Prince

by Cambria Hebert

  I wasn’t good at lying.

  “Oh?” Ethan leaned forward. “Better give it back, then.”

  I launched away from him, clasping the lapels from the inside. It was bigger on me, my frame not nearly as wide as his, so I was able to hide inside it completely.

  “I turned down all the offers to play,” I said, hoping to distract him from taking the coat.

  I wasn’t ready to give it back.

  He dropped his hand. “Why?”

  “I’m not a professional.”

  “It’s a shame. You play beautifully. I would have enjoyed listening to you again.”

  “You would?”

  He nodded. “You played for Ivory’s show,” he pointed out.

  “Ivory is my sister.”

  He made another one of his sounds and gazed out across the park. His profile was just as perfect as the rest of him, almost like he was carved by a sculptor.

  Without realizing, I scooted a little closer across the bench. “I’m sorry I turned you down. I didn’t know you put in an offer.”

  His head turned, and despite the sunglasses, I felt the weight of his gaze. “Does that mean if you had known it was me, you would have accepted?”

  The sound of my swallow was audible. The hair hanging over my forehead caught in the breeze, and the scent of pine swirled into my nose.

  I nodded. It was all I could do. My stomach was back to feeling funny.

  “Well, I still haven’t found someone.” He started, and I realized what I just did.

  I jerked upright. “No! I—”

  “I waited so long for your answer, and the event is in two weeks. It puts me in a bind, having to find someone else this close.”

  I blinked, feeling bad for ignoring the offers for so long. “What kind of event is it?”

  “A hotel opening.”

  “You really won’t be able to find anyone else?”

  “No one like you.”

  I gave in. “Okay.”

  “Okay?”

  “I’ll play at your hotel opening. I feel bad I made you wait so long. And since we’re friends…”

  “Are we?”

  His question stopped me, and I glanced away quickly, totally embarrassed. “W-well, I—” I began, stuttering.

  Warm fingers latched gently onto my chin, bringing my face back around as soft laughter filled the air around us. “I was teasing,”

  “I didn’t think you knew how.”

  “Me either,” he confided.

  Falling into silence, I searched the lenses for a glimpse of his stare, wanting to see the look in his eyes, wondering what I would find there.

  “You look like a puppy,” he murmured, his thumb stroking the underside of my chin.

  My face screwed up. “I do not.”

  “Yes,” he refuted simply. “Big, innocent eyes. Clumsy big feet and hands. Floppy hair… A trusting nature.”

  Pulling out of his grasp, I nearly toppled against the back of the bench. “I should go,” I said, scrambling up.

  Turning away, I grabbed my violin case, wishing I had more stuff to grab so I could stall for time.

  When I turned back, he was standing too. I wouldn’t say I was really short, but maybe I was compared to him. He stood so close I had to look up to meet his eyes.

  Oddly, I didn’t feel intimidated or even like he was trying to assert some kind of power over me. Instead, I felt… at peace.

  It was weird.

  Just like my stomach.

  “Here,” he said, extending a card between us.

  I took it and looked down. It was his business card.

  “Come to my office tomorrow afternoon, and we’ll sign the contract and go over the details of your performance.”

  “Okay. What time?”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “Aren’t you busy?” I asked. If his schedule was anything like Ivory’s, then he must be. That made me wonder. “What are you even doing here in the middle of the day?”

  “I needed some fresh air,” he told me, tipping back his chin to gaze at the sky. “And yes, I’m busy.” Glancing down, he leaned in. “But I’ll make time for you.”

  I fumbled back, but he caught my arm, keeping me upright.

  “See? Nothing but a puppy.”

  Is he teasing me again? Do I like it? Shaking off his grasp, I pulled the coat from around me and held it out.

  He took it, draping it over his forearm. “I’ll see you tomorrow, puppy.”

  The violin case bumped against my leg as I turned to leave. Even though I was blushing hard, I was chilled from the lack of his coat.

  I had to take the job, I told myself as I made my way out of Central Park. I left him in a bind. It was the right thing to do.

  It definitely didn’t have anything at all to do with the weird feeling still squirming around in my belly.

  5

  Ethan

  * * *

  I looked at the clock more times than I wanted to admit. Despite my busy schedule, the morning seemed to drag on.

  By late afternoon, I grew restless, tossing down the pen and standing from behind the desk. Tucking my hands into the pockets of my trousers, I turned toward the large window behind me, staring out across the city, eyes straying toward Central Park and the multicolored treetops.

  I sighed. Where is he?

  I told him afternoon, and it was going on dinnertime. The sun already hung low behind the tallest buildings in the city, the sky growing dimmer with each passing minute. Soon, the sun would be gone and the city would be illuminated by thousands of lights.

  Could he have agreed to meet just because he didn’t know how to say no?

  My head shook at the thought. Fletcher might be innocent, nice, and maybe even eager to please, but he didn’t strike me as someone who couldn’t say no. After all, he did tell Ivory no.

  Without even looking at the offers.

  A tsking sound escaped from between my lips. Such bad business.

  A brisk knock on the door brought me around. “Come in,” I called.

  My heart rate escalated when the door pushed open and then dropped when Bree stepped inside.

  “What is it?” I asked, words gruff.

  She paused at my tone but didn’t acknowledge it further. Gesturing to some files in her hand, she came closer. “Here are the files you were waiting for and the finalized contract. Oh, your last conference call scheduled at five had to reschedule. I’ve got it down for later this week.”

  “No one has been here to see me this afternoon?” I questioned.

  After placing the papers on my desk, she straightened. “No. Was someone supposed to?”

  “So if the call is canceled, then that’s all for today?”

  “Besides these, yes.” She agreed, pointing at the papers. She didn’t bother pointing out I didn’t answer her question.

  “You can go, then.”

  “Are you sure? I can stay until you’ve looked over—”

  “I can handle it. Just go.”

  “Should I order in some dinner for you before I go?”

  “No. I’m not hungry.” I paused. “But thank you.”

  The assistant seemed to relax with my added offer of thanks. It made me feel slightly guilty for my tone before. I often tried not to take any mood or stress I might be feeling out on my staff, as it only created a harsh working environment and made everyone uncomfortable.

  Every time my father stepped into this wing, it served as a clear reminder of that.

  “Okay, well, have a nice evening,” she said.

  “Bree,” I called out, turning away from the window, leveling my stare on the light-haired assistant.

  “Yes?”

  “Thanks for everything. Have a good night.”

  She smiled. “See you tomorrow.”

  When she was gone, the silence of the room echoed around me.

  Where is he? Why am I so disturbed that he hasn’t shown up?

  I thought about calling, but
he didn’t have a phone. How could he just go around without a phone? What if something happened? How would he call for help?

  “This is not for you to worry about,” I muttered, planting myself back into the seat to look over the newly delivered files.

  A short while later, a sound of frustration filled the office, and I pushed the papers away.

  I want to see him.

  There. I admitted it.

  Just allowing myself to think it alleviated some frustration, but not nearly enough. Now I had to wonder why I wanted to see him so much.

  One afternoon in the park, not even an hour’s time. That shouldn’t be enough to make me this way.

  A memory of his wide golden eyes staring at me flashed into my mind.

  Fuck.

  A knock on the door caught my breath. Instead of calling out, all I did was make some odd sound.

  The door swung open anyway, and Ivory walked in wearing a white body-hugging pencil skirt with a white military-style jacket adorned with gold buttons. Her heels were white with straps that wrapped around her ankles to the lower part of her slim calves.

  The hem of the jacket was slightly frayed, and her onyx hair was sleek around her shoulders.

  “Bree wasn’t at her desk, so I just let myself in.”

  “You’re welcome anytime,” I told her, standing up out of habit and respect.

  “Working late again,” she observed, walking across my office to where my private bathroom was located. Draped over her arm was a large black garment bag. Beside the bathroom was a built-in closet with a hook jutting out from the front.

  When she got there, she looked up and frowned.

  Chuckling, I went to help her, taking the bag and hanging it on the hook she obviously couldn’t reach.

  “What’s this?” I asked.

  “Your suit for the opening. It was done a little early, so I figured I’d bring it by.”

  “Ah, thank you.”

  “I should thank you. It’s free advertising when you wear my clothes.”

  “Why wouldn’t I wear them? I always look good when I do.”

  “Charming,” she mused, patting me on the chest.

  “Do I need to try this on now?” I asked, not even moving to open up the bag.

  She made a dismissive gesture with her hand. “You can do it later. Just let me know if there is a problem with the fit.”

  There wouldn’t be a problem. There never was with Ivory’s designs, and her design house, Reflections, had made me enough clothes that they probably knew my measurements by heart.

  “Have you talked to Fletcher today?” I blurted out.

  It was unlike me. I very rarely blurted out anything without thinking first. It just went to prove how unsettled I was by his lack of appearance.

  She swung around, the glossy strands of her hair sweeping out like a curtain. With a wrinkled nose, she asked, “Fletcher?”

  Nodding, I explained. “I actually saw him in the park yesterday after I spoke with you. I brought up the event I’d wanted him to play at, and he agreed to do it.”

  Her blue eyes widened. “He did?” she exclaimed, clearly happy. “How’d you get him to agree?”

  “I just told him it would be a hardship to find someone this short notice to take his place.”

  “Maybe if you were anyone other than you,” she quipped, giving me a look.

  I shrugged. “I thought you wanted him to have a job.”

  Her red lips pursed. She was indeed a very beautiful woman, and she was also likable. It was a shame I wasn’t attracted to her at all.

  “You’re right.” Her nod was brisk. “Thank you.”

  I wasn’t interested in her thanks right now. I wanted to know where Fletcher was.

  Ivory might not be your type… but he is.

  “He was supposed to be here this afternoon to sign the contract. He never showed.” The thoughts echoing through my head made the tension in my voice palpable.

  “You’re worried.” Ivory stated, clearly not asking.

  The tie at my neck suddenly felt a bit tight, and I reached for it, loosening it a bit. “Are you saying I don’t need to be? Does he no-show often?”

  “Actually, no. Fletcher is very reliable, and he’s a terrible liar.”

  “I noticed.” I agreed, fondness filling my chest when I thought of his honest eyes and blushing cheeks.

  I was used to people who bluffed and put on a front. I’d learned to take everything everyone said with a grain, or two, of salt. Honesty seemed like a commodity the rich couldn’t afford, which was ironic because people thought the rich could afford everything.

  Clearly, not everything could be bought.

  “He could have gotten distracted, though. He often plays in the subway and sometimes forgets the time.”

  “He spends his time in the subway,” I echoed, displeasure curling my lip.

  Surprise widened her eyes a bit, and she said, “He likes it down there.”

  “It’s filthy and filled with rats.”

  “There is that,” she allowed. “I could call the apartment and see if he’s there,” Ivory offered. “I’d call Neo, but he’s with Virginia right now. She had an appointment earlier today.”

  “How is his sister?” I asked, genuinely interested in her well-being. She was a beautiful girl that got dealt a shitty hand in life, but the time I’d met her, she still had a bright spirit.

  “She’s good, hopeful this surgery will help her walk again.”

  “If there is anything I can do, anything at all, please let me know.”

  Stepping close, Ivory put her hand over mine, giving it a squeeze. “Thank you. Truly. It means so much to me that you accepted Neo and his family into my life. Into our lives. Your acceptance of my relationship really helped to smooth things out in our, ah, social circles.”

  Even my acceptance of heiress Ivory White’s relationship with a misfit from the Grimms didn’t keep tongues from wagging. In fact, I think they wagged a little more because I just allowed my betrothed to be snatched away. My father basically said as much. However, Ivory was probably the richest woman in this entire state—hell, maybe even this country—so the tongues just wagged a little quieter.

  However, my family name and my reputation here was also nothing to sneeze at, so I understood the reason she was thanking me. I could have made things much more difficult.

  My father would have preferred it that way.

  Me?

  I wanted Ivory to be happy.

  At least one of us can be.

  That thought brought another one chasing right after. Fletcher.

  “So, ah, about Fle—” I was cut off by the ringing of a cell phone.

  Startled, Ivory pulled back, her manicured hand delving into a concealed pocket in her military jacket and coming out with her slim phone. Her brow furrowed when she looked at the screen. “Unknown,” she murmured.

  “Don’t answ—”

  “Hello?” she said, cutting off my warning.

  I mean really, she didn’t listen at all. Neo must have been exhausted.

  I couldn’t hear the voice on the other end of the line, but the way she straightened made it clear she knew who it was.

  “Fletcher?” Was that worry in her voice?

  She fell silent, and the loud pounding of my heart made up for her lack of sound.

  “He’s with Virginia. That’s why.” Pause. “What’s happened?”

  I wasn’t an anxious person. Actually, far from it. I was usually calm and cool, not easily ruffled. In my line of work, in my family, if I was any other way, my head would have exploded long ago.

  So why was I having a hard time controlling my breath right now? My heart rate? Why were my fists clenching with the need to snatch away Ivory’s phone and demand to know what he was saying?

  Ivory gasped, mouth falling open, eyes jumping to mine.

  I froze.

  “What?” she cried. “I told you—” She cut herself off, drawing in a deep breath
. “Ugh. I’ll be right there.”

  Pulling the phone away from her ear, she hit the screen, glancing up. “Well. I found Fletch.”

  “Where is he?” I demanded.

  She sighed. “Jail.”

  6

  Fletcher

  * * *

  I woke up this morning, and my stomach still felt funny.

  I told Earth, and he told me to drink some Pepto.

  So I did.

  It didn’t help.

  I couldn’t even eat breakfast, but I did wash down that gross pink stuff with some coffee.

  I’m going to see him again today. The thought was almost like a heartbeat that had been echoing inside me since I’d opened my eyes.

  After taking a shower and pulling on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, I grabbed the coat Ivory insisted on buying for me. The coat I had before was fine, even if it was a little threadbare and old.

  But this new one was made of material that blocked the wind and was lined to keep me warm. The pockets were deep enough to fit my entire hands, and there was a hood lined with some kind of fur I could pull up when it was snowing.

  The label on the inside read The North Face, but I didn’t know anything about that brand.

  Beau’s head popped up from behind his multiple computer monitors, his red hair somewhat messy around the headphones jammed over his head. “Where you going?”

  Obviously hearing him, Earth popped his head out from the kitchen to stare.

  “Subway,” I answered, picking up my violin. “Then I’m going to go see Neo and Ivory.”

  Earth grunted. “That explains the coat.”

  Beau snickered.

  “What do you mean?”

  “You only wear that when you’re gonna see Ivory ‘cause she nags you to death about it,” Earth quipped.

  I thought about yesterday and how she did in fact nag me about the absence of my coat. It was only because she cared, though, and I was grateful she gave me this, even if it was too nice.

  Guess if I wear this, I won’t be needing Ethan’s jacket today.

  “What’s that look?” Earth barked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

  I blinked. “What look?”

  “The look you got on your face.”