The Prince’s Game: A Mershano Empire Novel

by Foss, Lexi C.

  “No more scripts?”

  “No more scripts.”

  “I think I could get used to that.”

  “Good.” He kissed me on the nose. “Now that that’s decided, we have about five hours before we land. Want to see the bedroom?”

  I grinned. “Mr. Mershano, I’m starting to think you missed me.”

  He lifted me into his arms and started toward the back of the jet. “You have no idea, Miss Summers. Allow me to show you.”

  32

  The Beginning of the End

  “This location is perfect, Evan.”

  It was on the water, with a gorgeous view of the mountains and a five-minute walk to the restaurants in downtown Reykjavík. The hotel building he was interested in would need renovations to meet the Mershano Suites’ standards, but it was the perfect size.

  “I would keep the restaurant as is, though. It might not fit the mold of your other properties, but the quaint cafe reminds me of that place we ate at last night. It suits the vibe, if you know what I mean.”

  “I was thinking the same.” He flipped through some paperwork as we walked toward the car. “About the cafe, I mean. The staff could keep their jobs if I did it that way, too.” He opened the passenger door for me without looking and walked around the car. Paul and his crew had opted to stay at the hotel when Evan told them about our afternoon plans to tour hotel properties.

  It took a few days, but the director had given up in forcing his agenda on us. We were scheduled to fly back tonight for the final ceremonies this weekend. I was trying not to think about our time coming to an end, but the pit in my stomach served as a constant reminder. Iceland was a gorgeous country, and I had taken thousands of pictures, determined to remember every second. But the moments in our small, European-style hotel room were what I cherished most. Evan didn’t bother getting us a huge suite. All we needed was a bed and a shower.

  Paul had gawked when he saw our living quarters, insisting we needed a room similar to the one they used for filming in Paris. Evan told him it wasn’t necessary because the cameras weren’t allowed to enter. We kissed when directed but kept everything else private, and I loved it. For the first time, I felt like we were a real couple, and that scared the shit out of me. There was no acting involved. My feelings for him were growing by the minute, and I had no idea how much of them he reciprocated. His feelings on marriage and relationships were crystal clear, and from what I could tell, they hadn’t changed. But I was too chicken to ask him.

  “So you like that one the most, huh?” He started the car and headed toward our final property.

  “Definitely. It’s central to the city, has a walking path running along the harbor, and it’s right next to, what is this, route 41 or something? That’s an easy drive to 49 and 1, which goes around the country, right?”

  “You didn’t tell me you minored in geography, Miss Summers. How useful.”

  I knocked my knuckles against his hard bicep, eliciting a deep chuckle from him. “You know what I mean, Mister Business Major. It’s the perfect location.”

  “So you keep saying.”

  “I don’t think you need to see the last one.”

  “And why’s that?”

  “Because you agree with me.” I saw the way his eyes lit up when we walked inside. We both knew it was the one.

  His dimples flashed. “Is that so?”

  “Yep.”

  “So confident, Miss Summers.”

  “Always.” Except when it came to asking about our future. “But if you need to see the last property, I understand. It’ll only confirm what we both already know.”

  “I see.” He kept driving, his gaze pensive. He was sporting a navy blue sweater and jeans. Not the look of a billionaire, but that was the point. He was going for inconspicuous. I matched him in jeans, boots, and a creamy turtleneck. Iceland in April was cold, but the capital was on the water and more temperate than the other areas we visited on our trip. My favorite part was the hot springs, but the country’s waterfalls were breathtaking.

  We arrived at the final property, but Evan didn’t move to get out of the car. He pulled off to the side and studied the surroundings. We were in the center of the city, near all the local bars and restaurants. It wasn’t busy, but that was to be expected. The population in Reykjavík wasn’t much more than my hometown in Indiana.

  “You’re right. The previous property is the best one.” He gave me a look I couldn’t interpret. “Maybe we need to reconsider this marketing partnership. You have an eye for real estate.”

  I laughed. “Yeah, right. I just have an eye for location. All part of my photography brain, Mershano. I look at this location and see it being cute for a few city shots, but that other location offered city, mountains, and water. That makes it perfect, in my unprofessional opinion.”

  “Well, I happen to agree with your professional opinion on this one.” He typed something into his phone before sliding it into his pocket. “Want to grab a bite to eat before we head back to the insanity?”

  “Sure. What did you have in mind?”

  “Want to hop out and walk somewhere random?”

  “Sounds perfect to me.” I opened my door and met him around the back. He enveloped me in a hug and kiss that left me breathless.

  “Thank you for today, Sarah. It meant a lot to have you by my side.”

  I warmed at his words. “I enjoyed seeing what you do even if it was just a small part of it.”

  “Maybe we can do it again after the show?”

  My heart skipped a beat. “Like go on another mini vacation to scout out hotel locations?”

  “Yeah, something like that. If you’re interested?”

  I swallowed. We were making plans for after the show. What did that mean? I didn’t have the guts to ask or take it seriously, so I cracked a smile instead. “I mean, I’ll have to check my schedule, but I can probably pencil in a getaway on your private jet. I do plan to live on it, after all.”

  “Naked, if I recall, correct?”

  “I do believe that was the stipulation.”

  “Excellent. We’ll have to make it a long trip. Thailand maybe?”

  “Sure, why not?” I had no idea if he was serious or not, but holy shit. We were making plans for the future. Postshow. That had to mean something, right?

  Oh my God, I was turning into the girl who overanalyzes everything. That wasn’t me. When it came to relationships, I went with the flow. I enjoyed the moment. I didn’t think about tomorrow or what might happen between myself and a man. He wanted to go on another trip. I did, too. This was Evan, the man against marriage, who meant what he said. I had to remember that. It wasn’t fair to him to expect more or read too much into it.

  But would it hurt to ask?

  I drummed my fingers against my jeans as we walked, biting my lip. It wouldn’t hurt to clarify, would it?

  “How about this one?” He suggested after reading a menu of a pub a few blocks from the car.

  “Sure.” I didn’t bother looking at the food offerings. My stomach was in knots. This relationship business sucked. I preferred the easygoing Sarah Summers, who didn’t care about long-term relationships and lived in the now. When did she get soft and fall in love? When you met Evan. Fuck.

  We sat near the window, giving us a pretty street view. The architecture in Reykjavík was colorful. I loved the varying shades decorating each roof; it reminded me of the rainbow when viewing the city from above. The pub Evan chose was picturesque and quiet, with a single owner and one other dining pair. It gave the pub a romantic air despite the trademark beer signs littering the walls. I ordered a fish dish, something the country seemed to specialize in, while Evan ordered pasta.

  “You’re pensive over there, Summers. Lay it on me.” He was starting to read me a little too well.

  I shook my head. “Oh, no, it’s nothing.”

  “Have I mentioned you’re a terrible liar?” His grin was infectious. Those damn dimples got me every time. “Or di
d I only call you a terrible actress? I can’t remember.”

  “Ha, ha.” I sipped my water and looked outside again. Am I really going to do this? It was a conversation we needed to have, but I didn’t want to come off as needy. Why was love so difficult? “I was just thinking about your travel comment, postshow. We haven’t really talked about what we’re going to do, if anything, when it all ends.” I let the unspoken question hang between us. Are we going to continue this or not?

  He nursed his beer, his gaze unreadable. “Well, the network’s contract is pretty strict about contact after the show. Not that I care, but the producers don’t want me seen with anyone after they finish filming. They don’t want to spoil the end.”

  “Makes sense.” I remembered reading that part of the contract and thinking it wouldn’t matter much to me, but now it did. I wanted to see him postshow, but I wouldn’t be allowed. Not in public, anyway.

  “But I don’t imagine there will be a lot of paparazzi in Thailand.”

  “So you’re serious about the trip?”

  “Sure, I love traveling, and I’m always scouting new locations. You have a good eye, and I enjoy your company.” Not exactly what I wanted to hear as far as reasons went, but they could’ve been worse.

  “Okay, so outside of travel, we’ll have to be discreet.” Assuming you want to see me beyond Thailand.

  “I guess, but I won’t have a lot of time after the show is over anyway. I’ve missed two months of work. To say I have a bit to catch up on is an understatement.”

  “Right.”

  “But yeah, we’ll need to be discreet, especially with you refusing my proposal and all. I don’t want the producers or anyone catching wind of our financial arrangement.”

  “Right.” I sounded like a parrot on repeat. His blasé recap of our deal hurt, but I didn’t let it show. Nothing had changed. He expected me to hold up to my end of the bargain and refuse his proposal, and it made sense that he didn’t want anyone to know about our partnership. “Well, maybe we shouldn’t see each other afterward. Or at least until the show’s publicity dies down.”

  He took another drink. I wanted him to protest but knew he wouldn’t. What I said made sense, and Evan was logical. I wanted to keep seeing him, but I couldn’t admit it out loud. It would be too much and ruin what little time I had left with him. He wasn’t the commitment type. I knew that.

  “We’ve done a good job sneaking around so far, but you being in Chicago would make it more difficult to hide. It would probably be best if we cooled off for a bit and play it by ear after the show airs. The last thing either of us needs is our arrangement being made public, and I have to remain a silent partner for it to work.”

  “Right. Yeah, of course.” I needed a stiff drink. “So we’re in agreement that this is over after the show.”

  “At least for now, yes.” He finished his beer and signaled for another without looking at me.

  My heart was in my throat. This was not how I wanted the conversation to go, but it was what I expected. We had a good run, and the sex was phenomenal, but this was the end of the line. “Where are we going for the final episode?”

  “Hawaii.” He watched the waiter walk over with his drink.

  “That’s a long flight.”

  “Yep.” He still wouldn’t meet my gaze. Awkward. “Want to take the jet again?”

  “Am I allowed?”

  “Probably not, but what are they going to do?”

  Other than chewing Evan out, they didn’t do much about me traveling with him to Iceland. It would be our last few hours alone together before the show’s finale, and then we would go our separate ways. My stomach turned over. This time next week, I would be back in Chicago and Evan would be single and back on the market. I fought the urge to rub my chest. It ached with the realization that he would never be mine.

  But he is mine for the moment. I could enjoy these last few hours with him, or I could dwell on my future without him. Precious time was being wasted as I considered this tomfoolery. I had to take advantage of the now, revel in it, and cherish it. It was all I had, and it would have to be enough. Now, to get him back in the mood and to forget our discussion . . . I knew just what to say.

  “If I say yes to the jet, do I forfeit my clothes?” That got his attention and returned the wicked glint to his smoldering gaze.

  “It was part of our deal.”

  “Hmm, you drive a hard bargain, Mister Mershano.”

  “Is that a yes?”

  I tapped my chin in a playful gesture that didn’t match my breaking heart. “Indeed it is, but I’m not disrobing until we’re in the air.”

  “Change that to disrobing when you get on the jet, and I’ll consider our deal set.”

  I smiled even though it hurt. “Yes, sir.” It would be a fitting end to our whirlwind romance, and I would treasure every second.

  33

  Contractual Obligations

  Hawaii was a weather shock. We went from icy temperatures to intense humidity, making my black gown stick to my legs. My hair was flat, but that didn’t stop the hairstylist from trying to fix it.

  “I’m melting,” I told Brenda as she touched up my makeup. It wasn’t even that hot, but the difference between Maui and Reykjavík left my body confused. It didn’t help that I was nervous. Evan was waiting for me on the beach.

  Our final hours on the plane were spent with me in his arms, lying in the bed. We stopped twice along the way to refuel, the first in New York City and the second in Los Angeles. It made for a long ride that we took full advantage of by making love and talking about everything under the sun except the future. I stayed true to my word and remained naked the entire flight. Evan did as well, donning a robe whenever the pilots needed a word with him.

  I wiped my clammy palms against my skirt and closed my eyes. It would all end today with one word. No. It would kill a part of me to say it, but it’s what Evan wanted, and his happiness mattered more to me than my own. He would never forgive me if I accepted his proposal. I couldn’t live with his hatred, not after everything we went through together. I had to say no, for him. It would be my final gift.

  “You look fabulous, if a little hot.” Brenda winked as she finished playing with my mascara. “Now go land yourself a billionaire.”

  If only it were that easy. “Yeah, I’ll get right on that.”

  I faked a smile and walked over to where Paul was standing. He had just finished filming Evan’s scene with Amber, and from the somber look in his eyes, it hadn’t gone the way he wanted. I wondered how the southern belle reacted to the prince’s rejection. Assuming that was how it all went. It was possible Evan proposed to her after all, and that all this was for naught. That would almost make it easier on me. I would prefer he reject me than the other way around, but that wasn’t the deal.

  “You look great, Sarah.” Paul’s tone lacked the joviality from our first day of shooting. He gave up while we were in Iceland and stopped giving us scripts. Whether it was because he knew it was a lost cause or because we didn’t need them, I wasn’t sure. “Ready?”

  To have my heart broken on national television? “Sure.” That was every girl’s dream, right?

  He guided me over to the path that led to the beach. “Walk slow and try to smile.”

  Smile. Right. I flashed him a cheeky grin and started down the stairs with the cameraman. It was close to midnight, but the path was illuminated by all the production lights. I followed the cobblestone walkway down to the sand. Evan was standing about a hundred yards away, clad in a black suit and staring out into the waves with his hands tucked into his pockets. Between my formal black gown and his tux, we looked ready for a night at the symphony.

  He turned with a smile as I approached, my presence obvious thanks to my well-lit entourage. His white shirt was open at the collar instead of adorned with a tie. I couldn’t blame him with this hot weather.

  In lieu of a hello, I ran my fingers through his dark, windswept hair and pulled him down
for a kiss. If this would be the last time our lips met, I wanted to make it memorable. My heart ached as he pulled away. Saying good-bye was going to be the hardest thing I’d ever have to do.

  His grin didn’t reach his eyes. “Hi, Sarah.”

  “Hi.” I tried to smile but failed. I couldn’t believe I was about to do this. What was I thinking agreeing to this deal? My dream was to own my own marketing firm, but meeting him changed everything. Being my own boss was still the goal, but being with him was my new fantasy. I wanted him to propose and beg me to say yes. No, that wasn’t quite right. Marrying him would be amazing, but that wasn’t what I wanted most. I craved a future with him. It didn’t have to involve wedding bands or children. I desired a partnership, one on the physical and emotional planes that tied us together deeper than marriage ever could. And it was the one thing he would never give me.

  He took a deep breath, his grin faltering. “Sorry, I had no idea how hard this would be.”

  “Me neither.”

  He took my hands in his, holding me close, but not close enough. “Sarah, I’ve enjoyed every minute with you. Your view on life is refreshing, your laugh always makes me smile, and your candor is a rare gift in this world that I cherish more than you’ll ever know.”

  My cheeks heated at his thoughtful words. No one had ever praised me for being honest, but he reveled in it. I opened my mouth to thank him and return the favor, but he continued before I had the chance.

  “You’re also one of the most gorgeous women I’ve ever met, with eyes I swear see right through me, and I love how dedicated you are to your work. Our time in Iceland showed me the true potential of our partnership and made me really excited for the future to come. Which is why . . .” He was so focused on his words that he didn’t notice my brittle arms as he started to kneel. The warmth his earlier words created was replaced with a cold chill that went straight to my heart.

  Dedicated to your work . . . Partnership . . . Future to come . . . All subtle reminders of the contract I signed, as if he thought I might forget. After everything we went through, he didn’t trust me to hold up my end of the bargain? Or did he worry I would get so swept up in the moment that I would accidentally say yes?