The Prince and the Player

by Tia Louise

  “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 bruised-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.

  His strong arm goes around my waist, and I’m back at his side. “That’s enough, Mr. Chicken. I’ll have her back now.”

  Seth does a little nod. “I meant no disrespect, sir. Disrespect is not very Kentucky. I’ll just say adieu. Is that correct?”

  “That’s right.” Cal’s eyes are leveled on him, and the overprotective glare he’s shooting at Seth turns me on even more than his sexy mouth.

  Seth nods and steps forward again, kissing my cheek and speaking directly in my ear. “Text me.”

  I flinch, and Cal feels it. He starts to make a move toward Seth, but I step between them. Facing Cal, I resume our slow dance in time with the music. Cal’s eyes are focused over my shoulder watching Seth disappear through the bodies. The muscle in his jaw moves, and he looks down at me. My heart melts at his expression.

  “You okay? Was that asshole making you uncomfortable?”

  “I don’t like fried chicken.” I say with a little laugh.

  I’m not sure how much more of this emotional roller coaster I can take. Cal pulls me close, and his hand moves slowly across the skin of my lower back as we sway to the remainder of the song. I rest my cheek against his shoulder, allowing his strength to soothe me.

  I’m still a little trembly inside, but Seth is appeased for the moment. I didn’t tell him about the additional ten thousand Reggie put
in our account, and my hope is I can keep that to myself. I’m going to need it if I ever expect to get away from him for good. The song ends, and I exhale the last of my nerves.

  “What now?” Cal says, looking down.

  “Would you mind if we find Ava? I need to tell her something.” She needs to know Seth is here, and I’ve got him under control.

  “Sure.” He pulls my hand to his lips and kisses the tops of my fingers before leading me slowly through the elegant bodies.

  I think about what I told Seth, my exit strategy. My eyes drift down to my small hand so firmly in Cal’s grip, and I take a shaky breath. It’s going to hurt like hell when I have to leave him.

  Playing Politics

  Rowan

  The Rose Gala is the official kick off to racing season, and as such, my decision to enter the fray dominates conversation. The queen is livid, but I’ve managed to avoid her lectures since she suddenly returned from Marins. I’m fully committed, and nothing she can say will change my mind.

  “I like your strategy, Rowan.” Prince Fayed Patel of Tunis crosses the upper deck to greet me. “Enter on the last day and cause an upset. It won’t win you the race.”

  My former rival’s eyes shine with humor. On his arm is his wife Paridhi, a dark-haired beauty in a pink lace sari.

  “I love your dress,” she says, reaching for Ava’s hand. “Will you tell me where you got it?”

  With a quick glance at me, Ava goes with her to the railing overlooking the emerald waters leaving Fayed and me alone to talk.

  “I heard your deal with the Americans went through,” he says.

  “All that’s left is the approval of parliament and signing the contracts.”

  “Your decision to scale back your holdings in our country isn’t a popular one.” His tone is gentle, but I have to handle this situation diplomatically. Fayed is a close ally.

  “Increasing our dependence on oil is not on my agenda. You see what it’s doing to the economy in Saudi.”

  My friend nods. “This clean energy proposal is very new. You think it is more stable?”

  “It might be. It has a large number of strong backers.” A glance around the room, and I nod to a few members of the old guard watching us. “It only needs to be presented in the right way. The research is sound, and I’m confident introducing a revenue stream more stable than oil and tourism is the best course for our future.”

  “I am acquainted with your attention to detail. I’m sure this proposal has merit.” Fayed tilts his glass side to side. “Still, I hate to lose an ally.”

  I’m quick to stop that presumption. “Nothing will be lost. We’re not divesting; we’re simply reinvesting in something new.”

  “Ah,” he nods. “We can discuss this further at another time. I noticed technology isn’t the only new thing occupying your thoughts.”

  My eyes follow his to where Ava stands talking to Paridhi. She’s so natural with the princess, admiring her dress and hair. “After the race I intend to announce the deal, and depending on how it goes, my choice of a bride.”

  Fayed’s dark brow rises. “She’s very beautiful. Who is she?”

  “A friend of my uncle’s.” I think about the answer. “She’s American, but she has a way about her…” I can’t think of how to finish without sounding like a lovesick fool.

  Fayed chuckles and pats my shoulder. “It’s a love match. The best kind.” The women are slowly walking back to where we stand. “Good luck to you. I’m going to win on Sunday, but I’ll share the magnum.”

  That makes me laugh. “Don’t claim that magnum prematurely. I’ll see you at qualifications tomorrow.”

  Paridhi takes her husband’s arm, and Ava holds mine. We watch as they stroll away, disappearing into the crowd. I glance down at my beautiful date, thinking how she changes the tone of the entire evening.

  In the past, these events and functions have always felt like a chore for me. Tonight, I want everyone to see the gorgeous woman on my arm. I want them to become accustomed to seeing her with me.

  “You love this,” she says, looking up at me and smiling. “You’re the most relaxed and happy I’ve seen you in public.”

  Putting both my hands on her waist, I pull her to me. “Are you saying I’ve only been relaxed and happy with you in private?”

  “Up to tonight? Yes,” she teases, and I lean down to kiss her. Our lips only briefly touch before she pulls back. “I have your gift.”

  Opening her tan clutch, she pulls out a gold herringbone bracelet. It’s wide and clearly designed for a man. I watch as she fastens it around my wrist, feeling slightly uneasy. I’ve never worn jewelry, and I don’t want to hurt her feelings.

  “I know it’s old-school,” she says, running her finger along the shiny surface before pushing it under my cuff and into my sleeve. “You don’t have to wear it, but I want you to have it. It’s eighteen karat gold.”

  She looks up, and the shyness in her eyes makes me want to hold her in my arms. “I’m not accustomed to jewelry,” I say as gently as possible.

  “I know. It’s not fashionable anymore.” Her chin drops.

  “I’m not used to something around my wrist. I might damage it.” Catching her chin, I lift her eyes to mine. “Still, I’ll keep it on me during the race.”

  Her brow relaxes, and she smiles. “For luck.”

  Touching her cheek, I can’t help a sense of wonder at this person. “You’re my luck. I’ll wear it for you.”

  Cal’s voice cuts through our moment. “Had enough of all this nonsense? I know you hate it.”

  I look up at my brother, joining us with Zelda on his arm. “It’s not so bad. I’m actually enjoying myself.”

  “I don’t believe it.” He slants an eye at me, and I shrug.

  “Rowan,” Zelda says, touching her friend’s hand. “Do you mind if I steal her for just a bit?”

  Stepping back, I nod. “Of course not.”

  Cal and I watch as they walk slowly to the other side of the deck, stopping by the rail. For a moment, I observe how alike they move. I suppose it’s because they’re so close. Ava is several inches taller than Zee.

  “It’s her, isn’t it?” A smile is in my brother’s tone. “Ava is the reason you’re enjoying yourself here.”

  “She’s part of the reason.” A very big part, I don’t add. “I just spoke with Fayed. He’s aware we got the green light on the deal with the Americans.”

  “How’d he take it?” Cal has been with me every step of the way in my efforts to diversify our economy. “Disappointed, but understanding. He’s more interested in the race at present.”

  “It’s a festival weekend—especially now that you’ve changed the conversation. We’ll get back to business on Monday.”

  “I’ll have to discuss it with the queen before I bring it to the council.”

  “Will you include Reggie in the conversation? She’s met with him a few times since he’s been back.”

  That flashes me. “About what?” I’m more than a little annoyed they’ve had meetings without my knowledge.

  “From what I understand, she’s trying to see if he has any ulterior motives for being here—other than bringing a certain wealthy American heiress to your attention.”

  “Zelda,” I say with a nod, thinking how his matchmaking efforts are directly linked to his record for economic conservatism. “An oil heiress is more of his outdated way of thinking. Getting us further entrenched in waning technologies.”

  “They’re not entirely outdated just yet.”

  “They’re also not what I want for our future. Tourism, gambling, oil—all are dependent on the global economy and disposable income. I want us insulated against factors we can’t control.”

  Cal holds up his hands. “I’m on your side.”

  “Reggie, however, is not.” I’m less angry at my uncle, but I’m not ready to pull him into the inner circle just yet. Cal looks away to where the ladies have gone, and I can’t resist a little prod. “
At least his efforts weren’t wasted. You seem to be enjoying your time with Miss Benedict.”

  He glances up, and I don’t miss the change in his expression. “She’s kind of perfect, but I don’t know. It’s a lot to consider.”

  “What is?”

  “They’re leaving soon. Going back to America.”

  Now I’m the one searching for them. “I didn’t know that. When?”

  “Zelda didn’t say an exact date. It has something to do with her uncle’s will.”

  “That doesn’t impact Ava.” I’m speaking as much to myself as to my brother. “She shouldn’t have to leave.”

  I find Ava talking to Zelda across the deck, and the shadow I see passing over her face erodes my confidence.

  “Maybe,” Cal continues. “I get the feeling they stick together.”

  I’ve left my brother’s side, and now I’m walking to where they stand. Zelda doesn’t see me approach, and I catch the end of what she’s saying before Ava cuts her off.

  “I think he’s satisfied for now, but I don’t know what he might attempt—”

  “Rowan!” Ava rushes forward, placing her hand on my forearm. “Zelda and I were just talking.”

  “Cal told me. You’re leaving? Why didn’t you say anything?”

  Her green eyes go round. “I don’t know.” She looks rapidly to Zelda and back to me. “Everything is happening so quickly.”

  I cover her hand with mine, thinking of our day in Occitan, making love in the ocean. I remember eating strawberries and drinking champagne, discussing poetry and what I want my legacy to be. I want Ava at my side for all of it.

  “It’s my fault,” Zelda says, drawing my attention away from the girl standing in front of me. “I wasn’t sure if Ava wanted to stay… If I have to leave.”

  Ava releases my arm and returns to her friend. “Stay here alone? Without you?” I don’t miss the worry in her voice.

  “I was hoping…” Zelda looks up at me again. “I hoped you wouldn’t be alone.”

  I reach for my lady, and the bracelet she gave me slips out of my sleeve, falling onto my hand.

  Zelda’s eyes fix on it, and her expression changes. “Did you give him that?”