The Duke (Billionaire Royals Book 3)

by Sophia Summers

  The family would meet for breakfast in five minutes and he had to decide how to respond to the news. And what should be the family’s official response.

  As he entered, Thad, their brother press liaison was pointing out several images projected on the far wall. “We need to discredit her where we can.” He winced when Trane entered. “Sorry brother.”

  “It’s something we need to talk about. You make a valid point. I never thought the woman I hoped to marry and an enemy in the press were ever going to be the same person.”

  His mother smiled. “Do you hope to marry her?”

  They turned to look at her, all the brothers. And Trane said, “It doesn’t signify mother. She’s attacking us. International news has picked it up. I would say this is a strong example of not putting the Torren crown first.”

  She waved a hand. “That’s more important for Nico and Jo to worry about. You have a little leniency where that is concerned.”

  He shook his head. He didn’t think this fit in the window definition of leniency.

  They all took their seats and Nico said, “Bon Appétit.” Breakfast was delicious as usual. But he had only taken three bites before Nico began. “I apologize for rushing your meal. But I have a full docket of other things to deal with today. This will have to hurry.” He clicked through pictures and news articles, projecting them on the far wall. “She’s created quite a stir.” His eyes showed sympathy when his gaze met Trane’s. “So far we have made no comment but our normal political response about the environment. “Torren leads the world in preservation and environmentally friendly practices. It is our strong desire to protect the Mediterranean and its oceanic wildlife for many generations to come.” He turned to Trane. “I have to know. Is she right? Are we negligent in the areas she suggests?”

  Trane cleared his throat. “The answer won’t sound satisfying. She’s right, but we are better than most.”

  “Surely we can do better.” Jo’s tone held a “We’d better do better” undertone.

  “We are doing well, Jo. But one of her accusations, the yachts. The technology to make yachts more green is just now becoming available. We will utilize those methods when it is practical to do so.”

  “And the garbage, and the ocean dumping.”

  He looked down. “Guilty as charged.”

  “Well, now wait a minute.” Nico touched Jo’s shoulder. “We bring bags and bags of our garbage to shore when we go.”

  Trane nodded. “We do. But the tourist towns where we dump it? They turn around and throw it into the sea.”

  “And the fishing?” Jo’s expression was so hopeful, Trane wished he could answer differently.

  “I’m afraid our fishing practices are governed by demand more than anything.”

  Nico clicked to the whale.

  Trane offered. “And yes, we use bottled water in our yachts.” He twirled his pencil. “You know I have been swamped in planning the summit. There are so many other issues at stake here for our sea. And the countries are coming to an agreement on all of them.” He shook his head. “But naturally Seraphina picked out the three main things we have not been able to address, and honestly they are relatively minor compared to the ones we are addressing.”

  Thad clicked to another article, “What’s the Duke of Torren hiding?” “It doesn’t matter, Trane, if these issues are small, because she will make them huge. She has already. Our phones are ringing off the hooks. From environmentalists to fishing companies alike.”

  Trane drank from his cup. “So you want to go after her? Offensively discredit?”

  Thad cleared his throat. “That is one strategy, yes.”

  “The other would be to humbly admit wrong and work toward change.” Jo raised both eyebrows looking from person to person. Then she shared a long look with the queen. “And, to use the publicity, whether negative or positive, to our advantage. While eyes are on us, we make some important statements with our actions.”

  The queen nodded her approval.

  Trane grunted. “But we are not in the wrong. We have spent more money, worked harder than any country I know to preserve the Mediterranean, despite the awful habits of our neighbors.” He leaned forward. “To think they would target us, the instigators of the most important summit for environmental reform, when we are making huge strides. The world will be a much better place when we are through and yet she would target us? Not any of the other countries who are doing no good and are far worse offenders? She couldn’t target one of them?” He stopped. His mother looked sympathetic and the others not as much.

  Jo said, “I know Trane, but she does have a point. You are doing good, but you could be doing more and perhaps the timing of the piece is to encourage world leaders to finish the job.”

  Nico nodded. “I agree with Jo. I say we take the humble approach and immediately implement our own changes regarding these specific allegations.”

  Trane gritted his teeth. “In what time? What additional week have you gifted me with, your highness, to begin to implement all these things?”

  “Jo can help. She has been itching to join you in this battle long before now.”

  Trane eyed her and relaxed by small degrees. Jo would be remarkable. He could trust her with the task and continue working on the preparations for the summit. “Ok. Jo, I look forward to reading your report.”

  Thad nodded. “And now for the press conference. I will need you both present. This afternoon.” He detailed their platform, their purpose and direction. Trane only half listened since he wrote the crown’s policy on the environment and hardly needed a refresher.

  As hurt as Trane was, he appreciated the humble reaction from his family to Seraphina’s allegations much more. And he was thrilled at the additional progress his country would make. But griped and hurt at the manner in which Seraphina handled it all.

  His phone rang. “Seraphina.”

  “Trane. I’m calling to see if you have any response to my articles?”

  “You are calling now? After the fact? I would have expected that courtesy before they went to print.”

  “Well, I tried and your press office shut me down. They said what they are saying to everyone right now. ‘All comments about the environment will have to wait until after the summit.’”

  “Hmm. And you couldn’t have used this number?”

  “We were having a rough day.”

  He breathed out in exasperation. “What do you want Phina? A statement? Come to the press conference.” Why should he give her an exclusive?

  There was a pause. Thad cleared his throat. He held out his hand, “Mind if I…?”

  Without responding, Trane handed him the phone. The others went silent, and everyone ate a few more bites of breakfast. Thad coordinated the press conference times and offered to email her a statement. Better than Trane had done. He couldn’t possibly look at this situation objectively.

  The press conference went off without a hitch. They were gifted with so much attention, every major newspaper and channel was present, as well as many international big names. A part of him wanted to thank Phina for the press attention until he remembered how low handed she’d been about the whole thing.

  The next day, not all responses were favorable. “More lip service? The Torren Duke has done little but make promises.” Trane learned of plans to stage a march and demonstrations at all the summit events. Lucan amped up security. And the worst article of all, one of the smaller presses had picked up on his and Phina’s history. “Lover’s Quarrel. How long will the Mediterranean be a bargaining chip in the Valdez family quarrels?” Ridiculous. Around twenty times a day he wished he did not have to escort Phina to the Summit activities, but Lucan kept insisting. And when he was being totally honest, he looked forward to standing at her side for a few days with that sweet torture of loving her yet knowing they were not to be together.

  Chapter 12

  Later, she called in to work. Her boss Valencio wanted to discuss her progress. “You have done a wo
nderful job with this assignment.”

  “Thank you.” She was thrilled with the response, with the other newspapers that had picked it up, and with the Valdezes quick response to incorporate some of her ideas. She had to admit it, that family had class.

  “It’s not over yet. There may yet be discrepancies, news worthy items besides what everyone else will report. Look for that unique slant. You have the best seat press will likely ever get, use it to your advantage. Report what no one else can see.”

  She hated that idea. Because that would mean she was reporting on the inner workings of the royal family, and she would break an unwritten royal code. The families guarded their private moments as their most valued possessions. But perhaps she could find a way to print the truth while still staying loyal to her friends and maintaining her integrity both as a reporter and a friend.

  With a pang in her heart, she admitted she had likely already lost the love of her heart because of her past articles. But so much good had come of it. The good that had come seemed a small consolation some days. And other days the environmental changes seemed like the greatest accomplishment of her writing.

  Following the call she headed to her favorite café. Two of the men from EcoFresh, Roberto and Alonzo, went over the plans with her. She had made copies of the event maps and schedule that Trane’s assistant had sent her. These two had an incredibly powerful demonstration planned from what she could tell, which might make a huge impact and draw much attention to their cause.

  Roberto pointed along the parade route. “We will plant our people right along this side for the greatest impact. We want the world leaders to see us. And most especially the news cameras. The greater the coverage we get at this event the better the impact worldwide. The Mediterranean will stand as a witness and example for everyone else in the world. The Bahamas, the Virgin islands, the barrier reef, Mexico, Florida.” With every area he named, his eyes shone brighter until Phina thought he looked a bit crazed.

  “And then, thanks to you.” He pointed to her. “Right during the ribbon cutting, right before they announce any changes, our greatest surprise will disrupt them all and cause them to give attention to further changes.”

  “I am so happy to be of help. And I will be there documenting it all so those who missed it the first time will read about it after.”

  When Alonzo and Roberto had gone, she called out quietly, “Lucan, I know you’re there.”

  He stretched up out from the table behind them, took off his hat and glasses and bowed. “At your service.”

  She indicated he should sit. “What are you doing here? I mean, besides spying on me.”

  “But that is exactly what I am doing.”

  “Why Lucan?” She held up her hand. “And don’t tell me it’s your job. Our family has someone over security too and he is nowhere close to being as diligent as you.”

  He dipped his head in acknowledgement of the compliment but remained closed lipped. “What information did you give those two?”

  “As I am sure you ascertained all by yourself, I helped them choose the best places to stage their demonstrations.”

  “Do they have copies of our routes?” His eyes sharpened but his expression remained a blank puzzle. There was a strange tight quality about him, like a bow extended.

  “They’re going to make a difference for the movement, Lucan. It will help your citizens if they see others who care about the environment. Trane will be able to do more with his influence.”

  “I know your heart’s in the right place, Phina. Can I see what you gave them?”

  She handed it over and he took pictures of everything. After talking for a moment, he stood to leave. “I’m sorry things are tough for you two right now. We all really like you, for what it’s worth.” His face looked sheepish. She embraced him, kissing his cheeks. “Thanks Lucan. It’s possible Trane and I are just not meant to be.”

  “Or you are.” Lucan’s eyes held a strange intensity.

  “Trying to decide which Valdez brother suits you?” Trane’s arms were crossed and his face tight in a mock scowl as he approached.

  She laughed, unreasonably happy to see Trane. “Maybe.” She stepped forward and embraced him also, whispering, “You win.”

  Lucan tipped his head to them both and then walked briskly from the café. The city was just starting to pick up its pace, other storefronts were opening and everywhere shop workers swept their sidewalks. Unsure what to do with Trane standing next to her, emanating such a masculine intensity, she wanted to take a step back at the same time his magnetism sucked her closer.

  “Can we sit for a minute?” Trane pulled out a chair.

  She took it and sat with her back straight and hands folded, waiting. He was a good looking man, sharp jaw, bright strong eyes, and deep dark hair. She felt her small smile grow.

  “What?”

  “Nothing.”

  “You look as if you know something.”

  “Oh, I know something.” She laughed at her own joke. “I was just admiring you, Trane, along with every other woman in the near vicinity.”

  He didn’t even look around to see. “You still admire me then?”

  She sighed, not wanting to get into their issues right now. “I always will, Trane. But…”

  He held up his hand. “Say no more.” He nodded. “I know this is tricky right now.” He sat bag and grinned. “But you still think I’m hot.”

  “Ugh. Seriously Trane.” She didn’t have time for this. But at least they were joking together. That was an improvement on furious.

  He stood. “I’ll pick you up at five tomorrow.”

  “I’ll be ready.” She didn’t really know if her insides would ever be ready to be on Trane’s arm, to dance with him, to spend several days together working for the environment and not melt at his feet in begging agony. Her typical inner voice said, “Get a grip Phina.” But it did nothing to calm her fluttering stomach. Tomorrow would either be the restart of something wonderful, again, or a complete disaster.

  Chapter 13

  The limo ride to pick up Seraphina for the gala took longer than any ride should. The crowds lining the streets were a credit to him and the summit, a tribute and a celebration for all that Torren had been trying to accomplish all these years. She waited for him in the lobby with half of the press from his country. As soon as he arrived, they all started flashing their cameras, shouting questions. “It’s the Duke!” “How do you feel when Princess Seraphina calls you out?” “Are you predicting success for the summit?” “What about the Valdez yachts?”

  He just waved to them all, smiled and his aide told everyone no questions until the press conference at the Summit. They parted so that Trane had a clear view of Phina and he almost forgot they were surrounded by people. She looked stunning, bright and glittering in a blue dress; she reminded him of the ocean. How fitting. When she smiled he forgot even what she was wearing, he was so struck by her beauty and the intelligence that shown from her eyes. As he approached, she met him partway. “Trane.”

  Cameras flashed from every direction. “You are stealing the show. Gorgeous dress.”

  She grinned. “I couldn’t miss it.” She indicated her press tags. “A little pleasure with business never hurt anyone.”

  With a rush he remembered her real reason for agreeing to be his date, perhaps her real reason for returning his attentions in the first place, and his happiness dimmed. But he held out his arm and they hurried to the limo, with aides pushing through the crowd of reporters.

  The VIP meeting with cocktails went better than he had hoped. With Phina on his arm, they answered questions in turn and helped sway opinions further in support of preserving their natural ecosystems. She was a wonder over and again, charming everyone around them. Trane was reminded with that familiar torture just how beautifully she fit in his life.

  Dinner followed with more of the same. After, they had a small break before the speeches, ribbon cutting, and dancing. He walked her up to her ho
tel room. “You are fabulous, Phina.” They stopped in front of her door and she leaned against it, to face him. “So are you, Trane. We’re doing a good thing here.”

  He stepped closer. “There’s good we could do all over Torren, together.” His placed an arm against the door and stepped so close he could feel the rise and fall of her breathing. “Phina.”

  She paused, then lifted her chin, and her eyes shone with a brilliant yearning. “We can’t Trane.”

  “Can’t what? Can’t kiss at your door?” He frowned. “And why not?”

  She smiled and ran a finger along his frown lines. “Because I can’t let this get in the way of the job I have to do.” Her eyes held pain and he was confused by it.

  “And what job could our relationship interrupt?”

  She just shook her head. “See you at the ribbon cutting.” Then she turned, opened her door and slipped inside without another look in his direction.

  As soon as the door shut behind her, Phina kicked off her shoes and rushed to her computer. She had learned so many things about the major players in the fight to preserve the environment. She wanted to take good notes on all her impressions before she lost the feel of the evening. She flipped open her laptop and began typing furiously. Most of all, she was impressed with Trane. He really was everything he professed to be to the press. He was dedicated to the cause, lived his life to prove it, and helped encourage others. This whole summit was a testament to his efforts.

  A small ping of guilt nagged at her. He didn’t deserve the protestors she knew were coming, and he didn’t deserve whatever staged event EcoFresh had planned for the cutting. Poor Trane. And she wasn’t sure what relationship they could salvage once it was all over. But she pushed those thoughts aside and began to outline several articles.