The Prince and the Player

by Tia Louise

  “They have a security breach at Occitan. It’s possible not even his brother knew what he did today.”

  “If there’s already a breach, you don’t need me.”

  “Au contraire, Miss Wilder. I don’t know the rat. I don’t know who he or she works for. You’ll stay right where you are and answer any questions I have.”

  The car pulls to a stop, and glancing out the window, I see we’re at the Brasserie where I’m meeting the other three for dinner.

  “Or what?” My voice it a bit sharper than I feel inside, which is really sort of trapped and miserable.

  Reggie’s eyes flash in response. “Or I’ll expose you for the lying little cunt you are.”

  My stomach plunges, but I swallow back my tears. He couldn’t have been crueler if he’d slapped me across the face. Still, as much as I hate him, as much as he’s a miserable old fuck, he’s right. I lied.

  I lied in a big, awful way, and when Cal finds out what I’ve done, my beautiful dream will be over. The most I can hope for now is damage control. I’ve got to find out what this snake is after and do my best to derail his plans.

  Relevance

  Rowan

  As we wait for a table at the Brasserie, Cal is distracted watching for Zelda to appear. I want to be empathetic, but I can’t really think about anything but Ava.

  When she ran up to the car this afternoon on the track, I felt for the first time like I had everything I wanted. The American conglomerate I’ve been working with emailed me this morning to give us the green light. We’ll start building clean-energy electric storage facilities by fall—funneling both a new stream of revenue and a new source of jobs into the nation.

  Standing on the track, I had my new deal, my favorite pastime, and my beautiful girl all together. The only thing remaining is announcing my decision from this morning.

  With the economic pressure leveling off, I want to celebrate. Reaching for Ava, I pull her against my chest at the bar as we wait for Zee to join us. She lifts the enormous hat off her head and smooths her hair back, smiling up at me. I can only smile back. I don’t give a shit if I’m wrapped around her delicate little finger.

  “I want to take you back to Occitan and spend the rest of the day at the beach.” I don’t mention clothing optional.

  “I would love that. I didn’t get to see it the other night.” Her green eyes sparkle, and my hold on her waist tightens. She turns to my brother. “Cal, where is Zee?”

  My brother is distracted as he answers her. “She caught a ride with Reggie. Something about needing to discuss her uncle’s estate.”

  Ava stiffens in my arms. “She what?”

  Her voice is worried, and I can’t help wondering why she’s disturbed by Zelda’s being with Reggie. Personally, I’m still mildly furious at my uncle’s return. My mother tries to smooth it over, reminding me how I grew up with him and how at one point in time, my father trusted him.

  She doesn’t know the conspiracy I overheard all those years ago. I don’t have proof of Reggie’s involvement, but I’m keeping him in my sights. The only thing holding me back from kicking him out again is the fact he brought Ava to me. She gives me the ability to tolerate his presence.

  “Hmm,” Cal’s brow lowers, and he’s looking at his damn phone again. “That’s getting it in under the wire.”

  “I swear, MacCallam, if you could detach from social media for five minutes—”

  “You wouldn’t know what the hell you were up to,” he finishes, turning the oversized titanium phone to me. “I guess this means I’m captain of your pit crew.”

  CROWN PRINCE TO RACE IN GRAND PRIX is blasted big as the screen. Ava does a little gasp. My jaw tightens and fury burns in my chest. “How the fuck did they get that already?”

  Ava’s voice is soft in my ear, and I don’t miss the tremor there. “I thought you couldn’t race anymore?”

  I made the decision this morning in the high of learning our tech deal had gone through. The entry forms come every year like clockwork, and for the last six years, I’ve simply thrown them away. Not this year. I held them until today, the absolute last day to throw my hat in the ring.

  “I only decided this morning.”

  The muscle in my brother’s jaw moves. “We’ve got to find that fucking rat at Occitan. In the meantime, are you serious about this?”

  “I was this morning. Obviously, I haven’t discussed it with anyone.”

  “But you returned the forms.”

  “I want a place in qualifications.”

  Cal laughs and braces my shoulder. “Mother is going to have a shit fit, and I can’t wait. You’re bound to win it this time.”

  “We’ll see.” I’m smiling, though. He’s right, and it is so good. “I’ve clocked my best times these last two practice sessions.”

  “I was there.” His response boosts my mood. I’m lucky to have him on my team.

  When I look back at Ava, she’s watching me, her green eyes round with worry. I pull her close and give her a reassuring grin. “Don’t worry, gorgeous, I’ll be okay.”

  My hand slides over the curve of her ass to her lower back, and I lean forward to kiss her lips briefly. Cal’s ordering champagne, and I notice a throat clearing somewhat obviously behind us.

  Glancing up, I meet olive drab. “Felicity!” Stepping forward, I shake her hand firmly. “Good to see you, old chap!”

  “Rowan!” She laughs loudly, moving her eyes and head over her shoulder. “You do always have the queerist greetings.”

  Frowning, I look behind her to see, of all people, Lara Westingroot. Straightening, I move Ava to the side from where she was pretty much sitting on my lap. I’m not hiding her—I still hold her hand, lacing our fingers. I’m only more formal now.

  “Miss Westingroot, how are you?” I do a slight nod.

  “Rowan.” Lara moves in too close and touches my hand. “You should know we don’t have to be so formal now.”

  My shoulders tense as Ava leaves me to stand beside Cal at the bar. Shit.

  “Are you in good health?” I ask.

  Lara laughs and blinks up at me. Is she attempting to flirt? “As good as can be expected with this latest news.”

  “Damn tabloids,” I grumble. “I hadn’t told anyone when they smeared it all over the Internet.”

  “At least she’s very beautiful.” Lara glances at Ava in an obviously appraising manner. “For a commoner, of course. But honestly, another American? Surely you could find a conquest from among our own ranks.”

  For a moment, I’m confused. “I’m sorry, I thought you were talking about the race.”

  “I’m talking about this person you’ve taken up with as of late.” Criticism is in her tone, and it sets my jaw. Miss Westingroot will not appraise my behavior if she knows whats best for her.

  “I enjoy Ava’s company. She’s fresh and interesting.”

  “Fresh and interesting? What’s that supposed to mean?”

  For a moment, I study this beautiful ice queen’s face, and all the reasons my fifteen year-old infatuation didn’t survive into maturity are clear. Lara and I have never spoken the same language.

  “If we’re going to stay relevant, we need to meet people outside our insulated group.”

  “Stay relevant?” Her mocking laugh irritates me. “We’re relevant because of who we are, Rowan. We are Monagasco. Our country has existed for eight hundred years! We’re legendary.”

  “I haven’t existed for eight hundred years. It’s important for our leaders to keep up with the times. Can you not understand that?”

  She rolls her eyes and does a little wave. “You have always had peculiar notions, Rowan. It’s because you read too much.”

  “Is that so?” I might have had too much wine when I let her go down on me before, but I won’t be duplicating that mistake.

  “Stick with what works.” She glances to where Cal is making some joke, doing his best to distract Ava. “Shall I expect you to call me about the gala?”


  “I’m pretty confident I already have an escort.”

  That earns me a glare. “Then I suppose I should take my leave. Good afternoon, Rowan. Enjoy your dinner.”

  Lara strides away, but Felicity lingers a moment longer. “She’s furious. Nice work.”

  “It wasn’t intentional.”

  Felicity does a little wave in Cal’s direction. “Is this for show or are you being serious?”

  Her blunt style relaxes me. “I hope it becomes very serious.”

  “But she’s not wealthy or connected,” Felicity’s thin lips grow even thinner as she presses them down. “And now you’re racing again.”

  “What of it?” I’m curious as to what she might say.

  She only holds up both hands. “I’m on your side. It’s the old guard you have to appease. They’re only happy making us young ones suffer through the same rules and regulations that made them miserable when they were our age.”

  “I’m not interested in appeasing anyone.” It’s not entirely true, considering how hard I’ve been working to make peace since Hummergate.

  “Clearly,” Felicity laughs. “So… Need another member for your pit crew?”

  “Have you ever been on a pit crew?”

  “No.” Her smile fades, and I shake my head.

  “It’s a brutal course. I’ll need an experienced team.”

  “You’re right.” Felicity nods, and for a moment, we’re quiet.

  It gives me a second to remember that night at the ball and how she rescued me from the barrage of single females of a certain age. I do owe her one.

  “Tell you what. I’ll get you a pass so you can come down, hang with the guys, watch the race up close.”

  Her eyes light. “Thanks! You’re amazing!” She does a little clap. “And I’ll look out for your new lady. Lord knows she’ll need a buffer in this crowd.”

  “You’re a sport.” I pat her shoulder and take a step toward the bar.

  “I’m betting on you, Rowan Westringham Tate,” she calls. “Don’t get killed.”

  “I don’t intend to.”

  With a little salute, she’s gone, and I continue to where Ava stands with Cal. He hands her a whiskey sour, and her expression isn’t as sunny as before. She’s not smiling, and I want to take her away from here where I can reassure her she’s the only female I want in my bed.

  “Are we still waiting on Zelda?” I look to my brother.

  “She just texted she’s almost here.” Cal slips his phone in his pocket, and I understand his reason for checking it so often now.

  I’ve never seen Cal worry this much about the whereabouts of a female. It’s a nice change for him, and I’d give him a little good-natured teasing. Only I notice how quiet Ava is being.

  I place my hand on her arm, and when she glances up, my chest tightens. “We’re going to rain-check dinner,” I tell Cal. “I’m taking Ava back to Occitan.”

  A loud shuffling noise draws all our attention. Two men are struggling in the hedge, both holding cameras with telephoto lenses.

  Cal’s voice is low and urgent. “You’d better go now.”

  Ava places her glass on the bar and takes my arm as we make a quick escape through the small restaurant. We’re in the car as more photographers flood into the public space. Hajib closes the door with a solid slam, and we’re off.

  Leaning forward in the seat, I place my forearms on my thighs frustrated by my inability to control the flow of information about me.

  “It’s too bad,” Ava says with a little sigh. “I wanted to try that place.”

  This is not what I expected or want to hear. “Are you sorry we’re leaving?”

  She reaches out and takes my hand. “I’m not sorry to be with you or to be away from those reporters. You joining the race must be big news.”

  I cover her slim hand with both of mine and lean back so I can meet her eyes. I remember how afraid she looked when Cal dropped the bomb. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the race.”

  Shaking her head, she lets out a sad little laugh. “You don’t have to tell me about anything you do. Our time together is lovely, but I know my place. This isn’t forever.”

  Those words twist my stomach. I study her small hand in mine, thinking about my conversation with Lara. I think about everything happening now, all the good things, and how my lack of freedom might change as a result. Before the deal, I had to keep in mind the future, our political situation, and economic growth. With the deal I’ve hammered out, two of these issues are somewhat resolved.

  “I was only thinking…” she hesitates, drawing my full attention. “Cal said competitive racing is so dangerous. He said you shouldn’t do it because you’re the future king.”

  It’s a fair assessment, and the reason I’ve held back up to now. “The race is on a slow track. It’s almost impossible to pass other cars, which is how most of the wrecks occur.”

  “What happens if you do crash?”

  “Are you worried?”

  Her pretty lips press together, and her gaze flickers to her lap. “Yes, I am. Very much.”

  Warmth spreads through my stomach, making me smile. Now we’re back to where I want us to be. “Then you’ll have to give me something for luck.”

  She blinks a few times before looking up again. She seems to be thinking of something, and with a little nod, she smiles. “I have something.”

  “I can’t wait to see it.”

  We’re at the country house, exiting the vehicle, and I look up at the clear sky. It’s warm and inviting, and I intend for us to have an easy time, a late dinner, a swim, and then a seductive night. Mother is still in Marins, giving us the place to ourselves. Taking her hand, I lead Ava up the long, white steps, but when we get to the top, I follow the wrap-around porch to the back where we have a clear view of the calm waters of our little cove.

  “It’s so beautiful!” she sighs.

  Looking out at the sapphire blue water, I pull her against my chest, sliding my hands up the soft fabric of her dress. Her palms rest on my shirtfront, and I lean forward to kiss her cheek, moving to her ear.

  “Let’s go for a swim.”

  A shiver moves through her, and it registers straight to my cock. “I don’t have a swimsuit,” she replies in a sultry tone.

  “Even better.” Heat is in my voice.

  Our eyes meet, and hers are darker. I slide my hands to her cheeks, holding her face as my jaw tightens. “Cal thinks we have a mole on the estate taking pictures. Possibly someone on staff.”

  Her hands slide up to cup my cheeks, mirroring my gesture. “Then we’ll have to be discreet.” She rises on tiptoe and kisses me quickly, catching my lip between her teeth.

  My semi goes to full hard-on at once, but she twirls out of my arms. “Meet you at the beach!”

  She runs down the narrow boardwalk to the pier, laughing and waving for me to follow her. I stand for a moment watching, thinking how calm and satisfied I feel right now. This is how it should be.

  Once Ava reaches the shoreline, her white dress flies over her head in a swift movement. Her long, tanned body disappears in the blue waves, and I’m right behind her, covering the distance in record time.

  Searching

  Zelda

  When I arrive at the Brasserie, I only find Cal inside. He’s at the bar, standing beside a vacant barstool with a gin and tonic waiting. I can’t begin to tell him how much I appreciate it. At the same time, the closer I get, the worse I ache. Was it only last night we were so happy together, laughing and watching movies in the Paris Hotel?

  “Hello, beautiful.” Cal kisses my cheek as I climb onto the barstool.

  “Thanks for this.” I lift the skinny glass and take a sip. “You knew just what I needed.”

  “I aim to please,” he grins, placing a hand on my waist. “You just missed Ro and Ava. I won’t lie to you, I’m pretty sure the crown prince is in deep smit.”

  That helps me smile. “I’ve never seen Ava so happy.
It’s like a fairytale.”

  “There you go again with the fairytales. I warned you about those.” My stomach sinks, but he can’t possibly begin to know how true his statement is.

  I fight it off. “Still, I’m happy to see them both so happy.”

  “It is rather inspiring, isn’t it? Give you any ideas? Sudden cravings?” He leans in and gives me a little eyebrow twitch. As usual, my stomach flips.

  Bad feelings aside, I love sitting here with him, exchanging sexual innuendo. He’s so casual in his jeans and light sweater. His brown hair is messy from the wind on the track, and his hazel eyes glow. I know from experience under that blue sweater are the lines and muscles that make me swoon. I almost wish we could blow off dinner as well.

  “I’m sorry the ambience isn’t what it used to be here,” he says, misinterpreting my quiet observation. “We should’ve gone to the Buddha bar.”

  “The Buddha bar! What’s that?”

  “Sushi, Chinese, and Thai food.”

  “Mm, I love Thai food!”

  His eyes darken, and he steps forward, pulling me against his chest. “I like the full-body orgasm you had saying that.”

  Reaching up, I pinch his side. “I did not.” Feeling naughty, I add, “If I had an orgasm it was looking at you.”

  He releases me and shakes his head. “Shit, I’m not hungry anymore.” With a wink, he adds, “At least not for food.”

  I laugh as I take another sip of my drink. How is it possible this man erases all the heaviness I feel?

  “We need to eat. We have to keep our strength up for all that fucking.”

  He laughs more. “Dammit, Zee. You’re killing me.”

  My eyes narrow, and he takes another sip of champagne. Taking the menu, I scan the unusual selection—Mediterranean with Asian accents?

  “What did my uncle want?” Cal says, and just like that, my happiness bursts like a bubble. He sees the change, and concern fills his voice. “Is something wrong?”

  My conversation in the limo, my reason for being here, all of it races back to the forefront of my mind. So many secrets I’m keeping from him, so many lies. How could I ever tell him the truth and expect him to understand? Reggie’s voice is in my head, I’ll expose you for the lying little cunt you are… God, that stings so much.