The Prince and the Player

“Call my cell. You know the number—call me!” I’m shouting on the line as it goes dead. “FUCK!” I throw the receiver against the wall.

For a moment, we stand in the d

ark room. I’m breathing hard, frustration surging through my veins. A dead body is in the tub. The woman I love is out there, God knows where, in danger. I’m about to lose it, when my watch gives me a little thump.

Looking down, I see a text from an unknown number. Must stay hidden. Seth has a friend who can hide us.

“Yes!” I shout, motioning to the men. “Come on. We’ve got her.”

Dashing out the back door, I’m speaking into my watch. “Send me your location. I’ll come to you.”

A quick touch, and the message is sent. I’m in the car, and the guys are dashing across the street to their vehicle. Seconds pass. They feel like hours. My jaw clenches. I’m staring at the small screen, waiting for her response. Waiting…

Finally, a thump. Seth chartered a boat. Will text more when we’re there.

She’s at the marina? Fuck! Which one?

“No,” I speak fast into my watch. “Tell me where you’re going now.” A knot is in my throat as I hit send and wait.

More seconds tick by. The rain has slacked off, and little pellets of water make pinging sounds on the glass. The storm is passing over, moving further north, and away from the coastline. I drum my fingers on the steering wheel as the black SUV pulls into an empty parking space beside me. My forehead is tight as I watch the virtual second hand move around the clock on my wrist.

“Tell me, Zelda…” I growl, staring at the white hands on the black face. It’s humid in the car, and a bead of sweat rolls down the center of my chest beneath my long-sleeved button-down. “Answer me.”

Another second passes… another little eternity. My forehead tightens; I’m afraid she’s not going to reply.

Then all at once a tap on my wrist; I almost shout when one word appears on the screen: Tortola.

I lower the window on the Mercedes. Freddie leans his dark head out toward me. “Get us on a flight to Tortola.”

Don’t miss the exciting chase, the return of Zelda, the quest for justice, and a royal wedding in

A Player for a Princess!

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