They still needed her—both Adrian and Megan agreed. Veronica was the best of the best and they couldn't simply ship her off.

Neither do I want her home so quickly—he told himself.

Megan didn't need to threaten him anymore—when she told him about his brother—it felt like his world was ripping from his hands. And it was his fault—he was messing this up—he needed to find his bride.

I mean—come on—how many men get to have a boat full of women opening their legs to him. He was a prince for Christ's sake—he could do this.

The fun and games were over—he had to do it.

The ladies surrounding him were laughing and fondling his bare arms. They grazed their fingers across his skin—his skin still felt hot earlier. And, he wondered if the women thought they were the cause of his heat.

He grabbed his drink—he needed it, but when the glass reached his face, he could smell Veronica's sweet scent lingering on his fingers. He stopped short—his crotch bulging immediately at the smell. It smelled divine.

He set his glass down—skimming his fingers around the rim of the glass to pick up the salt. Then, he stuck his fingers in his mouth—sucking on the salt, and sucking on the lingering sweet juices from Veronica's body.

"I could have done that for you," a sweet said beside him. He looked to see a set of light blue eyes, she winked at him. Her fingers trailed along his lips.

So far, Cressida was the most ambitious—usually, he would like a woman like her—but her touch was wrong in so many ways. He looked around at the rest of the ladies—studying them. All of their eyes were on Cressida's hand—jealousy burned through them. Adrian picked up Cressida's hand and pushed it away. Cressida merely shrugged—bringing the drink to her lips, obviously she would be back for more.

With his brother's audacious request—Adrian had to make a move fast. They could not afford a week. He had to make an announcement sooner rather than later.

His eyes glazed over the women in front of him—something painful pulled at his heart—it was like he couldn't see their faces. It was like there was no face in the world that could enter his mind right now—maybe ever. There were five women left.

Megan approached the table as if on queue. And when Adrian's eyes met hers—he felt a sting of betrayal. It was not Megan's fault that his brother has turned on him—but he did feel that everything surrounded Veronica might be her fault.

But, then again—I blame myself.

Megan had warned him not to get distracted and now here he sat with the buzz of a woman's body still firing through him—and he let his brother make the next move. Megan held her tablet, purposely averting his eyes—he wondered what Megan said to Veronica. He wondered how Veronica was doing.

A new thought swept his mind—he had gotten rid of the punk in the market—but, what about the rest of Veronica's debt. Perhaps he could help her still—maybe, he could simply apologize after leaving her in the dust.

I'm not even sure she really wants me.

The thought burned through him—he had practically threatened and coerced her into his hands, every single time. But, he could have sworn that she loved it—the way she came all over his hand, the way her eyes lusted for his, it looked like all she wanted was him. But, Adrian had become so clouded and so disillusioned—how could he be sure?

"Sir—" Megan's voice broke through. Her eyes looked at him expectantly. He blinked, trying to recall what he had to do.

I have to push her out of my mind—and my shit together.

He should slap himself with each time his thoughts ran to Veronica.

"Yeah—um," he perked up in his chair and pointed to a few of the remaining women. They perked up at his attention.

"Send those home—" they instantly deflated, the tears hitting their eyes.

Megan nodded and wagged a finger at them, beckoning them with her.

The only ones left were a sharp Brunette—who he thought was named Gisela—and Cressida. Her wicked eyes sparkled—she was proud to make the final two. He stared at her for a moment—her intensity was obvious, she wanted this crown too, they had that in common. She was probably the top runner and she knew it too.

He wondered what it would be like to sleep with her—but, he didn't feel the need or desire. Within him, he felt the need for Veronica's body against his—but, he had learned his lesson. He would take these women to bed—starting tonight. And if that didn't work, then he would make sure that Veronica definitely would not want him.

There is no better way to get her out of mind, then to have someone else take her place.

But secretly, he feared that might not be correct.