Don't Tell (Don't 1)

“I believe I can work with these terms.” He flattened his mustache.

I nodded, concealing the breakneck pace I wanted to employ to get the hell out of this negotiating room. He had consumed enough of my time for twenty-four hours.

I pushed back from my seat, extending my hand. “Thank you.”

He gripped my fingers. “Thank you, your highness. It’s a fair deal. It will benefit both our countries.”

“Yes it will.” I grinned. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have another royal matter. I apologize for the sudden departure. My staff will assist you.”

I turned for the door, almost sprinting down the hall but Kenley stopped me before I reached the first coat of arms. Her eyes pushed me backward. Those eyes were supposed to be reserved for when my brother fucked up, not me.

“What is it?” I hissed. “I just got out of there.”

“The press conference, your majesty.” She tapped her watch. “Now that the prime minister has agreed to the contract changes, we are shifting the focus from an announcement to an official signing. Your presence is required.”

“What the fuck?” I whispered.

She glared at me. I didn’t care. I had reprioritized everything over Molly for two days. I was done with it.

Kenley was good at her job. It was why I hired her. Even more important was how much I trusted her with Klein when he went on one of his binges. But I didn’t like the tone she took with me. I wasn’t a royal puppet to be managed.

“The prime minister leaves tonight. You have fifteen minutes before the signing begins, followed by a joint press conference.”

I inhaled. “Can’t we push it back an hour?”

“Why would we do that?”

I liked her. I trusted her. But that didn’t mean I tolerated disrespect.

Paul met us in the hall. He grinned. “My advisor has just informed me about the ceremony.”

Now there was a damn ceremony? I eyed my trusted servant.

Kenley smiled. “Thank you for participating Prime Minister Caon. There is a royal escort who can show you to the blue ballroom. His majesty will follow.”

“Thank you.” He reached for Kenley’s hand and kissed it just below her knuckles. He waddled after the escort.

I waited until he was around the corner.

“The blue ballroom?” I balked. Were we trying to show the world we were kissing his ass? That room was reserved for the most prestigious and regal events.

“You’ve been locked in negotiations for two days. The press has been hounding us for a statement. The blue ball room is appropriate.”

“Who made that decision?” I asked.

“Sutcliffe and I discussed it,” she reported.

I groaned. This had to stop. But I was in the middle of the fucking sandstorm. I couldn’t do anything until it was over.

“You, Sutcliffe, and I will have a meeting,” I warned. “But not today. I have to get through a signing ceremony and answer questions from the press.” I didn’t tack on my plans with Molly.

“Anything you need, your highness.”

“I need a bourbon,” I muttered.

I saw her blink. She was used to chasing drinks out of my brother’s hand.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that, Kenley.” I pressed my lips into a thin smile.