“He must’ve forgotten to mention it.”
Lena grinned, amused by Fin’s quiet rebellion. “I guess this means you’ll be needing to borrow another EVA T-shirt?”
Liam closed his eyes and gave a slow shake of his head. “It would appear so.”
Back in the office, Lena dug an EVA tee from the box, this time remembering not to shamelessly display her ass as she bent over to search for Liam’s size. Jinx, who was sleeping on the shelf next to the pile of boxes, let out a yowl, seemingly displeased at having his catnap interrupted. Lena shushed him. “Be nice or I’ll take you out so all the children can say hello and pet you.”
The cat quieted immediately.
When she turned to hand Liam the shirt, their fingers brushed, and she was as aware of him as she’d ever been. How could she not be? He’d stripped off his jacket and shirt, his sculpted muscles on full display. The man clearly spent some quality time in the gym, and her pulse thrummed at the sight of him, reminding her just how good it felt to be wrapped in his strong embrace.
With a knowing smirk, Liam took the shirt and pulled it over his head, tugging the fabric down over his bare chest and abdomen, robbing her of her new favorite view. Forget the park, she just wanted to stare at his abs all day. Better yet, to draw them.
“Looks like business is on the right track.”
“Yes and no,” Lena said, shaking her head to dispel the image of Liam’s beautiful torso. The truth was, it was more than his striking physique that heated her blood. It was the way he filled the small space, as if his presence were so big it commanded attention. Attention she was too happy to give. “Business was starting to pick up before the Channel Three interview, but today’s class is actually a freebie for the community center. Arts funding is always the first thing to go during budget cuts, so I host a free after-school class twice a month.”
“That’s very generous of you.” Liam took a step forward, slowly closing the gap between them as if he were stalking prey. And, hell, maybe her brain was short-circuiting again, because she couldn’t help but think of a lion she’d seen at the Bronx Zoo. It was fitting, really. King of the jungle, Crown Prince of Valeria. Liam’s movements were graceful and predatory, his gaze ravenous. It was a look that blazed straight through her, igniting a spark in her blood that surely would’ve been hot enough to fire pottery. “You really are unlike anyone I know.”
“Is that supposed to be a compliment?” Lena asked, her voice husky.
“The best one I can imagine.”
They were so close now she could smell the hint of peppermint on his breath.
Was he going to kiss her? She’d thought that once before, at the park. But then she’d gone and ruined it, talking about Chad and his stupid comic book. This time, if Liam wanted to kiss her, she wasn’t going to shy away from it.
Hell, she’d give him an invitation.
She stared up at him, lifting her chin and arching her back as her eyes began to drift shut.
“Lena.”
The sound of Nia calling her name cut the tension like a blade, severing the invisible tether that drew them together. It was just as well. This wasn’t a real relationship and she had no illusions about it becoming one. When their month was up, Liam would go back to his royal life and forget all about her. Which was why she had no business ogling his abs, let alone playing tonsil hockey with him.
No, her top priority needed to be getting her business back on its feet.
Nia poked her head through the door and her eyes went wide as she took in the scene before her. “Shit. Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt, but, um, we have a problem.”
Lena forced a smile. “Cuéntame.”
Nia glanced at Liam and then at Lena. “Ella and Dante are in today’s class.”
Lena furrowed her brow. She hadn’t known her niece and nephew were in today’s class, but it wasn’t unusual for them to pop in. It was hardly a disaster.
Nia cringed. “Tía Rosa is with them.”
…
Liam watched as the color drained from Elena’s face, and for a moment he thought she might make a break for it, her eyes darting around the small office as if seeking an escape route.
“Coño,” she cursed. “We’re cornered. I should’ve known it would come to this.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Nia offered, sounding anything but sure. “Probably.”
What the hell were they going on about?
Elena turned to Liam, bracing her hands on his shoulders, her dark eyes wide and serious, any previous trace of desire erased. “Just follow my lead, okay?”
“Sure, but who’s Tía Rosa and why do you look like you’ve just been caught red-handed?”
“Tía Rosa is my mother’s nosy sister.” Elena stepped back, massaging her temples as if to collect herself. “She’s also intensely interested in our relationship.”
Ah, yes. Their fake relationship. He couldn’t exactly fault her for being distraught. He wasn’t about to go parading his fake girlfriend before the royal family, even if he had been about to devour her moments before. “I see.”
Nia glanced over her shoulder. “The kids are getting restless. We need to get started.”
“Of course,” Elena said, nodding and smoothing her pristine apron. “I’m a professional and I have a class to teach. I’ll worry about my aunt later.”
Head held high, spine straight, she led the way back to the shop with Nia and Liam trailing behind her. He couldn’t speak for Nia, but he was anxious to see what the afternoon held. Judging by Elena’s reaction, it wasn’t going to be boring.
When they reentered the studio, Elena plucked a bell from the counter and rang it, calling for the children’s attention. Liam scanned the room, skipping over Jack and Ethan, who stood on either side of the front door, trying to determine which of the women was Elena’s aunt. His gaze raked over the adults who were lined up along the side walls of the studio, pausing on a middle-aged woman with warm bronze skin and midnight tresses who shared the same expressive brown eyes he’d come to associate with Elena. She smiled broadly when she noticed him staring and he returned the gesture—certain he had nothing to worry about—before turning his attention to Elena.
She stood before the class, showing them a print with a swirling golden tree on it. She explained that the piece was called Tree of Life and that it was a mosaic created by Gustav Klimt, an Austrian symbolist painter. She went on to show them two accompanying prints, The Expectation and The Embrace, which together with Tree of Life comprised the Stoclet Frieze. He was impressed with how well she commanded their attention, managing to squeeze in an art history lesson even as she explained the symbolism and the technique, which they’d be applying to the day’s project. Each child was to paint their own interpretation of the twisting Tree of Life, with inspiration from their own lives replacing the companion pieces.
Sounded easy enough. He might even try his own hand at it.
“Most of you already know my helper, Nia,” Elena said, gesturing to her friend, “but today we have another very special guest with us.” She turned to him, a toothy grin fixed in place, the corners of her eyes crinkling as the children looked on expectantly. “I’d like to introduce you all to my friend, His Royal Highness, Prince William of Valeria.”
The room erupted in chaos, the children all craning their necks and speculating about the possibility of a real prince in their midst.
Liam smiled and waved modestly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
“Are you really a prince?” a little boy sitting at the first table asked, his eyes wide with wonder.
“I am.” The moment the words passed his lips, the kids began peppering him with questions, shouting them out fast and furious, each one louder than the last as they vied for his attention. He tried to answer them all—he didn’t want anyone to feel left out—but it was utter
chaos.
A little girl approached, stopping right in front of him and crossing her arms over her chest. “My mom says the British royals are way more interesting than Valerian royals.”
Shite. What was he supposed to say to that? Sweat coated his palms as the little girl stared up at him expectantly. He was well versed in political maneuvering, court machinations, and international relations, but when it came to kids? He was out of his depth and he wasn’t too proud to call for reinforcements. He turned to Elena, who was attempting to hide a fit of laughter behind her hand, and silently pleaded for help.
Eventually, she gestured to the sample painting.
Right. Get the class back on track. “It looks like we have a lot of talented artists in the class. I’m hoping you can all teach me a little something about art. Do you think you can do that?”
The children shouted a chorus of “yeses” as Elena and Nia beamed at them.
“Let’s get started then,” Elena said, clapping her hands together as she and Nia began moving among the tables, issuing instructions as the children scrambled to put their aprons on.
Liam shoved down his nerves and followed their lead, stopping frequently to answer questions about what it was like growing up royal and praising the children’s artwork. He wasn’t much help in the way of providing guidance, but even he could give encouragement. Not that the children needed much. They went to work immediately, creating their own swirling trees in rich shades of gold, green, purple, and red. He saw nearly every color of the spectrum represented as he moved from one table to the next.
Throughout his travels, he couldn’t help but watch Elena. Her dark hair was twisted on top of her head, secured with a pencil, and she wore a plain black T-shirt and leggings under the red EVA apron, but he was certain he’d never seen her look more beautiful. Her eyes shone with pride, and her laughter carried sweet and light above the cacophony of the studio. She was a natural with the children and they responded brilliantly to her passion for the arts. Not that he was surprised. In the short time he’d known Elena, he’d come to realize she was one of the most genuine, giving people he’d ever known.
Hell, this class was evidence of her kind heart. The fact that she was offering a class at her own expense, even as her business was flailing and the threat of bankruptcy hung over her head, was a testament to both her character and her spirit.
The world could use more people like her.
“Perdón?”
Liam tore his gaze from Elena, turning to find the dark-eyed woman he was certain must be Tía Rosa. Jack took a step toward them and Liam gave a curt shake of the head. It wasn’t unusual for his bodyguards to run interference with anyone who approached him, but this was Elena’s aunt, and, if he was being honest, he wasn’t about to pass up an opportunity to learn more about her life here in New York.
“I’m Tía Rosa, Elena’s aunt,” she said by way of introduction. “And, since my niece is not returning my calls and has told me nothing about you, I figured it was time I took matters into my own hands.”
Liam smiled reflexively, although he was at a loss for words. Despite extensive coaching, he couldn’t seem to come up with an appropriate response.
Assuming one existed.
Undeterred, Tía Rosa continued. “What are your intentions toward my niece?”
“Intentions?” Liam parroted back, stalling for time.
Bollocks. Maybe he should have let Jack intercede on his behalf after all.
“Don’t play coy,” Tía Rosa said, lifting a knowing brow. “I’m sure you are aware Elena’s parents have passed.” She paused, making the sign of the cross. “It’s my duty to look after her. She’s like a daughter to me, and she hasn’t had it easy. I won’t have anyone—incluso un príncipe muy guapo,” she said, looking him up and down, “making a mockery of her.”
Indignation flared deep in Liam’s gut, and he had to remind himself Tía Rosa had only Elena’s best interest at heart. Truly, it was a blessing that Elena had someone who cared so deeply about her. Besides, he couldn’t exactly fault her for being suspicious. Elena had been decimated in the tabloids and Tía Rosa had no way of knowing he was doing everything in his power to fix it. When he spoke, he willed her to hear the truth of his words. “I would never do anything to hurt Elena.”
Tía Rosa flattened her lips and planted her hands on her hips as if preparing to challenge his claim. Fine lines appeared at the corners of her eyes as she scrutinized him, her gaze unflinching. Fine by him. He’d faced emperors and kings and courts full of conniving courtiers.
He could handle one overprotective aunt.
Probably.
“I believe you mean that,” she finally said, the corners of her lips reaching skyward. “I’m so glad Elena’s finally met a nice man. That last one? Chad? Qué cabrón,” she finished conspiratorially, and although he had no idea what it meant, he knew it was an insult.
Qué cabrón, indeed.
“Tell me, how did you and Elena meet?” she asked, hooking her arm through his and steering him toward an unoccupied corner of the studio. It wasn’t much quieter, the noise level having reached a veritable roar, but at least they wouldn’t be overheard. “I want all the details. Elena hasn’t told me a thing—if you can believe it—and I don’t believe a damn thing in those papers.”
He told her the story of their meeting, placing heavy emphasis on the fact that he’d snuck through the gate and by the time he finished, she was howling with laughter.
“That’s our Elena,” she said, wiping a tear from her cheek. She said it with such affection, it was clear she found Elena as charming as he did. It struck him then; this was how families were supposed to behave. Instead of ridiculing Elena for circumstances beyond her control or pressuring her to be something she wasn’t, Tía Rosa loved her fiercely and accepted her as she was, flaws and all. “Mi cariño has the worst luck.” She laughed and patted his arm. “Oh, the stories I could tell.”
“I can only imagine,” he teased, enjoying the easy flow of conversation with Elena’s aunt. The woman was warm and open, the kind of person you had to know only a few minutes to feel like you’d known them a lifetime.
“I will never forget Elena’s first day of high school. So excited when she left in the morning, but by the time she got home, she swore she was never going back because—”
“Don’t you dare finish that story!” Elena said, appearing at her aunt’s side and giving her a kiss on the cheek. “I see you’ve met Prince William.”
“We were just getting acquainted,” Tía Rosa said indignantly, squaring her shoulders. “What choice did I have when you wouldn’t return my calls? Hmm, mi cariño?” She turned back to Liam, smiling impishly. “Come to dinner on Sunday and I’ll tell you the rest of the story. We’ll have pernil y arroz con gandules and get to know each other better.”
“I’d like that very much,” he said as Elena’s eyes grew wide, her earlier panic now a shadow by comparison.
“I’m sure Prince William is busy,” she said, shooting him a meaningful glance. Liam pretended not to notice. This was just the opportunity he’d been waiting for.
“Nonsense. It’s been weeks since I’ve had a home-cooked meal, and I’ve been told there’s nothing better than Puerto Rican food.”
“Qué bueno. Bring your friends,” Tía Rosa said, gesturing at Jack and Ethan. “They look like they could use a nice home-cooked meal too.”
“Ay bendito.” Elena groaned and planted her hands on her hips, mimicking her aunt’s earlier pose. “I think you’ve taken up enough of Prince William’s time. We should let him get back to the children.”
She muttered something that sounded like before you start planning the wedding under her breath.
Liam grinned. “Well, I was thinking of trying my hand at the Tree of Life.”
“Perfect,” Elena said, pointing him toward an empty
stool on the other side of the studio. “Have at it. The kids will be thrilled to have you join their table.”
“It was a pleasure to meet you,” he said, extending his hand to Tía Rosa. She took it and reeled him in, planting a kiss on his cheek as she wrapped her free arm behind his back and gave him a firm squeeze.
“Handshakes are for strangers,” she said. “We’re practically family.”
Elena made a choking sound and he swallowed his own snort of laughter as he returned Tía Rosa’s warm embrace.
“Now, don’t let this one talk you out of dinner on Sunday,” she whispered, jerking her head toward Elena. “I make the best pernil in the city.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Chapter Eleven
Mierda! What the hell had just happened? Lena chewed her lip as she circulated around the room, unable to focus on anything but the thought of Liam meeting her family. Her entire family. Did he have any idea what he’d just signed up for? No way. If he had, he’d have taken the out she offered.
Sunday dinner was a tradition at Tía Rosa’s. After church, the entire family would cram into her cozy house in the Bronx, too many aunts and uncles and cousins packed into the tight space, all on their best behavior under the watchful eye of her abuela.
Not that it mattered.
Even on their best behavior, her family could be…overwhelming. They were close, always finishing one another’s sentences, talking over one another, and getting into one another’s business. She loved them and wouldn’t change them for the world, but that didn’t mean she wanted to introduce Liam to them.
Not at Sunday dinner. Not ever.
He wasn’t even her real boyfriend. It would be a disaster. Lying to her aunt was shameful enough. Lying to her entire family was a whole other level. Besides, it would never work. They’d see through the charade. Or, worse, like Tía Rosa, they’d start dreaming of a Nuyorican royal wedding and they’d be crushed when this farce came to an end.
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