I thought Lance might be the director who was in the circle at the fountain. He had wandered off without enough concern for his actress. I didn’t give a shit right now what Lance thought. She needed to heal. She needed to take time off.
“My best advice, without the MRI, is that you rest this arm on pillows, use plenty of ice, and start taking those anti-inflammatories. It’s going to be swollen tomorrow. There’s no magic for that.” He turned. “If you change your mind about the scan, let me know. I’d hate for you to go home with something more serious.”
She shook her head. “No thank you. I’m fine. It’s a bruised bone. That makes sense.” I didn’t know if she was trying to convince us or herself.
“Thanks, Dr. Fines. Your service to the family is always appreciated.”
He smiled. “Of course.” He paused at the door. “Miss Sparks?”
“Yes?”
“Any chance you can tell me if Layla and Striker find the eternal flame this season?”
My jaw dropped. “You know who she is? And you watch a vampire show?”
He laughed. “Who doesn’t?”
Gillian smirked. “I’m afraid, I’d have to stake you if I told you that.”
He nodded. “I had to ask. Good night.”
I turned to face her. “I assume you are Layla?”
“I am.” She gingerly climbed down from the bed.
“You hunt vampires? Is that it?”
“It’s more complicated than that. Nothing is that black and white on the show. It’s one of the things I love about it. Everything is constantly evolving.”
I rubbed my jaw. “Evolving enough to include Layla’s injury?”
“Not that evolved. She’s basically untouchable. An injury like this can’t be part of the storyline. Lance is going to flip. I need to call him. I have to get back to the crew hotel.”
“You aren’t staying in a hotel tonight.”
Sh
e cocked her head to the side. “I have a room near the square where we were shooting. My things are there. I don’t need hospital care. You heard what Dr. Fines said. It’s a bone bruise. I just need to get ice on it for the rest of the night. And loads of ibuprofen.”
“You aren’t staying in the hospital either. I’m taking you back to the palace with me. You need someone to look after that arm.”
“I can look after my arm. But thank you for the invitation? It was an invitation, wasn’t it?”
“Not really.” I pulled the door open, nodding at the agents outside. “We’re ready,” I whispered to the two men.
“You can’t be serious? Is this a kidnapping?”
I turned toward her. “Not a kidnapping. I’m a prince. No need to kidnap anyone. Consider it my way of making up for ruining your shoot today. It’s a royal gesture. Would you accept a diplomatic offer to make amends? From my country to yours.” I winked.
I felt a smug sense of satisfaction. I was getting what he wanted. It was what I needed since I first laid eyes on her.
She twisted her lips together. They were beautiful and soft. Everything about this woman was exotic and alluring.
“You’re making fun of me.
“Not at all. But I would like you to come back to the palace with me. Will you?” I wasn’t used to asking for things I wanted. I usually took them. I made an exception this once.
She held her arm. “It’s sweet, really, but I’m sure someone on the crew will help me.”