The Prince and the Player Read online

  “Reggie was at the track today. He knows you and Rowan are seeing each other. He probably knew before—hell, it’s probably why he even showed up today. To bust us.”

  “What’s he going to do?” Her voice wavers, and I know she’s feeling that same sickening fear I felt earlier at the thought of Cal finding out what I’d done. Only her fears are for Rowan.

  “He wants us to keep him posted about the prince. He wants to know what he’s doing, where he’s going, then he’ll allow us to stay here.”

  “But I never know what he’s doing or where he’s going. He doesn’t tell me those things!” I can see the panic in her eyes, and I want to soothe her.

  At the same time, I know how swift Rowan’s judgment can be. She’s right to be afraid.

  “It’s going to be okay, Ava-bug. Do you trust me?” I expect her to say yes like she always does, like we’ve always been in the past.

  Instead she says one word, “How?”

  Pushing off the couch, I start to pace. “I don’t know.”

  “Oh, Jesus!” She leans forward pushing her face in her hands. “He’s going to hate me. He’ll never look at me again! And after everything we’ve said… Everything we’ve done!”

  That does it. I rush to kneel in front of her, pulling her hands into mine. “Look at me! I’m not going to let that happen. I’ve seen Rowan with you. He’s in love with you. He’ll give you the kind of life you deserve.”

  Her eyes go round. “He’s not in love with me. We’ve never said—”

  “Feelings like that don’t have to be said. They’re apparent for everyone with eyes to see them. He cares about you, and I won’t let my mistake spoil that for you. If anyone deserves a fairytale ending, it’s you.”

  “But what about you? What about Cal?” She’s blinking fast. “I’ve never seen you so happy. Not ever! It’s the first time you haven’t always been planning and calculating and looking for the next job. It’s the first time you’ve smiled!”

  Standing, I force myself to calm. This isn’t about me. “We’ve had money, Ava. Money is why I’m smiling.”

  “That’s bullshit!” she shouts, and I feel my jaw hit the floor.

  “Ava!” I’ve never heard her lose it this way.

  “I’m not going to let you sit here and say these things. You’re happy here. It’s not just me!”

  “You’d have to be an idiot not to be happy here! Of course I’m happy here, but that’s not the point!”

  “Then what is the point?”

  Clearing my throat, I walk over to the wet bar for a bottle of water. “The point is I took this job. I sat on that boat and shook hands with the devil. You’re here because I never leave you behind.”

  She’s listening, but her dark brows are pulled together. She’s looking for any chance to argue with me on this, but I won’t let her. I twist the top off the water bottle and take a sip, calming my thoughts as well as my voice.

  “I’m going to find out what Reggie’s up to,” I continue. “I’m going to see if there’s any way to redeem what I’ve done. There probably isn’t. I’m going to have to be the villain in this story.”

  “You’re not!” Her voice breaks, and unshed tears are in her eyes.

  “I am, Ava-bug. I agreed to come here and lie to Rowan. I didn’t expect to meet Cal, but I definitely came here intending to hurt Rowan.”

  She’s off the sofa now, crossing the room to stand in front of me. “From the start, we said we would stop it, we’d walk away if we found out Reggie was tricking us. We can just walk away!”

  “Yes, but walking away means walking all the way away—all the way back to Florida.” Her chin drops, and I know her heart is breaking. My heart is breaking for both of us. “I’ll walk away,” I say. “I’m doing my best to find any way for you to stay.”

  Her face snaps up, and again her forehead is lined. “What are you saying?”

  “I’m going to figure out what Reggie wants. I’m convinced he’s here to finish what he started when Rowan kicked him out…”

  “And?”

  “And if I can beat him to it, whatever it is—if I can warn Cal or Rowan, maybe they’ll feel… A little less like punishing and more like forgiving.”

  Her breathing picks up, and I can see that tiny glimmer of hope growing in her eyes. She’ll always trust me, and I take that responsibility very seriously.

  “Then we can stay?” she whispers.

  “I hope so.” I nod as I start to pace again, thinking. “I hope Rowan will believe me when I tell him you had nothing to do with this scheme. You were only here because I wouldn’t leave you behind.”

  “I’m sure he will—he’ll forgive you. Rowan is really kind and gentle.”

  Glancing up at her, I can’t help a skeptical grin. “Rowan is not kind and gentle. He’s powerful and tough, and from what I’ve heard, he’s pretty ruthless when it comes to handling people who cross him.”

  She frowns as if I’m describing someone she doesn’t know. “He’s focused, and he takes his position very seriously, but he’s not ruthless.”

  Walking back to her, I put an arm around her shoulders. “That right there is why I’m doing this. If that man is so sweet to you that you don’t even notice what a badass he is, I’m going to find a way for you to stay together. I promise I will.”

  Her shoulders fall, and she lets out a slow exhale. “I can’t argue with you anymore. I’m too tired.”

  I laugh and give her side a little poke. “Somebody’s been having sex all evening.”

  “Shut up. I’m going to take a shower.”

  “No more gushing about having sex with a king?”

  “Goodnight, Zelda!” she calls waving over her shoulder at me.

  “That’s a switch!” I call after her. My phone buzzes on the counter, and I laugh as I walk over to pick it up.

  Wish you were here. No one to criticize the horrifying movie choices I’m making.

  “MacCallam Lockwood Tate,” I whisper, unable to stop a smile.

  What are you watching? I text back.

  Come back and I’ll show you.

  Have work to do. Tell me.

  Work? You’re on a holiday.

  Chewing my lip, I decide to give him a little insight into my plans. Trying to find a way to stay longer.

  In that case, I’ll survive my poor entertainment choices.

  Smiling, I walk over to sit on the sofa. Resting my head on my hand, I wipe the stubborn tear from my eye and force myself to have hope. Touching the screen quickly, I text, What have you chosen this time?

  You’ve Got Mail.

  Grow a dick, MacCallam.

  I love it when you use my full name.

  Snorting a laugh, I roll my eyes. You’re not watching that.

  Come make me turn it off.

  Not tonight.

  A few seconds tick by, and I look over at the television. Picking up the remote, I change the channel until stupid Meg Ryan appears. This movie is so dumb, I text.

  Gotcha. What are you wearing?

  Slanting my eyes, I think of our first night. Changing clothes.

  Send me a tit pic.

  No!

  Smart girl. I’d make that shit my wallpaper.

  Still no Prince Charming, I reply.

  It’s Playboy Prince, sugar tits.

  I laugh again, rolling my eyes. Goodnight, MacCallam.

  Goodnight, beautiful.

  With a sigh, I push off the couch, switch off the television, and walk slowly to my bedroom. I consider calling Reggie, but I have no idea what to say. It’s not like I can ask him straight out what he’s got up his sleeve. Instead, I pull up our last text exchange searching for any clues. It’s only questions about how it’s going with Rowan, or “CPR,” and me.

  “I’ve got to get something on him. I’ve just got to,” I whisper, plugging my phone into its charger and walking into the bathroom to get ready for bed.

  Our pickup time for the ball is an early six thirty, bu
t Cal says it’s because the spectators like to cheer and watch as the racers board the yacht.

  “It’s going to be on a yacht!” I call to Ava as I stand by the wet bar waiting.

  I’m having a glass of champagne, careful not to spill it on my filmy red designer gown. It’s knee length, and the halter-top shows off my shoulders. It also has a large, upside-down triangle cutout ending at my lower back. I seem to recall Cal liking such details, and I confess, I like his hands on my skin.

  True to his word, Reggie is keeping us bankrolled. I can only suppose that means we’re still “useful” to him. I feel like a shit taking his money, but it’s the only way I can continue working on my own agenda. We have to look the part, and at least I haven’t been able to tell him anything he doesn’t already know about the guys.

  “Will it set sail?” Ava walks out in a strapless beige dress. It’s knee-length, and the scalloped top just covers her breasts. Her hair is styled over her shoulder so that one long lock ripples down, the bottom just curling where her nipple is hidden.

  “Damn. Ro is going to tent his trousers when he sees you in that.”

  She laughs, her cheeks flaming, and I give her a hug. “You look beautiful.”

  “What about you? I love that dress! The color is gorgeous, and the back is a total tease.”

  My phone buzzes, and I pull it out. “It’s show time.”

  Rowan sent a decoy limo to the front of our hotel so we can escape through the kitchen entrance. The manager escorts us to the door, where outside Cal is leaning against the actual limo.

  “Sorry for the alley pickup…” His words drift away when our eyes meet, and that little fish is alive and well in my stomach, flipping all over the place. “You look incredible.”

  I push a lock of pale blonde behind my ear doing my best not to blush as hard as Ava. “Yet another reason I needed to be here last night,” I say in a tone that’s far more carefree than I feel. “We had to shop today, get our hair done.”

  He catches my forearms and leans down to kiss my cheek. “The entire miserable night was worth it for this.” Warm hazel darkens, and I’m squealing on the inside.

  Ava walks up behind us. “Where’s Rowan?”

  “He thought it would cause less of a problem if he met us at the pier.” She makes a little sad noise, and he tears his eyes from mine. “Oh, wow! He probably should have come with me. That dress will definitely provoke a response.”

  “That’s just what I said!” Moving to his side, I slip my hand in the crook of Cal’s arm.

  “I’m sure the crown prince knows how to conduct himself in public,” Ava says, but I don’t miss her smug tone.

  “When the two of you go missing, we’ll know to search the bedrooms,” Cal teases.

  “No way!” I cry. “If the boat’s a-rockin, don’t come a-knockin!”

  Cal slides a hand over my lower back, hitting me with a cascade of chills. “Mm, if we go missing…” he rumbles in my ear.

  “Come on,” Ava climbs into the limo with the help of Hajib.

  It’s only a short drive to the dock. We’re pulling into the parking area and stepping out to meet Rowan in no time. As predicted, his eyes fix on Ava’s, and I see the muscle in his jaw move when she crosses the space to him.

  “You’re beautiful,” I hear him say in a low voice, and her skin flushes a pretty color.

  His large hand takes hers, lifting it to his lips, and her eyes gleam as she watches him. Protecting her future, knowing how perfectly safe and happy she would be here with him dominates my thoughts.

  “What are you thinking?” Cal’s voice is low beside my cheek, and he places his hand around my waist.

  Turning my head just slightly, I don’t take my eyes off them as they walk the short distance to the gangplank. Cheers and shouts come from the crowd, flashes go off in a strobe of white, and Rowan waves discreetly, smiling to his subjects. He holds Ava’s hand tightly in his, and she follows, watching him and smiling.

  “She’s so happy,” I whisper.

  It’s all I’ve ever wanted for her. She’s found a tall, dark, and handsome prince to carry her away to her happily ever after.

  “You’re such a good friend,” Cal says, and just like that, I’m pulled from my fairytale and back to our lies.

  “Right,” I say, clearing my throat, hating this so much.

  “I hope you’re so happy.”

  You have no idea how happy, I think, with a sad little exhale. His hazel eyes have a rare earnestness as he lifts my fingers to his lips. It’s a feather-light kiss, a brush of skin I feel it straight between my thighs. Damn, MacCallam Lockwood Tate is so irresistible to me.

  I answer him honestly. “I had no idea this vacation would go this way.”

  It’s a short walk to the boat, and Cal has his share of screaming fans. He waves, and I wish I could be like my sister—so completely enraptured with my date that I don’t even notice all the death glares shooting at me from the crowd. Too bad, I see all the bitches that want to take my place. I can’t think about them. I have enough complications on my plate.

  Once onboard the super yacht, it’s like my first night at the charity ball, only this time, I’m far more comfortable in my dress and heels, and the entire plan has fallen apart. I have nothing and everything to lose.

  “MacCallam! Introduce me to your lovely date.” The same woman who cornered me with Reggie that first night approaches us, and while I remember her, I’m pretty sure she has no recollection of me.

  “Mother,” he says, leaning forward to kiss her cheek.

  Her majesty gives me a more focused examination tonight, and I can feel her sizing me up.

  “Miss Zelda Benedict of Texas,” Cal says.

  Inside I cringe hearing him repeat our lies, still I hold my poker face intact. “Your majesty,” I say, doing a slow curtsey.

  “Benedict? We’ve met before,” she says, clearly not connecting me with Reggie.

  “Yes, ma’am. At the charity ball.”

  She waves a hand dismissively. “A legion of young ladies attended that ball.”

  “And out of them all, I found Zee,” Cal says, taking her hand and stepping forward to kiss her cheek again. “We’re just making the rounds.”

  I can tell he’s trying to disengage, but his mother isn’t finished. “Who is this young woman who has Rowan so infatuated?”

  “She’s a friend of Zelda’s,” he says, nodding to me, which gets me a more pointed inspection from the queen.

  “From Texas?” Her eyes are on me, but I’m not sure she’s actually addressing me.

  “Florida, mother,” Cal says, releasing her hand and stepping back. “Lovely girl. We’ve spent the last several days together.”

  The old crone’s about to launch into some complaint, I can see it in her eyes, and my hackles start to rise. I might not be Ava’s mother, but I’ve been the closest thing for the last ten years. Lucky for both of us, Cal makes some excuse and leads us away, further into the crowd toward the deck of the enormous yacht.

  We’re walking slowly under white canopies and Cal speaks briefly to couples sitting on round, wicker love seats and long, flat deck chairs.

  Once we’re somewhat alone, he assesses my cooling temper. “Mother has very definite ideas about what the future queen should be like.”

  I have to remind myself she’s his mother, but it’s difficult. “I’m sure she does,” is all I’ll say.

  I’d like to see that old bat find anyone sweeter than my little sister, even if Ava might steal your watch.

  “We all should have friends as loyal as you,” he chuckles and leans in to kiss my cheek. “I’ll get us a glass of wine. Don’t move.”

  I give him a little smile and walk over to the rail of the yacht, looking out at the breathtaking view. It’s a clear night, a light breeze is blowing, and the air is a little salty. Turquoise water stretches away, turning slowly deeper blue, and it’s so beautiful, I dream of what it would be like if we could just run awa
y.

  “It won’t work,” I whisper to myself. I’ll have to be honest with him at some point.

  “What won’t work, Zelda Wilder?” I jump at the exaggerated country twang, and just as fast, fear shoots through my stomach.

  I turn slowly to face… “Seth.” A tremor is in my voice. “What are you doing here?”

  “Well, you could’ve knocked me over with a cotton ball when I saw your sister Ava’s picture on the arm of the Crown Prince of Monagasco!” He’s doing the casino act, and I am freaking out. “I hopped the first flight over to come check on my girls.”

  “Stop it,” I hiss, grabbing his arm and my composure as fast as possible. “You can’t act like that here.”

  Seth’s eyes narrow, and his smooth Kansas is back. “How should I act, my old partner in crime? What kind of a con are you running, Zelda Wilder?”

  I frantically scan the crowd looking for Cal. He’ll be back any moment. “It’s Benedict, and Ava is not my sister. I’ll explain it all to you later. You’ve got to go.”

  In a swirl of ice-blue chiffon a woman joins us. She’s very beautiful and clearly noble. Her pale blonde hair is styled in a French twist, and an ornate necklace with brilliant blue sapphires is around her neck.

  “There you are, Colonel,” she says, taking his arm. “Felicity wanted to stop and speak to the crown prince.”

  “Colonel?” My brow arches.

  “Oh, I just told Miss Westingroot I was a little ole Kentucky Colonel.”

  It’s then I notice he’s wearing a gold pin on his black tuxedo jacket. Sure enough it has Kentucky Colonel stamped on a blue background under a bald eagle.

  “Did that come with the coat?” I snark under my breath.

  “It’s just an honorary title, of course, but Lara here seems to think it’s worth a damn.”

  “Who knew America had such things?” Lara says, but I don’t care for her snotty tone.

  My heart jumps again at the sound of Cal’s voice. “Hello, what do we have here?”

  Locking my eyes on Seth’s, I mentally order him, Don’t fuck this up…

  “MacCallam,” Lara steps forward to kiss my escort’s cheek. “How is your health?”