how beautiful.”
He’s looking at me, but he steps up beside me and looks out the window. “I grew up looking at that—”
“Lucky.”
“You didn’t let me finish,” he laughs softly. “You make me see it for the first time.”
Tearing my eyes away from the ocean, I meet his gaze. I don’t have time to think before his long fingers thread in the back of my hair pulling my mouth roughly to his. A little noise aches from my throat as he pushes my lips apart and finds my tongue with his. Heat floods my pelvis, I taste fresh water and cinnamon, and my entire body is on fire. I don’t think, I only respond, sliding a hand along the back of his neck and chasing his tongue with mine. He holds me firmly against his body, and it’s so good.
“Cal,” I gasp as our lips part.
Our foreheads touch, and I can’t open my eyes. I’m breathing so fast. His kiss singed my spine. It curled my toes. I haven’t been kissed like that… possibly ever—by choice. I take a step back, holding his forearms out and away from me. My lips are throbbing.
When my eyes blink open, he’s giving me that look again, like he’s waiting for me to give him the signal. Instead I turn and continue walking down the steps, holding the wide, marble rail for balance.
“I thought we were going to see the deep sea room.” My voice is only a little wobbly, not nearly as wobbly as my insides.
He lets out a little sigh and heads down ahead of me, quickly descending the staircase as if he’s done it a hundred times. “Come on, then.”
I get myself together and follow him. This prince seriously throws me off my game. I’ve got to remember who I am. I’m Zelda Wilder, professional con woman. This isn’t my first rodeo. Still, that’s one irresistible cowboy…
Inside the dark room, a woman with two small children is walking around. She lifts them, helping them touch the ceiling and watching as they squeal when the computer-generated fish swarm to where their hands land.
I’m frozen on the spot watching something so basic and wondering why a sight like this still has the power to shred me. Ava was too little to remember our mom, but I remember her taking us to the park, helpin
g me climb the ladder of the small kiddie slide, squealing when I made it to the bottom. I thought that slide was so huge, but looking back, I know it was probably shorter than I am now. Those days were golden… and then they were gone.
“You’re a million miles away, beautiful.” Cal is at my side. His voice is warm, and I notice his fingers lightly playing with mine. Everything in me wants to give in, but dammit, that’s not why we’re here. Our future, that promise I made to Ava, is on the line. I won’t give it up for some weeklong fling with a sexy player.
“I’m a million miles under the sea!” I answer brightly, pulling my hand away and walking across the room. “How does it work?”
I reach up and touch the ceiling and the entire room shifts in my direction. Fish flock to me, circling my hand. The woman follows the children out, and we’re alone again.
“It’s some computer jazz. I have no idea.”
“That’s not your job?” I do a little wink, and his expression seems to falter. Is it possible I throw him off his game, too?
“Precisely,” he says, reaching up to touch the low ceiling. The school moves in response to him.
“No fair! You stole my fish.”
“Here, I’ll bring them back.” He walks slowly toward me, trailing long fingers along the smooth surface above us.
His expression grows darker with every step, and my heart beats faster the closer he gets. I can play it off, but my body betrays me. I feel the flush blooming over my chest, rising up my neck.
When he arrives at where I’m standing, he slides his hand forward, taking one last step that puts our bodies together. Our hands touch, our faces are a breath apart. His firm chest is warm against my tingling nipples. The space between us is electric. Neon-green fish circle us overhead, swimming forward to kiss our fingertips.
“I want to kiss you again.” His dark eyes are on my heated lips.
“We can’t.” My breath is shallow. This is so messed up, but I can’t pull away from him.
“How long will you be here, Zelda Benedict?”
“Umm… A week?”
“Are you not sure?”
“We’re not on a deadline.”
His breath touches my cheek. “About that kiss…”
Oh my god. “We’d better find Ava and Rowan.”
“Are you afraid?”
Yes, very. “I… I didn’t come here for this.”
Jesus, I’ve never been good at seduction, but I’ll be damned if his expression doesn’t grow darker with every word. I lower my hand slowly, not wanting to leave our magic, undersea bubble.
“Why did you come here?”
My eyes travel around the undersea exhibit as I think of a good answer. “I’d never been to Monagasco.” At least it’s not a lie.
“Zee…” His voice aches in my chest, and the bargaining begins.
Would it truly mess up our deal if I give in to him? Would anybody even know? Would anybody even care? Holy shit, Zelda Scott Wilder! Of course they would! It would ruin everything!
Stepping back, I turn to the door and cover for my running from him in the most juvenile way possible: “Last one to the top’s a rotten egg!”
What I don’t count on is Cal being as competitive as I am. He’s past me in a flash, and even catches my shoulder, pushing me backwards, almost making me fall.
“Cheater!” I squeal through my laughter as I try to keep up.
“Eat my dust!” He takes the wide stairs two at a time, while I’m still scampering like a duck.
“Damn these damn stupid steps!” I cry.
When I finally reach the top, he’s leaning against a massive pillar with a giant bronze sea horse on top looking at his nails. “Hmm… what is that smell? Could it be you, Miss Rotten Egg?”
“You cheated!” I push hard against his chest. “You shoved me backwards!”
“I always win.”
He catches my hands, and when our eyes meet we’re right back where we were in the basement. MacCallam Lockwood Tate is going to ruin my life.
“Come on,” I say, pulling away and heading in the direction I last saw Ava. “Dangers of the Sea” is what I think it said. It should be “Dangers of the Palace.” Reggie didn’t say anything about sexy younger brothers.
When we make it to the black-lit exhibit of jellyfish, sea anemones, and all other kinds of stinging fish, Ava gives me a look, and the worry in her eyes hits me like a sledgehammer. I am seriously screwing up everything.
She’s probably been wondering where the hell I’ve been, and I just abandoned her to figure it out. As I approach, she hurries to me and catches my hand, holding me back as the guys walk on ahead of us.
“We should go back to the hotel.” She sounds stressed, and I feel even worse. “It’s after three, and we’re supposed to have dinner with them at seven.”
Nodding, I give her hand a reassuring squeeze, mentally noting how much it reassures me as well.
“Hey, guys?” I call out before I realize… Is it okay to address a crown prince as guy? Must be because they’re all smiles strolling back to us. “We should probably head back if we’re meeting for dinner. It’s gotten late.”
“Of course, I’m sorry.” Rowan says, his eyes drifting to Ava. “I hope we didn’t tire you too much for dinner?”
“I don’t think so,” I answer. “Just need time to freshen up.”
His eyes remain on my sister, but she doesn’t speak. She doesn’t even make eye contact with him or Cal. It’s because she’s mad at me. I feel so guilty.
Although we walked to the museum, Rowan insists we take his car back. Less than ten minutes later we’re in our luxury suite in the Fairmont. I walk straight through the sitting room and fall on my stomach on the sea-green sofa.
“Holy smokes, I’m dead!”
Ava perches on the edge of a chair facing me, and I watch as she pulls a delicate gold chain from her pocket. Dangling in evenly spaced increments are a tiny starfish, a seahorse, a sand dollar, a pirate’s wheel.
“Let me see it!” I hop up and go to where she’s sitting, examining the pretty bracelet. “Where did you get it?”
“Off the wrist of a tour guide,” she says, turning it over in her hands. “I wanted something to remember this day.”
“So it’s a little something for you this time? How selfish!” I give her a wink and sit back on my knees beside her.
“You’re right. I was very selfish.” Her voice is quiet, almost sad.
“You’d also be off-balance. You still have to find someone special to give that herringbone bracelet.”
Her pink lips press together, and she blinks down to the carpet. “I think I’ll skip the dinner tonight.”
“Skip dinner! Are you sick?” I press my palm against her forehead. “No fever.”
She shakes her head. “I got a little dizzy at the aquarium. I think I just need to sleep.”
“I’ll text Reggie that we can’t make it tonight.”
“No!” Her hand shoots out, grabbing my phone. “You have to make the most of this. Get his attention, one on one.”
I study her face. It’s a mixture of happiness and misery, and again, I feel like a traitor.
“I’m sorry I left you so long. I kind of got… tied up with Cal in the deep sea room.” Memories of his kiss, of his touch filter through my mind, and I do a little shiver.
“You need to get back on track with Rowan tonight. Take advantage of my absence.”
She relaxes into one of the bucket chairs and picks up a magazine. I watch her for any signs of irritation or anger. I don’t see any. She just seems… sad.
“You’re right,” I say, lying on the couch again. “I have to try harder. Be a better actress. All my jobs require a certain degree of acting. No reason this one should be different.”
Her eyes fly to mine. “You have to act?”
“Yeah…” Now I feel uncomfortable. “I mean, he’s gorgeous and built, and those blue eyes are stunning, but I don’t know. He’s just anot
her spoiled elitist snob, don’t you think?”
She flushes and looks away, not answering, and for a few moments we’re quiet. Her eyes are fixed on the magazine, but she turns the pages too quickly. I wait a few minutes longer as she keeps flipping.
“Okay, then,” I finally say. “I guess I should start getting ready.”
With a sigh, she stands and goes to her bedroom. “Have fun tonight,” she says softly before closing her door.
If I weren’t committed to this job, I wouldn’t go anywhere tonight. Ava’s acting weird, and I don’t know if she’s really not feeling well or if it’s something more. My phone chirps with a text, and I see it’s Reggie.
Any progress with CPR?
Pressing my lips together, I study his question for a moment trying to think of how to answer. The short answer is no. As much as I try to get to know Rowan, he seems pretty stiff and disinterested. I have loads more fun hanging out with Cal, which of course is counterproductive.
I finally text back, Not as much as I’d like.
A nice walk on the beach at sunset will break the ice. Perhaps a damsel in distress act?
You want me to try drowning?
Nothing so dramatic. Think about it. See you in a bit.
Think about it. That’s all I’ve been doing for the last twenty-four hours. I’ve got to do like Ava said and try to regain ground. Damsel in distress… Whatever the hell that’s supposed to mean.
Confusion
Rowan
When Reggie and Zee arrive for dinner, my chest caves. Ava’s not with them. “Hello, Miss Benedict,” I force a smile. “Welcome to my humble home.”
Her eyes are wide as they circle the vast foyer. White marble floors are dotted with small, brown diamonds. Arches overhead with images of blue skies and clouds painted on the ceiling, and the Occitan cross sprinkled throughout.
“It’s amazing,” she whispers, looking around. Her eyes snap back to me when Cal appears at the top of the curved staircase.
“Hello, below!” He trots down the stairs, but when he reaches us, my uncle leaves his escort and walks toward him.