I nodded. It seemed rude to turn the princess down, especially after I treated her like an intruder in her brother’s home.
“So how long have you been seeing my brother?” She poured both of us a vodka drink.
“It’s not really like that.”
She twirled toward me. “It’s not? Hmm.”
I didn’t know if that meant she was surprised or if I had missed her sarcasm. I felt plain in my yoga pants. I was Cinderella before she met her fairy godmother. Isabel could’ve put any Prince Charming on his knees.
“However, you are here and he is not.” She tipped her glass toward me.
I felt the need to explain, but took a sip of the lemony vodka drink. What explanation would I give the princess? I certainly wasn’t going to tell her how I met her brother. And reliving today’s events didn’t seem any better.
We turned our heads when the elevator bell rang.
Isabel rushed to the doors. “I need to talk to you.”
Damon stepped into the residence. He looked past his sister. His eyes landed on mine.
For a quick second I forgot how mad I was. How I was hauled out of the library. How I waited for hours with no word. One look and I was ready to melt into his lips again and get lost in his hands. Damn it. He was infuriatingly sexy.
“Damon,” she urged. “It’s a state matter.”
His eyes cut to her. “Can’t it wait until tomorrow, Isabel? I have plans this evening.”
“Sorry, Molly.” She quickly looked at me over her shoulder. “No, it can’t. Where have you been anyway?”
“With the Bostique prime minister. You didn’t see the press conference? The ceremony?”
I knew he was speaking to her, but I shook my head.
“You’re always doing something.” She sighed. “It’s non-stop.”
“It is part of my job.” He loosened his tie. “Would you like me to sto
p running the country and drop everything to hear your problems?” He unbuttoned the top button.
I felt like one of the palace servants. I was there, but practically invisible to them as they continued their sibling banter.
“No. But you could at least grant my audience when I ask for it.”
“When do I deny your audience, Isabel?”
“I didn’t want to go to Sangreaux. You know that. Instead of meeting with me, you sealed the itinerary and I was on a plane.”
He closed his eyes. “Let’s continue this in my office.”
He led her across the room and into his private study. I watched until the door was closed. I sat on the sofa with my vodka, waiting for one of them to emerge. I could hear them argue from where I sat. It was back and forth. Neither one letting it get out of hand, but there was no doubt it was heated.
A few minutes later, I heard Isabel’s heels click across the floor. I turned to watch her.
“Good night, Molly. It was a pleasure to meet you.” She tapped the elevator button.
“Good night.” I rose from the sofa.
The door opened and the princess disappeared in a blur of glittery white.
“Bon soir, Molly.”