Zelda

It’s after ten when Ava and I return to our suite at the Fontaine. It’s been several days since we slept in our own beds alone, but I’m thankful for the break and the chance to strategize. She’s worried.

“What happened today, Zee? What is Reggie going to do?”

I go quickly to the television and turn it on, but it’s no help. The local news is in French. I recognize locations. Many streets will begin closing tomorrow to prepare for the race. The gala is tomorrow night, and locals will be out to watch the racers and the nobility and to cheer for their favorites.

Walking quickly to the door, I pick up the newspaper still rolled from this morning. Again, I can’t read it.

“If only I’d learned French,” I say through an exasperated exhale.

“What are you thinking?” Ava’s right with me, following me through the room.

I walk back to the sofa and drop into the cushions, thinking.

“Oh! I wish you’d tell me something!” Ava’s shouting now, and I look up at her. Her dark hair is in beachy waves, and she’s still in that white dress from earlier at the track.

“What did you say?” I confess, I’ve been too distracted to listen.

“What happened today? What did Reggie say? What are you planning to do?!”

Holding out my hand, I reach for her to sit beside me on the sofa. “It’s not good.” I feel her tense, and I know this is hard for her to hear.

“Reggie was at the track today. He knows you and Rowan are seeing each other. He probably knew before—hell, it’s probably why he even showed up today. To bust us.”

“What’s he going to do?” Her voice wavers, and I know she’s feeling that same sickening fear I felt earlier at the thought of Cal finding out what I’d done. Only her fears are for Rowan.

“He wants us to keep him posted about the prince. He wants to know what he’s doing, where he’s going, then he’ll allow us to stay here.”

“But I never know what he’s doing or where he’s going. He doesn’t tell me those things!” I can see the panic in her eyes, and I want to soothe her.

At the same time, I know how swift Rowan’s judgment can be. She’s right to be afraid.

“It’s going to be okay, Ava-bug. Do you trust me?” I expect her to say yes like she always does, like we’ve always been in the past.

Instead she says one word, “How?”

Pushing off the couch, I start to pace. “I don’t know.”

“Oh, Jesus!” She leans forward pushing her face in her hands. “He’s going to hate me. He’ll never look at me again! And after everything we’ve said… Everything we’ve done!”

That does it. I rush to kneel in front of her, pulling her hands into mine. “Look at me! I’m not going to let that happen. I’ve seen Rowan with you. He’s in love with you. He’ll give you the kind of life you deserve.”

Her eyes go round. “He’s not in love with me. We’ve never said—”

“Feelings like that don’t have to be said. They’re apparent for everyone with eyes to see them. He cares about you, and I won’t let my mistake spoil that for you. If anyone deserves a fairytale ending, it’s you.”

“But what about you? What about Cal?” She’s blinking fast. “I’ve never seen you so happy. Not ever! It’s the first time you haven’t always been planning and calculating and looking for the next job. It’s the first time you’ve smiled!”

Standing, I force myself to calm. This isn’t about me. “We’ve had money, Ava. Money is why I’m smiling.”

“That’s bullshit!” she shouts, and I feel my jaw hit the floor.

“Ava!” I’ve never heard her lose it this way.

“I’m not going to let you sit here and say these things. You’re happy here. It’s not just me!”

“You’d have to be an idiot not to be happy here! Of course I’m happy here, but that’s not the point!”

“Then what is the point?”

Clearing my throat, I walk over to the wet bar for a bottle of water. “The point is I took this job. I sat on that boat and shook hands with the devil. You’re here because I never leave you behind.”

She’s listening, but her dark brows are pulled together. She’s looking for any chance to argue with me on this, but I won’t let her. I twist the top off the water bottle and take a sip, calming my thoughts as well as my voice.

“I’m going to find out what Reggie’s up to,” I continue. “I’m going to see if there’s any way to redeem what I’ve done. There probably isn’t. I’m going to have to be the villain in this story.”

“You’re not!” Her voice breaks, and unshed tears are in her eyes.

“I am, Ava-bug. I agreed to come here and lie to Rowan. I didn’t expect to meet Cal, but I definitely came here intending to hurt Rowan.”

She’s off the sofa now, crossing the room to stand in front of me. “From the start, we said we would stop it, we’d walk away if we found out Reggie was tricking us. We can just walk away!”

“Yes, but walking away means walking all the way away—all the way back to Florida.” Her chin drops, and I know her heart is breaking. My heart is breaking for both of us. “I’ll walk away,” I say. “I’m doing my best to find any way for you to stay.”

Her face snaps up, and again her forehead is lined. “What are you saying?”

“I’m going to figure out what Reggie wants. I’m convinced he’s here to finish what he started when Rowan kicked him out…”

“And?”

“And if I can beat him to it, whatever it is—if I can warn Cal or Rowan, maybe they’ll feel… A little less like punishing and more like forgiving.”

Her breathing picks up, and I can see that tiny glimmer of hope growing in her eyes. She’ll always trust me, and I take that responsibility very seriously.

“Then we can stay?” she whispers.

“I hope so.” I nod as I start to pace again, thinking. “I hope Rowan will believe me when I tell him you had nothing to do with this scheme. You were only here because I wouldn’t leave you behind.”

“I’m sure he will—he’ll forgive you. Rowan is really kind and gentle.”

Glancing up at her, I can’t help a skeptical grin. “Rowan is not kind and gentle. He’s powerful and tough, and from what I’ve heard, he’s pretty ruthless when it comes to handling people who cross him.”

She frowns as if I’m describing someone she doesn’t know. “He’s focused, and he takes his position very seriously, but he’s not ruthless.”

Walking back to her, I put an arm around her shoulders. “That right there is why I’m doing this. If that man is so sweet to you that you don’t even notice what a badass he is, I’m going to find a way for you to stay together. I promise I will.”

Her shoulders fall, and she lets out a slow exhale. “I can’t argue with you anymore. I’m too tired.”

I laugh and give her side a little poke. “Somebody’s been having sex all evening.”

“Shut up. I’m going to take a shower.”

“No more gushing about having sex with a king?”

“Goodnight, Zelda!” she calls waving over her shoulder at me.

“That’s a switch!” I call after her. My phone buzzes on the counter, and I laugh as I walk over to pick it up.

Wish you were here. No one to criticize the horrifying movie choices I’m making.

“MacCallam Lockwood Tate,” I whisper, unable to stop a smile.

What are you watching? I text back.

Come back and I’ll show you.

Have work to do. Tell me.

Work? You’re on a holiday.

Chewing my lip, I decide to give him a little insight into my plans. Trying to find a way to stay longer.

In that case, I’ll survive my poor entertainment choices.

Smiling, I walk over to sit on the sofa. Resting my head on my hand, I wipe the stubborn tear from my eye and force myself to have hope. Touching the screen quickly, I text, What have you chosen this time?

You’ve Got Mail.

Grow a dick, MacCallam.

I love it when you use my full name.

Snorting a laugh, I roll my eyes. You’re not watching that.

Come make me turn it off.

Not tonight.

A few seconds tick by, and I look over at the television. Picking up the remote, I change the channel until stupid Meg Ryan appears. This movie is so dumb, I text.

Gotcha. What are you wearing?

Slanting my eyes, I think of our first night. Changing clothes.

Send me a tit pic.

No!

Smart girl. I’d make that shit my wallpaper.

Still no Prince Charming, I reply.

It’s Playboy Prince, sugar tits.

I laugh again, rolling my eyes. Goodnight, MacCallam.

Goodnight, beautiful.

With a sigh, I push off the couch, switch off the television, and walk slowly to my bedroom. I consider calling Reggie, but I have no idea what to say. It’s not like I can ask him straight out what he’s got up his sleeve. Instead, I pull up our last text exchange searching for any clues. It’s only questions about how it’s going with Rowan, or “CPR,” and me.

“I’ve got to get something on him. I’ve just got to,” I whisper, plugging my phone into its charger and walking into the bathroom to get ready for bed.

Our pickup time for the ball is an early six thirty, but Cal says it’s because the spectators like to cheer and watch as the racers board the yacht.

“It’s going to be on a yacht!” I call to Ava as I stand by the wet bar waiting.

I’m having a glass of champagne, careful not to spill it on my filmy red designer gown. It’s knee length, and the halter-top shows off my shoulders. It also has a large, upside-down triangle cutout ending at my lower back. I seem to recall Cal liking such details, and I confess, I like his hands on my skin.

True to his word, Reggie is keeping us bankrolled. I can only suppose that means we’re still “useful” to him. I feel like a shit taking his money, but it’s the only way I can continue working on my own agenda. We have to look the part, and at least I haven’t been able to tell him anything he doesn’t already know about the guys.

“Will it set sail?” Ava walks out in a strapless beige dress. It’s knee-length, and the scalloped top just covers her breasts. Her hair is styled over her shoulder so that one long lock ripples down, the bottom just curling where her nipple is hidden.

“Damn. Ro is going to tent his trousers when he sees you in that.”

She laughs, her cheeks flaming, and I give her a hug. “You look beautiful.”

“What about you? I love that dress! The color is gorgeous, and the back is a total tease.”

My phone buzzes, and I pull it out. “It’s show time.”

Rowan sent a decoy limo to the front of our hotel so we can escape through the kitchen entrance. The manager escorts us to the door, where outside Cal is leaning against the actual limo.

“Sorry for the alley pickup…” His words drift away when our eyes meet, and that little fish is alive and well in my stomach, flipping all over the place. “You look incredible.”

I push a lock of pale blonde behind my ear doing my best not to blush as hard as Ava. “Yet another reason I needed to be here last night,” I say in a tone that’s far more carefree than I feel. “We had to shop today, get our hair done.”

He catches my forearms and leans down to kiss my cheek. “The entire miserable night was worth it for this.” Warm hazel darkens, and I’m squealing on the inside.

Ava walks up behind us. “Where’s Rowan?”

“He thought it would cause less of a problem if he met us at the pier.” She makes a little sad noise, and he tears his eyes from mine. “Oh, wow! He probably should have come with me. That dress will definitely provoke a response.”

“That’s just what I said!” Moving to his side, I slip my hand in the crook of Cal’s arm.

“I’m sure the crown prince knows how to conduct himself in public,” Ava says, but I don’t miss her smug tone.

“When the two of you go missing, we’ll know to search the bedrooms,” Cal teases.

“No way!” I cry. “If the boat’s a-rockin, don’t come a-knockin!”

Cal slides a hand over my lower back, hitting me with a cascade of chills. “Mm, if we go missing…” he rumbles in my ear.

“Come on,” Ava climbs into the limo with the help of Hajib.

It’s only a short drive to the dock. We’re pulling into the parking area and stepping out to meet Rowan in no time. As predicted, his eyes fix on Ava’s, and I see the muscle in his jaw move when she crosses the space to him.

“You’re beautiful,” I hear him say in a low voice, and her skin flushes a pretty color.

His large hand takes hers, lifting it to his lips, and her eyes gleam as she watches him. Protecting her future, knowing how perfectly safe and happy she would be here with him dominates my thoughts.

“What are you thinking?” Cal’s voice is low beside my cheek, and he places his hand around my waist.

Turning my head just slightly, I don’t take my eyes off them as they walk the short distance to the gangplank. Cheers and shouts come from the crowd, flashes go off in a strobe of white, and Rowan waves discreetly, smiling to his subjects. He holds Ava’s hand tightly in his, and she follows, watching him and smiling.

“She’s so happy,” I whisper.

It’s all I’ve ever wanted for her. She’s found a tall, dark, and handsome prince to carry her away to her happily ever after.

“You’re such a good friend,” Cal says, and just like that, I’m pulled from my fairytale and back to our lies.

“Right,” I say, clearing my throat, hating this so much.

“I hope you’re so happy.”

You have no idea how happy, I think, with a sad little exhale. His hazel eyes have a rare earnestness as he lifts my fingers to his lips. It’s a feather-light kiss, a brush of skin I feel it straight between my thighs. Damn, MacCallam Lockwood Tate is so irresistible to me.

I answer him honestly. “I had no idea this vacation would go this way.”

It’s a short walk to the boat, and Cal has his share of screaming fans. He waves, and I wish I could be like my sister—so completely enraptured with my date that I don’t even notice all the death glares shooting at me from the crowd. Too bad, I see all the bitches that want to take my place. I can’t think about them. I have enough complications on my plate.

Once onboard the super yacht, it’s like my first night at the charity ball, only this time, I’m far more comfortable in my dress and heels, and the entire plan has fallen apart. I have nothing and everything to lose.

“MacCallam! Introduce me to your lovely date.” The same woman who cornered me with Reggie that first night approaches us, and while I remember her, I’m pretty sure she has no recollection of me.

“Mother,” he says, leaning forward to kiss her cheek.

Her majesty gives me a more focused examination tonight, and I can feel her sizing me up.

“Miss Zelda Benedict of Texas,” Cal says.

Inside I cringe hearing him repeat our lies, still I hold my poker face intact. “Your majesty,” I say, doing a slow curtsey.

“Benedict? We’ve met before,” she says, clearly not connecting me with Reggie.

“Yes, ma’am. At the charity ball.”

She waves a hand dismissively. “A legion of young ladies attended that ball.”

“And out of them all, I found Zee,” Cal says, taking her hand and stepping forward to kiss her cheek again. “We’re just making the rounds.”

I can tell he’s trying to disengage, but his mother isn’t finished. “Who is this young woman who has Rowan so infatuated?”

“She’s a friend of Zelda’s,” he says, nodding to me, which gets me a more pointed inspection from the queen.

“From Texas?” Her eyes are on me, but I’m not sure she’s actually addressing me.

“Florida, mother,” Cal says, releasing her hand and stepping back. “Lovely girl. We’ve spent the last several days together.”

The old crone’s about to launch into some complaint, I can see it in her eyes, and my hackles start to rise. I might not be Ava’s mother, but I’ve been the closest thing for the last ten years. Lucky for both of us, Cal makes some excuse and leads us away, further into the crowd toward the deck of the enormous yacht.

We’re walking slowly under white canopies and Cal speaks briefly to couples sitting on round, wicker love seats and long, flat deck chairs.

Once we’re somewhat alone, he assesses my cooling temper. “Mother has very definite ideas about what the future queen should be like.”

I have to remind myself she’s his mother, but it’s difficult. “I’m sure she does,” is all I’ll say.

I’d like to see that old bat find anyone sweeter than my little sister, even if Ava might steal your watch.

“We all should have friends as loyal as you,” he chuckles and leans in to kiss my cheek. “I’ll get us a glass of wine. Don’t move.”

I give him a little smile and walk over to the rail of the yacht, looking out at the breathtaking view. It’s a clear night, a light breeze is blowing, and the air is a little salty. Turquoise water stretches away, turning slowly deeper blue, and it’s so beautiful, I dream of what it would be like if we could just run away.

“It won’t work,” I whisper to myself. I’ll have to be honest with him at some point.

“What won’t work, Zelda Wilder?” I jump at the exaggerated country twang, and just as fast, fear shoots through my stomach.

I turn slowly to face… “Seth.” A tremor is in my voice. “What are you doing here?”

“Well, you could’ve knocked me over with a cotton ball when I saw your sister Ava’s picture on the arm of the Crown Prince of Monagasco!” He’s doing the casino act, and I am freaking out. “I hopped the first flight over to come check on my girls.”

“Stop it,” I hiss, grabbing his arm and my composure as fast as possible. “You can’t act like that here.”

Seth’s eyes narrow, and his smooth Kansas is back. “How should I act, my old partner in crime? What kind of a con are you running, Zelda Wilder?”

I frantically scan the crowd looking for Cal. He’ll be back any moment. “It’s Benedict, and Ava is not my sister. I’ll explain it all to you later. You’ve got to go.”

In a swirl of ice-blue chiffon a woman joins us. She’s very beautiful and clearly noble. Her pale blonde hair is styled in a French twist, and an ornate necklace with brilliant blue sapphires is around her neck.

“There you are, Colonel,” she says, taking his arm. “Felicity wanted to stop and speak to the crown prince.”

“Colonel?” My brow arches.

“Oh, I just told Miss Westingroot I was a little ole Kentucky Colonel.”

It’s then I notice he’s wearing a gold pin on his black tuxedo jacket. Sure enough it has Kentucky Colonel stamped on a blue background under a bald eagle.

“Did that come with the coat?” I snark under my breath.

“It’s just an honorary title, of course, but Lara here seems to think it’s worth a damn.”

“Who knew America had such things?” Lara says, but I don’t care for her snotty tone.

My heart jumps again at the sound of Cal’s voice. “Hello, what do we have here?”

Locking my eyes on Seth’s, I mentally order him, Don’t fuck this up…

“MacCallam,” Lara steps forward to kiss my escort’s cheek. “How is your health?”

“Good as yours, I imagine, who do we have here?”

He touches my lower back, and Seth’s eyes narrow. My jaw tightens in response.

Lara gestures toward Seth. “I’d like to present Mister Seth Hines. A real Kentucky Colonel.”

Her tone is still mocking, and I break my staring battle with Seth to evaluate this Westingroot chick.

“As in the chicken franchise?” Cal actually sounds impressed. “Incredible business model. All built around fried chicken.”

“Yes, the Colonel was a smart man,” Seth continues in that ridiculous accent, “Our honorable order lost a real gem when he passed.”

My eyes are back on Seth now, and I’m speechless. Is he actually attempting to be some fried chicken heir? I guess I have no right to judge. I’m supposed to be an oil baron’s niece.

“I’m sorry,” Cal speaks to me. “Zelda, do you know Miss Westingroot? Mister Hines?”

“We’ve only just met,” I say, doing my best to keep it together.

Seth is right on it. “I didn’t get your name, Miss…?”

“Benedict,” Cal answers for me. “Lux Benedict is her uncle. Of Texas?”

“Well, cotton and fiddles,” Seth says, and I cringe. “Texas is a mighty big state, but I’ve still heard of the wealthy Lux Benedict.”

“That’s right!” Lara Westingroot is addressing me now, and her tone has turned to solid ice. “You’re the one we have to thank for the lovely Miss Wilder’s presence.”

“Miss Wilder?” Seth asks, his eyes round with fake curiosity.

“The young lady attached to the crown prince like a remora.”

“Excuse me?” My voice is sharp. “She happens to be one of my best friends.”

Seth’s eyes widen, and my fear at what he could say to expose us is the only thing keeping me in check.

“I declare, Miss Benedict, have you known the crown prince long?” A wicked gleam is in his eyes, and I start to sweat.

“Yes, Miss Benedict,” Westingbitch chimes in. “How long have you known his royal majesty? Or better yet, how do you know him at all?”

My shoulders are tight. I don’t want Seth knowing anything about our arrangement or why we’re here. “I… We… We met the grand duke.”

“A Grand Duke!” Seth exclaims. “Now that is a fancy moniker. Did you meet him in Texas?”

I’m fumbling, searching for anything to deflect these questions. Thankfully, Cal takes my hand. “I’m pretty sure you promised me a dance, Zelda.”

Glancing up, he gives me a reassuring smile, and I want to kiss him. “Yes, you’re right, I did.”

“If you’ll excuse us.” He does a little nod to Seth and the Ice Queen.

After securing our glasses on a low table, he leads me away from the grand inquisition to an area at the back of the enormous deck. An acoustic band is playing softly, some kind of yacht rock, and Cal pulls me against his chest. My forehead touches his jawline, and he speaks in my ear.

“Lara is an elitist prig. I’m sorry if she embarrassed you.” His arms are warm and strong around me. I hold him, fumbling my way back to calm.

“She really hates Ava,” I think out loud, scanning the area for my sister. I haven’t seen her since we boarded, and I know she’s going to panic if she sees Seth. “We should probably find them.”

“Don’t worry. Ro can take care of her.” He kisses the side of my ear. “I’ll take care of you.”

A shimmer of longing moves low in my pelvis. It’s followed quickly by sadness. I would stay with Cal forever if I could. The song ends, and our eyes meet. He reaches up to touch my chin.

“Why so sad, beautiful?” I love his smile, that light in his brownish-green eyes.

“It’s nothing.” I force myself to smile. “I don’t want to spoil our night.”

“Thinking about home?”

Reaching up, I run my finger down the lapel of his elegant tuxedo coat. “I’m thinking about a lot of things.”

The band starts on another song, and I want to scream when fucking Seth appears at my side. “Mind if I cut in?”

Neither of us has a chance to respond before Seth grabs my waist and turns me away onto the floor. His face is at my ear now, and panic is in my heart.

“I confess, Zelda Wilder, you make me proud out here among all these aristocrats. Who would believe you’re the same little bruised-kneed hick I found in Tampa?”

“What do you want, Seth.” My jaw is tight. An edge is in my voice. I don’t like being cornered, and this asshole will not intimidate me.

He leans back to meet my eyes, street-smart hardness flashing in his. “I want to know what you’re doing here. I know you weren’t hired for your looks.”

My lips tighten, but I’m aware we’re being watched. I move closer to his ear. “It’s over. We botched the deal. I’m leaving.”

“I’ve worked with you a long time, Zee. You think I’m buying you threw a job?”

“It’s true! I was supposed to be with the crown prince. It didn’t work out, and now he’s with Ava.”

“Of course, he’s with Ava. She’s a fucking supermodel.” We turn, and I blink around the room, holding my hand at the top of his shoulder so it blocks my lips.

“Right. She’s a liability. You’ve always said that.” I’ve got to keep him away from her.

“What were you supposed to do with that guy? Tell me the plan, and maybe we can salvage it.”

No. I don’t want Seth knowing anything. “I’ve got it under control. Ava’s going to stay here. I’ll be back in Miami in a week. You’re not losing out. You never wanted her on our team anyway.”

“You let me be the judge of that. Is it a full loss? What’s your take?”

“Only ten thousand.”

I feel his body tense. “Only ten thousand?” His hard laugh is in my ear. “Only? You have a fucking distorted sense of the world if you can say only ten thousand.”

“It was supposed to be a lot more, but now it’s over.”

He’s quiet, and we turn again to the slow rhythm. My heart is beating so fast. Desperation is making it difficult to breathe. I’ve got to keep Seth at bay.

My eyes meet Cal’s, and his brow lowers. Dammit, he knows something is wrong, and I watch as he sets his glass down and moves through the crowd to where we’re dancing. I love how protective he is, but I’m panicking because I only have seconds left to appease Seth.

“I’ll split it with you, fifty-fifty,” I hiss in his ear, teeth clenched. “Just don’t fucking ruin this.”

“Fifty-fifty?”

It’s the last words Seth says before Cal is with us.

His strong arm goes around my waist, and I’m back at his side. “That’s enough, Mr. Chicken. I’ll have her back now.”

Seth does a little nod. “I meant no disrespect, sir. Disrespect is not very Kentucky. I’ll just say adieu. Is that correct?”

“That’s right.” Cal’s eyes are leveled on him, and the overprotective glare he’s shooting at Seth turns me on even more than his sexy mouth.

Seth nods and steps forward again, kissing my cheek and speaking directly in my ear. “Text me.”

I flinch, and Cal feels it. He starts to make a move toward Seth, but I step between them. Facing Cal, I resume our slow dance in time with the music. Cal’s eyes are focused over my shoulder watching Seth disappear through the bodies. The muscle in his jaw moves, and he looks down at me. My heart melts at his expression.

“You okay? Was that asshole making you uncomfortable?”

“I don’t like fried chicken.” I say with a little laugh.

I’m not sure how much more of this emotional roller coaster I can take. Cal pulls me close, and his hand moves slowly across the skin of my lower back as we sway to the remainder of the song. I rest my cheek against his shoulder, allowing his strength to soothe me.

I’m still a little trembly inside, but Seth is appeased for the moment. I didn’t tell him about the additional ten thousand Reggie put in our account, and my hope is I can keep that to myself. I’m going to need it if I ever expect to get away from him for good. The song ends, and I exhale the last of my nerves.

“What now?” Cal says, looking down.

“Would you mind if we find Ava? I need to tell her something.” She needs to know Seth is here, and I’ve got him under control.

“Sure.” He pulls my hand to his lips and kisses the tops of my fingers before leading me slowly through the elegant bodies.

I think about what I told Seth, my exit strategy. My eyes drift down to my small hand so firmly in Cal’s grip, and I take a shaky breath. It’s going to hurt like hell when I have to leave him.