Her Billionaire Bellboy

by Sophia Summers

  So far, no one had responded, their faces a blank. Her father tipped his head to the side, considering her.

  “I just wanted to make sure my feelings and intentions were known.” She turned, not waiting any longer to hear their thoughts and left, the small victory giving her energy, emboldening her desires, and turning her thoughts immediately to Trent. She’d felt his gaze through her whole announcement. He stood against the wall, and she drank in his sleek form, his broad shoulders, his eyes. She switched directions and approached.

  He placed his cup on a nearby table.

  “I did it.”

  “I saw something important going on.”

  “I refused to marry Tehan.”

  Concern flickered across his face. “And you came straight to talk to me?”

  “Well, I didn’t plan it this way, it just sort of happened…” She took in his nervous stance, his glance flicking in the direction of her parents. “What’s the matter?”

  “I just don’t know if you are sending the correct message by breaking your parents’ and almost-fiancé’s hearts and then coming straight to me. They’re going to think I’m the reason.”

  Hurt pinched her insides, and great indignation rose up. “Well, don’t flatter yourself. I merely thought you’d celebrate with me.” Music started. “And that perhaps you’d like to dance?”

  His eyes widened. “Are you thinking clearly? No. We can’t.”

  “Are you also governed by him? Can you not join me in a little independence?”

  He shook his head. “You don’t understand. Your father is now my client. I thought you knew. We have an understanding.”

  She stepped back. “If you pursue me, he shuts down your business with the royals?”

  He nodded, a half breath of hesitation.

  “I didn’t come here asking for you to sweep me off my feet. I merely wanted to dance. But I see you are disappointingly tepid and weak in your determination.” She whirled on her heels and marched in the other direction.

  Soon she was surrounded by royals, princes mostly, all seeking her attention, which she gave. She laughed and celebrated with them.

  “Come on! Let’s dance!”

  Nico raced to her. “Absolutely.”

  She was surrounded by the Valdez brothers, by the other royals she’d grown up with who’d partied as much as they wanted all these years while she kept herself in check. For once, she was tired of it. She was ready for a little fun.

  “The princess is in the house!” Nico shouted while the others cheered. The music picked up, and she raised her hands in the air, trying hard to ignore Trent, who watched from the side of the room, pretending she wasn’t aware the moment he moved to the other side of the room, and totally ignoring the fact that he left soon after.

  Chapter 14

  Trent was grateful Tess’s yacht team did not win. He couldn’t handle another event in the same room with the new Tess. Was she even more sexy? Yes. Was she more fun, more enticing, more exactly what he wanted in a woman? Yes. Some switch had flipped in her, and he had to admit he was impressed she’d let loose a little in the face of so much pressure.

  Tehan had left for his own country soon after Tess’s refusal. And she had suddenly become the Mediterranean sweetheart, on the arm of a different prince every time he saw her. She was always at the microphone, opening events. And the crowd cheered her on like she was a rock star.

  She ignored him completely, which he should have been grateful for. The week ended, and they never spoke again.

  He should have been relieved he was spared another effort to discourage her attentions. He snorted as he walked off the Santorini private jet, setting foot in her country of Pantos. As if he would ever be brushing aside her attentions again. Every hot name in Europe would love to tie themselves to the Pantos throne. And they were all making their intentions known at once, ever since she’d publicly turned down Tehan.

  He climbed into their family limo, leaned back against the seat, and closed his eyes. Somehow he had to get through this week, somehow he would survive living in Tess’s palace with her and her family. He just didn’t know how.

  He should be thrilled. His business was more successful than he’d ever hoped. His visit with the Santorini’s would solidify his success for another decade at least. But at what cost?

  Happiness. He wasn’t happy.

  “If you look out on your right, you will see the plaza where the first Santorini set foot on this island.” The driver smiled at him in the rearview mirror.

  The plaza had a huge, ornate fountain covered in fish, mermaids, and whales swimming and cavorting with water coming out of their mouths. And at the top of the fountain stood an explorer with bare chest and loin cloth, his hand in the air and long hair flowing out behind him. Trent studied his expression. “Looks like the family.”

  “I do believe it’s an incredible likeness.”

  They drove along a coast of untouched rocky shores and untamed dunes. The road continued up through rolling hills and out onto a plateau of land, overlooking the ocean. A white gate and fence stopped their progress.

  The driver showed his badge, and the gate opened. “Welcome, Trent Hudson.” A female voice greeted him through the intercom. He smiled; it was a nice touch.

  They continued onto the palace grounds, and the wild sense of the land blended with a beautiful, more developed feel that he found pleasing. “Can we stop for a moment?”

  The driver raised his eyebrows but pulled over along the side of the road.

  Trent hopped out, pulling out his phone to capture the landscape. Tall bunches of grass ran along the clifftop. The deep blue, and aqua color of the clear Mediterranean water spread out in front of him. Rows of symmetrical palm trees lined the road, and Valencia orange trees bloomed in clusters here and there. He breathed deeply, enjoyed the breeze caressing his face, and stretched his arms over his head. Something about Pathos filled him. Everywhere he looked felt familiar, though he’d never been there before. A comfortable strength filled him, a sense of rightness.

  He climbed back into the car, unsure what to do with his feelings. Had he just come home? Impossible. He thought about Tess’s father. He and that man were so much alike. He was a good man, smart, compassionate, and driven to success not for selfish reasons, or even completely for his country, but for his daughter. Trent could appreciate that.

  They pulled up in front of a classically Greek-looking home. Stately white pillars lined a marble entry. The cool beauty of the structure made him smile.

  Tess met him at the door. Tall and beautiful, and smiling at him like he’d secretly hoped she would welcome him every day.

  “Hey there,” he said.

  She nodded. “Father sent me to fetch you. Apparently he wants to begin work the second you arrive.” Her eyes were shielded.

  “I can appreciate that.” The driver was joined by a couple members of their staff and they carried his things into the house. Tess was about to turn away, but he placed a hand on her arm. “I love your home.”

  She paused, a hint of pain flickering across her expression, but she said only, “Thank you.”

  They walked along open verandahs and wide marble halls under vaulted ceilings. Every window framed the blue shimmery water. When he was at last ushered into what looked like Gregario’s personal office, he was almost overwhelmed. “Your Highness, your home. It’s amazing.”

  Gregario eyed him. “You look well here. Almost like you belong.” He looked from Tess to Trent and back. Trent felt a surge of hope rushing through him. His eyes snapped to Tess’s, but she looked away. “I’ll see you both at lunch.”

  Trent tried to figure out what Gregario meant, but the man waved him to sit and began at once, discussing the issues right where they had left off.

  A couple hours in, Trent laughed. “And see, right here.”

  “I see it! I can’t believe I didn’t see it before.”

  They were deep into the infrastructure of Pantos when a knock
sounded. Gregario called, “Enter,” and a lovely woman stepped in. Her gaze swept over Trent quickly and he felt laid bare. What was her assessment? He’d give a lot to know. Her regal walk to Gregario’s side told Trent he was in the presence of Tess’s mother. He’d seen her at the gala but never up close.

  “Ah, Maeve, my dear. Are you ready for lunch?”

  “We are. The others are waiting. I daren’t interrupt; you two are having so much fun, but we can’t put it off any longer.” Her eyes twinkled at him, and Trent wondered if he’d passed some kind of test. Gregario lifted the hand she’d rested on his shoulder and brought it to his lips. “I’m sorry. We’re just so caught up in important things. The country’s going to be so much better, so much more efficient. Allow me to introduce Trent Hudson. He’s quite remarkable. I cannot believe he has never ruled his own country.”

  Maeve raised her eyebrows. “I’m happy to hear you have such a good advisor.” She cleared her throat. “I wonder if he isn’t as competent as he is amiable and agreeable.”

  “Oh, he’s competent. He corrects me and ruthlessly cuts some of my beloved policies, but I see the wisdom behind his suggestions.”

  Trent warmed at his praise, feeling very much like he was in the presence of his own parents for a moment. “They’re just sound business principles.”

  “And a bit more. The Trent spin, I believe, is all your own.”

  Trent nodded.

  “Come, let us eat. Though I feel the need to warn you. Tess has guests.” Maeve’s look of sympathy confused him.

  Gregario grunted. But they continued down the hallway in silence until they entered a room full of stained glass windows. Colored light filtered down in brilliant streams of blue, teal, green, and yellow, and gave the room a magical feel.

  Tess’s laugh, though not her tinkly joyful one, rounded the corner, and she entered the room from the door opposite, surrounded by three men.

  Trent bristled. He tried not to, but his irritation spread quickly, overtaking the pleasant calm that had been with him since he arrived. His fingers flexed and he clenched his fists three times before he could begin walking again to the table setting the queen indicated.

  One of the staff held out his chair. He sat to the left of Gregario, across from Maeve. Tess sat at his left, her guests across from and next to her.

  When they were all seated, Gregario smiled. “Let’s have our introductions. Trent, these three young men have been getting into trouble on our grounds since they were young children. We have with us Princes Adrian, Barak, and Alec.”

  Trent nodded. He’d seen them but hadn’t yet had a chance to offer his services. A month ago, he would have jumped at the chance for such a close meeting with three potential clients. Now, he could only grit his teeth.

  Gregario continued. “And Trent is my new business consultant.”

  Alec nodded. “Your reputation precedes you. I think my own father will soon be in touch.”

  “He’d be smart to do so.” Gregario nodded at Trent.

  The princes were solid men, strong, their eyes alight with intelligence. And the less fault Trent could find with them, the more his irritation simmered. “I’d be happy to work with him.” He nodded. His voice coming out more clipped than he’d intended. But he wanted nothing to do with these men. Not here as they danced attendance on Tess like they had a chance for her hand.

  Tess’s eyes searched his, a moment of concern that felt like a healing balm, just enough to return his civility. “I’ve enjoyed using business principles to help governments improve their practices.”

  “He’s a natural. I think we need to give him his own nation.” Gregario lifted his glass of orange juice to his lips. It was the third time today he’d made comments along those lines, like he approved of Trent in more ways than simply as a consultant. Their food was brought in on heated plates, and huge platters were placed in the center of the table. Fruit, soft cheeses, ham.

  Gregario lifted his glass to the three princes. “I’m actually pleased you are here. Trent and I were talking about alliances and the pros and cons of joining forces with the other Mediterranean countries.”

  After a moment, Barak cleared his throat. “I’d like to discuss an alliance with my country.”

  Tess’s fork froze on the way to her mouth. “What sort of an alliance?”

  Trent looked from one to the other. Were they discussing a marriage alliance?

  Gregario eyed them, his face expressionless, and Maeve turned to Trent, her eyes alight with expectation. He swallowed. Did she expect him to say something similar? He thought he was firmly not in consideration. He remembered Gregario clearly warning him to that effect.

  Tess did not look at him, but silence continued until she stood. “I have an announcement to make in that regard.” Her face was pale. She looked at her father, then her mother. “I wish it to be known that, for the foreseeable future, no marital alliances will be made. It is my plan to rule alone.” Then she looked at each of the princes in turn. “I wish to spare everyone any misconception.” Then her eyes turned to Trent’s, and the distress she communicated with her glance tore at him. He didn’t know what to do or say. All he wanted was to sweep her in his arms and carry her away forever.

  “Your wishes have been noted.” Gregario put a bite of food in his mouth.

  “No, not noted, Father. I’m moving forward according to my wishes.” She turned away and walked from the room.

  Her head was held high, and her regal bearing excited him, impressed him with her power. He stood, and they all followed suit as they watched her leave. He would have let her go, respecting her wishes and her strength. But her hand wavered. It shook slightly before she clutched the side of her dress. And that waver, that vulnerability, was too much. He nodded to the king, the queen. “Excuse me.” And he rushed out of the room after her.

  She was already halfway down the hall, speed walking, her forehead resting in her hand.

  “Tess, wait.”

  She froze, her back to him. “Go away.”

  “I can’t.”

  She shook her head.

  “I can’t see you like this.”

  “Then go.”

  “No, Tess. Do we…can we have a chance?”

  “You said we cannot.”

  He had. He’d put his business first, had caved to the power and influence of her father. He shook his head. “I did. But I’m miserable.”

  She turned. Her eyes filled with hope. “You are?”

  “You don’t need to look so happy about it.”

  “I can’t help it. Are you truly miserable?”

  “I’ve never been so unhappy.”

  She stepped closer. “And have you had enough punishment?”

  He considered his life without Tess. He thought about his business, his contacts, his conversations with the king. Working through the problems of their country had excited him. Already he felt invested in the nation, in its success.

  But he felt hollow. Could he turn his business opportunities down for a chance to be with Tess? Suddenly the truth became clear. Yes, he could.

  He reached for her. “I’m sorry. Sorry I didn’t show you from the beginning how important you are. All the planning with your father, the flood of clients, all of it has been a rush, but…” He shook his head. “It’s not worth losing you.” There, he’d admitted it for the first time to himself and to her.

  But she didn’t look as happy as he would like. She didn’t swoon or melt into his arms. She eyed him. “And my country?”

  Confused, he tilted his head. “Pantos?”

  “Are you also committed to its success?”

  What did she want from him? Did she want him to help her father or to be with her? “I think you need to make up your mind.”

  A sparkle of something in her face, a tease, emboldened him. He pulled her close, wrapping her in his arms. “I’ve missed this.”

  “We’ve had so few moments.”

  He laughed. “This past week
has been torture.”

  “I could hardly stand it.” She shook her head. “I didn’t know when I met you that you were everything I’ve ever really wanted.” She rested her face on his chest. “That torturous knowledge came as soon as I thought you would never be mine.”

  “I liked the new Party Tess.”

  She laughed. “Did you?”

  “Totally. She’s sexy.”

  “Hmm.”

  He held her face in his hands. “But what I mean to say is, as much as that whole week killed me to be apart, I’m kind of glad. Because I realized you are everything I’ve ever wanted.”

  She lifted her face to him, her soft lips open, begging to be kissed.

  “And I could hardly stand to be apart.” He kissed her once, softly. “Mmm. And I don’t know if I’m only torturing myself further.” He kissed her again. “But I like this kind of torture.” When he pressed his mouth to hers the third time, he was lost. The more he held her, the less he cared about the consequences. Until she clutched at his chest and he remembered they stood in a main hallway in her home. “I love you.”

  Her grin, within kissing distance still, brushed against his own. “I love you too.”

  “Words I thought I’d never hear from you.” His thumb rubbed the side of her face.

  “Good. Let’s go back to lunch.”

  “Wait, what?” His heart hammered.

  “Trust me.” She stopped and then turned to him, her eyes earnest. “But I have to know, are you committed to Pantos?”

  “Committed? Of course. But I’m pretty sure it’s one or the other for your father.” He pulled away, concerned. “And what about you? And me? Do we want this if it makes your parents unhappy?” He had grown to care for Gregario and wanted his acceptance, approval.

  She shook her head. “Trust me.”

  Trent followed as she hurried back into the room, flinging open the doors. Everyone turned, eyes wide. Maeve’s shone with happiness.