The Prince and the Player

True to his word, Reggie is keeping us bankrolled. I can only suppose that means we’re still “useful” to him. I feel like a shit taking his money, but it’s the only way I can continue working on my own agenda. We have to look the part, and at least I haven’t been able to tell him anything he doesn’t already know about the guys.

“Will it set sail?” Ava walks out in a strapless beige dress. It’s knee-length, and the scalloped top just covers her breasts. Her hair is styled over her shoulder so that one long lock ripples down, the bottom just curling where her nipple is hidden.

“Damn. Ro is going to tent his trousers when he sees you in that.”

She laughs, her cheeks flaming, and I give her a hug. “You look beautiful.”

“What about you? I love that dress! The color is gorgeous, and the back is a total tease.”

My phone buzzes, and I pull it out. “It’s show time.”

Rowan sent a decoy limo to the front of our hotel so we can escape through the kitchen entrance. The manager escorts us to the door, where outside Cal is leaning against the actual limo.

“Sorry for the alley pickup…” His words drift away when our eyes meet, and that little fish is alive and well in my stomach, flipping all over the place. “You look incredible.”

I push a lock of pale blonde behind my ear doing my best not to blush as hard as Ava. “Yet another reason I needed to be here last night,” I say in a tone that’s far more carefree than I feel. “We had to shop today, get our hair done.”

He catches my forearms and leans down to kiss my cheek. “The entire miserable night was worth it for this.” Warm hazel darkens, and I’m squealing on the inside.

Ava walks up behind us. “Where’s Rowan?”

“He thought it would cause less of a problem if he met us at the pier.” She makes a little sad noise, and he tears his eyes from mine. “Oh, wow! He probably should have come with me. That dress will definitely provoke a response.”

“That’s just what I said!” Moving to his side, I slip my hand in the crook of Cal’s arm.

“I’m sure the crown prince knows how to conduct himself in public,” Ava says, but I don’t miss her smug tone.

“When the two of you go missing, we’ll know to search the bedrooms,” Cal teases.

“No way!” I cry. “If the boat’s a-rockin, don’t come a-knockin!”

Cal slides a hand over my lower back, hitting me with a cascade of chills. “Mm, if we go missing…” he rumbles in my ear.

“Come on,” Ava climbs into the limo with the help of Hajib.

It’s only a short drive to the dock. We’re pulling into the parking area and stepping out to meet Rowan in no time. As predicted, his eyes fix on Ava’s, and I see the muscle in his jaw move when she crosses the space to him.

“You’re beautiful,” I hear him say in a low voice, and her skin flushes a pretty color.

His large hand takes hers, lifting it to his lips, and her eyes gleam as she watches him. Protecting her future, knowing how perfectly safe and happy she would be here with him dominates my thoughts.

“What are you thinking?” Cal’s voice is low beside my cheek, and he places his hand around my waist.

Turning my head just slightly, I don’t take my eyes off them as they walk the short distance to the gangplank. Cheers and shouts come from the crowd, flashes go off in a strobe of white, and Rowan waves discreetly, smiling to his subjects. He holds Ava’s hand tightly in his, and she follows, watching him and smiling.

“She’s so happy,” I whisper.

It’s all I’ve ever wanted for her. She’s found a tall, dark, and handsome prince to carry her away to her happily ever after.

“You’re such a good friend,” Cal says, and just like that, I’m pulled from my fairytale and back to our lies.

“Right,” I say, clearing my throat, hating this so much.

“I hope you’re so happy.”

You have no idea how happy, I think, with a sad little exhale. His hazel eyes have a rare earnestness as he lifts my fingers to his lips. It’s a feather-light kiss, a brush of skin I feel it straight between my thighs. Damn, MacCallam Lockwood Tate is so irresistible to me.

I answer him honestly. “I had no idea this vacation would go this way.”