The Prince and the Player

Reggie turns my phone over and touches the button. “Playboy prince.” My heart plunges to my feet, and his blue eyes meet mine. “I’m going to assume that’s MacCallam. It says, ‘Are you wearing panties.’”

My eyes close, and any plans I had to convince them I wouldn’t tell Cal are shot to hell now. If I were looking for something to pin on Reggie, I sure as hell found it. Too bad, it might cost me my life.

“She isn’t leaving this room.” Wade has my arm again, and he drags me to the wet bar, opening and shutting drawers quickly.

My mouth is dry, I’m shaking, but I’ve got to try. “I’m leaving him. I was coming here to tell Reggie. I’m going back to Miami. Cal doesn’t know.”

“Here.” Wade pulls out a knife. “Do you have any rope, Reginald?”

“Stop this, Paxton,” Reggie reclines on the sofa, a bored look on his face. “We’re not killing her. Who will clean up the mess?”

Wade’s sinister eyes are calculating. “What do you suggest?”

“Lock her in the bedroom until we’ve finished our business here then arrange for her disposal afterwards.”

“Reggie,” I whisper. “Just let me take Ava and go. I won’t get in your way. You know I won’t.”

“I don’t know anything now that you’re romantically involved.”

“I’m not romantically involved!” I cry, my voice cracking. “I’m a professional, Reggie. Remember the casino?”

“I thought you were a professional. Sadly I was mistaken.” He rises from the couch, and walks toward the bedroom. Wade jerks my arm, pushing me after him.

“Very convenient, you providing your phone.”

I watch as he begins texting. “What are you doing? Who are you texting?” Panic floods my veins.

“Message to Ava: Ran out to meet Cal. See you after the race. Zee.” He glances toward Wade. “You said your plan is in motion. I presume it includes men stationed along the course?”

“On the pit crew, along the course,” Wade says. “I’ve covered every possible outcome.”

My eyes fly back and forth between them. I’m having difficulty breathing. “What will you do?”

Reggie steps directly in front of me, pushing my nose almost to his chest. “I might not trust you, but I know your Achilles heel. You’ll cooperate—if only to protect your sister’s life.”

Jerking away from Wade, I swing my arm at Reggie’s face. “You will not hurt Ava!”

He dodges easily, shoving me aside. “I will kill your beautiful sister if you do anything to interfere with our plans.”

Stepping back, I take a breath. He’s right about one thing—no matter what I have to do, I won’t let him hurt Ava.

“You have a deal. I won’t say a word.”

I start for the door, and Wade Paxton actually laughs. “Where do you think you’re going?”

Pausing, I look from him to Reggie. “I just gave you my word—”

“Whatever deal you make with Sir Winchester, it will begin after the race tomorrow. Not before.”

My arm is back in his iron grip, and he drags me to the bedroom, shoving me inside. I slump against the wall as he walks around the room. He goes to the balcony door and then returns to where I’m doing my best to stay out of his way. He goes in the bathroom for a moment then returns with his hands on his hips.

“This won’t work,” he snaps. “Too many ways she can escape.”

“She can’t go through the lobby,” Reggie argues. “The paparazzi are everywhere. She’s a top story now that she’s been seen with the prince numerous times.”

The two men look at me again. Wade’s eyes are glittering and cold, and I’m convinced he’d just as soon kill me. Reggie looks more impatient. My mind is racing.

“I can give you money. I’ll give back all the money—”