The Marquis and the Magician's Assistant (The Rebel Royals 4)

The small crowd roared with approval, and Omar knew he had a hit on his hand. A magic show where the female assistant was the star. When Lark had brought the idea to him a few weeks ago, he hadn't immediately seen its potential. Admittedly, he'd been far too distracted by the woman's legs. But he couldn't afford another distraction in his life.

Omar had a rule. He didn't date performers. Especially ones that worked for him. Anymore.

And so he'd kept his distance. In his personal life. But in matters of business, it was clear to see that Lark, a former magician's assistant herself, was pure magic.

Her show had everything. Glitz, glamor, humor, and a beautiful woman outsmar

ting a bumbling man. It was going to be a hit! Not only that but working with such a beautiful woman and not having any romantic ties would restore his reputation in the industry.

In his long career, Omar had dated exactly one woman whom he'd brought into the spotlight. And it had been a glaring disaster. But public perception would've made anyone believe he'd dated an entire chorus line. It was not a good look for business, especially in a day and age where predators were being outed from the casting couch.

Omar rose from his place on the backstage couch. He was not that kind of producer. He was not that kind of man. With his dark good looks, a noble title, and old money, he had no need to prey on women. Aside from all that, his mother had raised him to respect women above others.

"She's pretty."

Omar’s hackles raised at the sound of that husky voice. His legs felt weary, and he sat back down. He might have been taught to respect all women. But he wasn't fool enough to give respect back to a woman who had none for herself or others.

“What are you doing here, Summer?” Omar turned to face his ex.

Summer Briggs had the same long and lean form as Lark. But she was more lines than curves, which meant there was nothing much to hold onto. After Omar had given her a boost up onto the stage, she’d slipped through his fingers. And then to add insult to injury, she’d stepped on the hands that had lifted her up.

“Just checking out the competition,” said Summer. “You said we could still be friends.”

“No, you said that. I don’t think we ever were friends.”

“Well, let’s start now. Let’s go out. I was thinking we would have a great time together at the royal wedding.”

Oh. So, that’s what this was about. She wasn’t checking out Lark’s show. Summer didn’t believe she had any competition. But she also didn’t have a way into the highly anticipated, extremely exclusive, invite-only wedding of the King of Córdoba and his American bride. One did have to have friends to get one of the coveted invitations. As one of King Leo’s oldest and closest friends, Omar was the first to get one.

“Sorry, Summer. My invitation says plus one, and you subtracted yourself from my life when you broke your contract to sign with Rancik Entertainment.”

Omar didn’t mention that she’d broken his heart as well as their contract. He had truly believed that Summer cared for him. She was a fine actress.

Summer pouted her lips, preparing another award-winning performance. She plopped down on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Omar turned away and came face to face with his new rising star.

“Sorry,” said Lark, lifting an eyebrow as she regarded him. “‘I’ll come back later.”

“No, not at all.” Omar stood, displacing Summer off to the side of the couch. “We were done long ago.”

Lark lifted the other brow at him.

Omar thought it best not to try to explain any further. “I’m working here, Summer. Do you mind?”

Summer brushed her skirt off and stood. Her shrewd gaze took Lark in. “Enjoy the ride while it lasts, honey. He’ll discard you the second he’s done with you.”

Omar wanted to protest. Not only was Summer the only one in his employment he’d ever dated, but she was also the one who had left him.

“He could try,” said Lark. “But I know magic. I’m very good at hiding bodies.”

Omar chuckled. Yeah, Lark was a perfect distraction. He’d already forgotten Summer’s presence. His full attention was on Lark.

“Have a seat,” he said to her, indicating the spot next to him on the couch.

Chapter Two

Larked eyed the empty space on the couch. There was still a slight indent in it from where the last woman had landed after Omar had tossed her aside.