A Player for A Princess

“What are you talking about?” I snap, looking over my shoulder at him.

His brow lowers. “I’m taking you back to Monagasco with me.”

“I’m not going back to Monagasco.” Exasperation is in my tone, but he is undeterred.

“Yes, you are. It’s where you belong.”

Slapping the mattress, I push out of the bed, stomping around the room looking for anything to pull over my naked body. “It’s not where I belong! It was a job, MacCallum. Everything you saw in Monagasco was a job. It wasn’t me!”

The white button-up shirt he discarded last night is on the floor. I snatch it up and pull it over my head. It’s still buttoned halfway, and I fumble with the top buttons. He stands and crosses the room to me, large hands covering mine, heat radiating off him in luscious waves.

“You love me. You want to be with me. I’m taking you home.”

I shake my head. “I’m not a puppy you can rescue off the street. I’m a petty thief and a con artist. Ask Ava—she’ll tell you. I’m no Cinderella. I never even dreamed of being Cinderella.”

“We’ll deal with your checkered past once I know you’re safe.”

“Ugh!” I let out a little scream. “You can’t keep me safe in Monagasco! I was almost killed there before the race!”

Protective anger flashes in his eyes. “I didn’t know what was going on before the race. I had no idea all the shit you were hiding from me. Everything is different now, and I will keep you safe in Monagasco.”

He’s so fucking sexy, I almost cave. Almost.

Shaking my head, I argue, “Even if that were the case, it won’t work. We’re from different worlds, Cal. Worlds that don’t mesh—they collide.”

His lips press together, and I watch his hazel eyes move around the room as he thinks. The truth aches in my chest. I hate my truth, but at least I know it.

“I could never fit into your world. I wouldn’t even know where to begin.” My voice is quiet, and even I can hear my lack of conviction. I’d do anything to be with him.

A few more seconds pass. A beat where I watch him process what I’ve just said. Finally, he speaks. “I don’t suppose we have to leave Tortola right this minute.”

Turning away, he goes to his abandoned slacks on the floor, that damn tight ass flexing as he walks. I give up and sit down on the bed. He makes my knees weak anyway.

“You know I’m right.” I say with an internal swoon as he pulls the black pants over his naked body.

He picks up the tee Patch loaned me last night and holds it up. “Interesting…” he says, turning it to me. Grey text on a grey tee reads My penis is huge.

“Oh my god.” I exhale a laugh, covering my face. “It was too dark. I couldn’t read it last night.”

With a shrug he pulls it over his head. “At least it’s truth in advertising.” My eyes narrow, and he tosses me the boxer shorts. “Either way, we’re not staying here another night. Get dressed.”

With a sigh, I pull the shorts over my hips. “Where are we going?”

“Freddie leased a house when we arrived. I’m sure we can extend our time there a day or two.”

Picking up the plastic bag containing my still-damp dress and small clutch, I think about meeting Seth today. As far as I know, he doesn’t have any plans beyond getting his five thousand dollars. How we’re supposed to make that transaction on this small island is anybody’s guess. At least after our con last night, he’s not so tied to me for immediate cash.

I sigh, turning the bag over in my hands. “I need to buy clothes.”

Cal steps in front of me, holding my hands to stop my movements. “We’ll get set up in the house, get the car, and I’ll drive you to one of the shopping malls. It’s an island, but I’m sure it has a few boutiques.”

I study our hands, his larger ones holding my slim ones. “I don’t shop in boutiques. I shop at Wal-Mart… or Target if I’m feeling fancy.”

That tone I love is in his voice. “You’ll have to make do, I guess. Tortola has neither a Wal-Mart nor a Target.”

“You know what I mean.”

“I know you’re being difficult. Now come on. Is that all you have?”