Crowning His Unlikely Princess

What would he do if Cassidy decided that not only wasn’t she prepared to wear the dress he’d chosen but that she wouldn’t attend the ball at all? It wasn’t as if she had to attend. The only work he would be doing tonight would be to thank his supporters and well-wishers.

Cassidy’s official duties had ended when the coronation had come to a close. Since she’d worked above and beyond what was expected of her since arriving in Arrantino, he couldn’t blame her for wanting to kick back and put her feet up. But he didn’t want her to do that. He wanted her here, with him, and as much as that didn’t make sense, denying it would only be lying to himself.

Never before had he had so much trouble keeping a woman to the role he’d predetermined that she would play in his life and it was starting to seriously bother him. Would he be able to work with her as his private secretary in the future? He hadn’t mentioned the future role since their sparring session but it made sense for her to continue to work for him. They made an exceptional team. She knew what he needed sometimes before he knew it himself, and she had never been afraid to give her opinion, even if it didn’t align with his. He’d come to appreciate that as much as her efficiency in running his office.

But would she want that? Would she want to move to Arrantino? He hoped so. She would be an asset to any company, and if there was one thing he prided himself on, it was that he was an astute businessman.

‘Wouldn’t you agree, Your Majesty?’

Having only half listened so far, he forced his mind to the current conversation regarding the latest round of trade talks Arrantino had entered into with India, one of their biggest export markets, breathing a sigh of relief when Leo appeared and politely dragged him out onto the terrace.

Swapping his champagne flute for a beer, Leo leaned against the balustrade and raised his own bottle in a toast. ‘I thought I’d save you from having to listen to Joaquín pontificating about his exemplary knowledge of world affairs. You’ll hear it over and over anyway.’

‘Great,’ Logan said sardonically, taking a grateful swig of the ice-cold beer. ‘There’s only so much sucking up a man can take in one day. I don’t know how you did it.’

‘Patience,’ Leo said.

Logan raised a brow. ‘Great. Then I’m stuffed.’

Leo chuckled, and slapped him on the shoulder. ‘You’ll be fine and you know it.’

‘Maybe.’ Logan knew he would still hate the goldfish-bowl aspect of the role, but the opportunity to address many of the challenging issues facing the world was something he was looking forward to sinking his teeth into.

‘How are you holding up?’ He gave Leo an astute look, knowing that with everything that had gone on, he couldn’t be having an easy time of it.

‘Mixed emotions.’ Leo grimaced. ‘I’m taking Elly and Skylar to Greece on Sunday. There’s a dig taking place on one of the islands she’s interested in and I thought it would be good to get away. The press haven’t let up and she’s worried about the impact it might have on Skylar.’

‘I’m sure she is.’ Logan’s cynical heart thumped. He hated the thought that his brother was being taken advantage of yet again. It wasn’t anything tangible. But it had happened before with Anastasia, and Leo’s more trusting nature meant that it was possible for that to happen again. ‘I just hope she’s on the up and up.’

‘Don’t go there,’ Leo warned, his chest expanding. ‘I know you’re just being protective, which is why I haven’t bloodied your nose already.’

‘I hope you’re right.’

‘I am,’ Leo said. ‘Elly isn’t like Anastasia but, regardless, you really need to stop judging women from the jaded view that they’re only out for all they can get.’

‘I don’t.’ Logan gave a mocking grin at his brother’s arched brow. ‘Okay, perhaps I do. It’s a habit that’s stood me well so far.’

‘Perhaps. But it also means that you look for the worst in people.’

He shrugged.

‘It works for me. But, okay, I’ll reserve my jaded view for when I meet her.’

He glanced over Leo’s shoulder for any sign of Cassidy inside.

‘Good. Because Elly asked me to extend an invitation to lunch tomorrow. I know from experience that it will be a low-key day so it shouldn’t be a prob—’ Leo frowned. ‘That’s the third time you’ve checked out the room inside. Who are you looking for?’

‘Cassidy.’

Leo raised a brow. ‘You invited her to the ball?’

‘Yes, and I need you to take care of her tonight. Escort her in and make sure she’s okay. And don’t look at me like that. She’s the best assistant I’ve ever had.’

Rather than lose the raised eyebrow, it went even higher. ‘Are you sure that’s all she is?’

Logan scowled. ‘Now it’s my turn to tell you not to go there. I’m not like the old man. I would never use my position to sleep with an employee.’

‘Fine, fine.’ Leo raised his hands in surrender. ‘I know you wouldn’t do that. I just couldn’t help but notice you looked at her a lot today. And she seems nice. It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for you to deviate from your usual type and choose someone real.’