A Player for A Princess

“Sir,” Logan starts. “We—”

“NOW, god dammit! I want to see that fucking security footage NOW!”

Freddie is in the car, and Logan nods, turning swiftly to head to the driver’s side. I’m in the back seat, and we’re speeding down the parkway in the direction of the hotel in less than a minute.

* * *

Ice is in my stomach as I watch the black and white image of Zelda crossing the lobby sideways. That fucker Seth tracks her movements, and my chest is tight as I watch her keeping as many obstacles as possible between the two of them. She’s trying to run, but he’s not letting her go.

“God help me,” I exhale. I can’t see her eyes, but I know my girl. She’s doing everything to reach the door, to survive, and I see the moment she knows she’s not going to make it. I can barely take watching this unfold.

“Run, Zelda,” I say under my breath, even though I know that isn’t what happens.

My fists are so tight my knuckles ache as I watch him grab her arm. Seth Hines will be the first to die when I catch these bastards. We all stand like incompetents as we watch that dick push my love into a black SUV that rushes into the circular drive.

A knot is in my throat and my muscles ache with needing to help her. I see her jerk back, trying to escape, before she’s shoved inside.

“No…” Turning fast, I pound my fist against the wall.

Logan is at my side. “I’ve compiled a list of all Americans living on the island. Unless you need me, I’ll start questioning them now.”

“Go.” I clench my aching fist. My teeth grind. “Tell me the minute you find anything. Tear this island apart. If anything happens to her—”

“Nothing is going to happen to her,” he says, his large hand grips my shoulder briefly before he’s out the door.

Freddie is at the laptop running plates and crosschecking what we have. “The SUV matches a vehicle currently in long-term parking at the Beef Island Airport.”

He looks up at me, and I can read his expression. “FUCK!” I shout, slamming the heel of my fist against the wall again. I look toward the door where Logan just left.

“Let him search,” Freddie says. “He might find a clue to where they’re headed. In the meantime, I think we should return to Monagasco.”

My brow lowers. “You think Paxton will go to the continent?”

“He has the most support in Totrington,” Freddie says in a measured voice. “It’s been a long time since I’ve tracked a thug, but I wouldn’t put anything past this… prime minister when it comes to your fiancée.”

This thug has my Zelda. I’m unfolding strategy, regarding and discarding ideas in my mind when I register what he just said. “My fiancée… How did you know? We only just agreed—”

“As you know, it’s our job to keep eyes on you at all time.” A sad smile crosses his solemn face. “We step away when we’re sure you’re not in danger, but your brother… His Royal Highness, has given us strict orders to protect your person.”

I’ve grown up with guards and security, so it would be ludicrous for me to act modest at this point. “It’s always a surprise when someone knows information no one else has been told.” I think about my brother’s decision to enter the Grand Prix two weeks ago. “We have a mole at Occitan.”

“What’s this?” Freddie’s on his feet, concern lining his face.

“Someone in the house—it has to be someone on staff—is keeping tabs on us. It’s got to be how they knew she was here.”

Freddie’s chin drops, and he speaks slowly. “Seth Hines appears to be how they knew she was here. We have reason to believe he’s been working with Paxton since he appeared in Monagasco.”

“WHAT?” Acid burns in my stomach. “How long have you known about this?”

“It’s only been confirmed in the last twenty-four hours. Your brother’s team has been working nonstop to find the man who shot Ava. It’s possible Seth Hines was the shooter.”

“We have got to find that bastard.”

“Of course,” Freddie says, giving me a slight nod. “Your car is out front waiting to take you to the villa so you can pack.”

I start for the door. “Contact the airport and have a plane standing by. Tell them it’s for me, the Prince of Monagasco. No point in being undercover anymore.”

“I’m on it.” Freddie is holding his phone to his ear. “I’ll text Logan to let us know if he uncovers anything.”