by Nana Malone
Noah's jaw dropped. "Excuse me?"
I rolled my eyes. "I know I didn't stutter. Brother…” I said more slowly. “I need to find him."
The muscle in Noah's jaw worked. "We'll find him, but allow us to at least put a guard on you. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't suggest it at the very least."
"No, no guard. This way I’m able to walk around freely. And honestly, no one has recognized me because I'm just walking around the street like a normal person. No one cares. Right now I'm just Sebastian Westmore, and I kind of like it. Haven't you ever needed to disappear and not be you for a minute?”
“I guess I have.”
“Not to mention, there are people who don't want me to find Lucas. All the more reason I need to. So what will it be? Will you help me or will you not?"
Noah sighed. "We’ll do it. And for what it's worth, I don't think you're trying to do anything to the kid, but I'm still concerned. I get what you're saying. You want to blend. Fine. I have guys that can blend. All-American-hero types. They'll play your best friends. Just let me get those set up—”
I shook my head. "No. If I wanted a guard, I would have brought one with me. I need to do this unencumbered, which means I may get an occasional scrape or two. I don't want your guys or Royal Guards getting caught in the crossfire, or messing up my chances. This is important."
"Fine. Since you’ve gone back to the Sebastian Westmore name does that mean you'll be working at the old bar? Are you sure there is nothing you need?"
I trusted Noah. If he wanted to rat me out to my father, he could. But I was hoping I'd be able to buy a little time. "I appreciate it, but no. I'm doing this on my own. And yeah, I'll be taking up my old job at the bar."
Noah nodded. "Okay, fine. Do you need a place to stay? We have some great safe houses—”
I shook my head. "No safe houses. Not to worry. I have a place to stay." I stood and extended my hand. "Thank you for your help."
"You're welcome. But I wish you'd tell me what the hell is going on."
"I can't. There's too much at stake."
* * *
Penny…
“Can you help me understand what’s happening right now?”
I sighed. I knew my mother would have questions. She wasn’t blind. She could see how unhappy I was as a Queen’s Guard. “Mom, this is a request from the king. I have to go.”
She narrowed her gaze at me. “The hell you do. Just tell me what’s happening. Is your father making you do this?”
She knew as well as I did that my father would never force my hand. But he made it plain how proud he was that both his children served at the pleasure of His Majesty. “This has nothing to do with Dad. I want to do this. I think I need a change of scenery.”
“Is this because Robert didn't show for your birthday? You're running?”
No. It’s because Robert was kissing my brother. The betrayal twisted deep. But as pissed off as I was with Michael, I wouldn’t out my brother. I needed some distance before I could even think about him again. “This has nothing to do with Robert. I was just thinking it was time I lean into this job more. I haven’t really given it my all.”
I had. I’d just been bad at it. My mother wasn’t buying that line of bullshit either. “Penny, you don't have to do this to try and make us proud. We already are proud.”
I finally gave up and told her what I thought would make her back off because, damn it, I needed to pack. “When His Majesty first asked me, I thought I might be doing it for the wrong reasons too. That’s why I said no.”
Her eyes bugged. “You said what?"
I avoided her gaze. "In my defense, I was nervous. And there he was, the king, asking me for a favor. One, I might add, that I didn’t think I could carry out. I don't know what happened, because I was going to say ‘yes, of course I'll figure it out,’ but instead out came ‘no.’ Then I left without waiting to be dismissed. I was sure there was a beheading in my future."
My mother chewed her nail. “So you said no. We’ll address that little issue later. Then you said yes. What changed your mind? And you can cut the crap about wanting to lean into the job.”
I sighed then stopped packing to face her. Her shrewd, hazel eyes bored into me. I could see her assessing every inch of my face, trying to determine what was up with me.
“Okay, the truth is … It’s not working out with Robert. I’ve needed to figure out my life for a while, and this is a good opportunity at a good time. I’ll have Ariel with me, and it’s pretty much a babysitting job. I need this right now.”
For a moment I thought she would stop me. I thought she would see me for what I was: a liar. But she didn’t.
“Oh honey, I know how heartbreak can be. But I never saw him as right for you anyway. Yes, he's part of the family, but I never saw him as right for you. Besides, he's not the kind of guy to give a girl multiple Os. And every woman deserves that.”
The giggle escaped before I could stop it. My mother was outrageous, and it was best not to encourage her. Mom still looked radiant, and her cocoa skin gleamed in the sunlight that was pouring into my bedroom. Her wide, dark eyes were often full of mischief. I’m pretty sure it’s why my father loved her so much. She was the perfect foil to his always-serious demeanor.
“Mom!"
She shrugged innocently. “What? It's the truth. And also he can be an asshole. So there's that.”
My mouth hung open.
“Like I didn’t know he opted out of your birthday?” She rolled her eyes. “He never did deserve you. Besides, you can't be in a relationship where you have to direct the other person on basics. Imagine that in bed. 'To the left, to the left!' Sex is not a Beyoncé song. Unless it's ‘Drunk in Love.’ That’s different."
Oh my God. Ground, swallow me up now. She was impossible. But as always after five minutes with my mother, I felt better … lighter.
There was a knock at the door, and she answered before I could. It was Michael, and he froze in the doorway when he saw my mother. “Oh, Penny, I didn't realize you were in here with Mom.”
What he wanted to know was if I’d told her or not. I’d never hated my brother more. And considering I’d spent most of my childhood and adolescence being insanely jealous of him for how much better than me he was at everything that was saying something. “Well, I am. What do you need?”
His eyes settled on me and shifted quickly. Yeah well, if I’d been caught kissing his boyfriend, I'd be embarrassed too. His gaze finally landed on my suitcase. “Are you going somewhere?”
“Yep.” Let him and his new boy toy speculate.
But my mother was too helpful. “Your father has given her an assignment.”
His eyes went wide. “Dad has a job for you? This is a joke right? I mean I love you, but you're not exactly the best Royal Guard.”
I pinned my brother with a glare. He wasn’t wrong. “You can go.”
He looked like he might refuse for a minute but then left.
Mom sighed. “I wish you two got along better.”
He was my big brother. I used to adore him, but now I didn't know what I felt. “Yeah, understatement of the year. I’m sure he’s on his way to talk to Dad and expound on my many shortcomings in an effort to have me removed from this job.”
My mother sighed. "We are all proud of you, Penny.”
“You’re sure Dad is? Because earlier today he couldn't remind me more times to not screw up in front of the king.”
“You only disappoint your father if you don't try. He's proud of you. He loves you."
"The love, I believe; the being proud of me, not so much. Even as he walked me to the office he told me not to mess it up."
Mother cursed under her breath. "I swear that man. He makes my life more difficult every day. No matter what he says, he loves you and he does believe in you. He just doesn't know how to articulate that properly."
Mom took a deep breath. "Sweetheart, look at it like this. This is your opportunity to break out. You can write
your own ticket. I know that the confines of a palace life, the etiquette, and the rules, they chafe at you. You’ve never liked them. You wanted to run around the palace barefooted. You’ve always danced to the beat of your own drummer. So, who better to take on a specialized job like this? You can protect the prince. I know you can."
I lifted my lashes and met my mother's gaze, so like my own. "It's not protecting him that I think will be the problem, it's the getting close to him. Getting him to talk to me. To listen to me about coming home. That's the other part of the job that the king commands."
Her mother grinned. "Talking has never been a problem for you, my darling. I’m pretty sure you came out of the womb talking a mile a minute and asking questions about everything and nothing. I think you can handle that part."
"But you're always telling me to try and be meeker. Talk less. Listen more. Not be so crazy."
"And I fear that I've shoved you into a box that you didn't really belong in. I think that all you need to do is be you. That's how the prince will trust you. If all else fails, flash him."
“Mom!”
“Oh my God, I’m kidding. Relax. Have fun with this. Show everyone what you’re made of.”
I just hoped she was right and I wasn’t making the biggest mistake of my life.
6
Penny …
One week later…
"Mr. Blake, thank you for seeing us. As I'm sure King Cassius told you, we've been trying to track down the crown prince for several months. The last intel we have said he was here. It seems we need a little help." I tried to remember everything my father ever said about speaking to intimidating people. Look them in the eye. Do not waver. Too bad Dad didn’t tell me what to do when they were hot and intimidating. "Thanks to you, we know exactly where he is. But we want to make sure that he doesn't get wind that we're here, so we might need some assistance."
Noah Blake watched me carefully, and then his gaze skimmed over Ariel. He was shrewd, watchful, and hot as hell. "The prince came to see me. Imagine my surprise when he came without any Royal Guard."
"Did you assign someone to watch him?"
Noah shook his head. "I strongly suggested he needed that, but he declined."
I sagged in relief. "Thank God."
He frowned. "Thank God? You realize that you're supposed to be concerned about his safety?"
"Yes, I realize that. More importantly, my assignment from King Cassius is to bring him home. If he catches one of your goons watching him, he'll be in the wind."
The big, blond Viking guy leaned forward. "I’d hardly be called a goon. The suit is Armani." He inclined his head towards the dark-haired, good-looking one behind the laptop. "Him? Totally a goon. DeMarco over there—" He indicated one of the men to Ariel's right. "—absolutely a goon." He shrugged. "Me, not so much. I’m too good looking."
I blinked. He was right. No way this golden god was a goon. "Sorry." I was fucking this up. My first assignment and of course, I was a dumb ass, a screw up. Ariel knocked her knee to mine, and I took a deep breath. "That's not what I meant. As you know, the crown prince is notorious for slipping his guard. Except this time, he's been gone for six months. King Cassius wants me to bring him home. If Sebastian even so much as catches wind that we're watching him, he'll bolt."
Noah leaned forward. "I'm starting to understand why the King picked you to come for him.”
I tilted my chin up and glared. "Because I'm good at my job?"
He grinned. "Sure. I’ve met the King. He never would have hired you if you weren't. But also, you're determined. And you don't scare easily. Also, the prince has a soft spot for beautiful women, so it makes sense to send you. Prince Sebastian was here, obviously. He just wanted assistance in finding someone. He wasn't interested in our security services."
"Well, Prince Sebastian isn't in charge here. Until he is king, he doesn't call the shots. King Cassius does. And he was clear. No bodyguards: just me, Ariel, and our wits. But if you can help me in any way in finding him and keeping him safe, we're happy to have it. We’ll need to work out some kind of discreet rotating tail."
"We'll give you what you need. Since there are only two of you, maybe you'll allow me to use two of my guys." He put his hand up before I could even protest. "They're young, like college kids. They blend easily and will serve as surveillance only, unless you need more. They'll hang back and stay out of your way. You probably won't even know they're there. Does that sound like something you can agree to?”
I studied him for a moment then slid my gaze around to the rest of the men in the conference room. Next to me, I could feel the heat of Ariel's gaze. Shit. I knew that we’d need the help. There were only two of us, and we could only watch him so often. "I think rotating in your men is a good idea, so we can, you know ... sleep. We'll discuss the schedule with you."
Noah nodded. "As you wish."
Oskar Mueller, the big, blond guy, flashed a devastating smile, and Ariel clasped a hand on my leg and squeezed tightly.
Yeah girl. I feel you. Jesus Christ, that one was dangerous. Even my stomach fluttered a little bit.
Noah took his seat. "So, I'm to understand that you don't want Blake Security running point on this?"
"That's correct."
“And you don’t need the tactical assist?”
"I am more than proficient with a hand gun. I think I can hold my own tactically."
Noah blinked. And then he nodded his head. “Okay then. Then what else can we help you with? The Winston Isles have us on retainer. Whatever you need, we’ll provide."
Ariel leaned back. "For starters, I need to piggyback on your system. I know that you piggyback off super-secret satellites and I want access."
Matthias angled his head as if looking at her for the first time. "It's a closed system. You won't be able to —"
Ariel smirked. “Check. I'm already in."
Matthias frowned and glared at her, then start typing furiously.
A low string of curses fell out of his mouth, and Ariel grinned. "It's a lot easier if you give me access as opposed to me taking it."
The guys glanced between Noah and Ariel and back to Noah again.
Noah nodded. "If you're that good, are you sure you need us?"
Ariel shrugged. "Yes. We do. Like you said, there are only two of us.”
Noah grinned. "You know what? The two of you apparently have balls of steel." He nodded at Ariel. "And you have some serious skills if you can keep Matthias on his toes. Awesome. If you are looking for a job outside of the Winston Isles, I’m willing to give it to you.”
I squared my shoulders. "Thank you. But we’ll be sticking with our employer for the time being."
"Anytime you change your mind, I think we can use some fresh blood in here."
* * *
Penny …
I shifted the curtains aside and stared at the apartment across the street.
"You know, someone will call the cops because they see you peeping out like a crazy person.” I slanted Ariel a little smirk before I went right back to staring. Tomorrow was my official move-in day. We'd been lucky that Blake Security had checked the IDs Sebastian had used when he went to university in the States.
Sebastian Westmore lived across the street.
I needed to start recon on the Prince. Part of me still wasn't sure this was the best idea I'd ever had, but right now, there was only the one option. If I wanted to make my parents proud of me, I had to prove that I could do this mission. After all, how many times did the king personally send anyone on a mission? "I'm not being a creepy stalker. I am keeping an eye on the place. Seeing what exits I can see from here. Seeing how well covered I'll be by you."
"You can relax. I’ll have you covered. Between the mic, the cameras I've already tapped into for the front and the back of the building and your hallway, I'll see anyone going in and out anywhere near you and the prince. Not to mention, you hardly need back up." Ariel nodded encouragingly.
"You're kidding, r
ight? I am Calamity Jane. Calamity Penny in this case. I'm a walking, talking disaster."
"Well, I don't believe that. Apparently, neither does the king. Otherwise he wouldn't have sent you. And clearly, he thinks you can handle yourself because he asked you to protect the prince.”
I turned and sat on the windowsill. "Yeah well, I’ve got a theory about that."
Ariel chuckled, leaning back in her desk chair. "This I've got to hear."
"Well," I started, crossing my arms. "First of all, the prince hardly needs a security detail. Just like all the men in the royal family, he spent two years in the Winston Isles Guard as a soldier. You and I have both been through the training. Worst-case scenario, he knows how to take care of himself. Plus, we’re both well aware of his reputation for fighting and getting in trouble before he went to uni."
Ariel rolled her eyes. "Yes, he has some skills. In a bar fight, and maybe even in some short-term, hand-to-hand combat. But tactical?" Ariel held up her hands. "Okay yes, I'll concede he did get some strategy training. After all, he's the prince, and at the end of the day, he commands the military. But for detailed, tactical work, he needs experts."
"Fair enough. But hear me out. I'm a disaster. Of course I can shoot, when I don't have an actual target coming at me. I'm decent at hand-to-hand. But let's face it, if I had an opponent that had thirty pounds on me and was as well-trained as I was, I'd be toast. And if the prince is in danger like his father says, I'm the last one anyone wants to send after him. I have a feeling the boys at Blake Security are already on the case. Probably have been for weeks. But they can't get close enough.”
Ariel conceded slightly. "Yes, I do think that the king possibly wants to use you because you’re a woman. But you need to look at it like you’re the secret weapon. And you have to show Noah and the super alphas over there what they don't have."
I inclined my head. “An ounce of fat?”
