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

Omar was well aware that was his reputation. With every new starlet he found, with every new talent he scouted, the press looked to make a connection with him and whatever pair of legs he presented to the world. It was not the truth. But men like Romero and Panek wouldn't hear or wouldn't care about the truth.

"What we should have done is open a business that has a lot of women in it, along with a plush couch in our offices, if you know what I mean.” Panek waggled his eyebrows, making his meaning grossly clear.

"That was quite brilliant of you, Navarre,” said Romero, twirling the stub of the cigar between his fingers. “Maybe it’s not too late. I’ve got the money to start a modeling agency.”

"Especially with that new bit of talent you brought on,” said Panek. “The brunette from the wedding. Did you see the legs on that one?"

"Didn't make it that far south," said Romero. “Those breasts were –"

The man flew across the room. His legs went over his head. His robe fell from his torso giving everyone an unwanted eyeful.

"Keep her name out of your mouth,” Omar said as he stood over the man. His fists opened and clenched, aching for the idiot to say something more so that he could take another shot.

"What’s your problem?” Romero pulled his robe over his family jewels. “She's just another piece of -”

Omar’s fists flew toward the man’s foul mouth. Unfortunately, there wasn't a connection. Something held him back.

He knew it couldn't be Panek. The man was a toothpick and a coward. He was also nowhere to be found. It was Daniel holding Omar back. The large pacifist with a penchant for swordplay was the only man in the room who could.

"Let's take a walk," said Daniel. "It smells in here."

It took the Earl a solid minute to get Omar to turn around and walk out of the room. Omar stuttered down the steps, his feet listening to his fists that wanted another shot. But Daniel blocked his way. Once in the cool air, Omar took his first deep breath.

"What was that about?" said Daniel.

"You heard what they said about Lark.”

Daniel shrugged. "It isn't the first, or the last time someone will disparage the current woman you're with."

“She’s not current,” Omar shouted.

“So, you’ve already thrown her over then.”

Omar frowned at his friend and his use of out of date slang. “No, I haven’t broken up with her. I don’t want to throw her anywhere. I want to keep her.”

“Oh?” Daniel’s brows lifted high. “That’s different.”

“I told you, she’s different.”

“It’s a classic case of Jane Eyre.”

Omar rolled his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was not in the mood for one of Daniel’s book reports.

“The hired help who wins the heart of the boss. But they can’t marry on account of his insane first wife, so he makes Jane a deal that they can live together in secret.”

Omar groaned. These talks with Daniel had been great back in university when he hadn’t wanted to read the books. Daniel would offer just enough detail so that Omar could write his papers and get decent grades.

“Oh,” said Daniel. “I’m sorry? Did you not read that one? Did I spoil it for you?”

“I’m not married to a crazy woman.” Though he did have a crazy, interfering ex. But Summer wasn’t stopping him from being with Lark. “I don't want to hide what I feel for Lark. I want a future with her.”

He took off toward his car. Once inside, he stomped on the gas. He no longer cared what anyone thought. He no longer wanted to wait. He was eager to see the woman who had captured his heart.

Chapter Eighteen

“Girls can’t do magic.”

Lark inhaled, doing her best to hold her smile. But if the little man looked closely, he’d see it in her eyes. He’d see that he was this close to her stuffing his ninety-pound little body into a hat.