I smiled down at Vivian, naked under the bubbles. “Vivian!”

“It’s Cici!” She slapped one hand across her boobs and the other over the V between her legs.

I was a terrible person, but I couldn’t help but play with my delectable mouse. “Are you drowning, Vivian? Do you need me to rescue you?”

“No! And don’t call me Vivian. We’re in Bellèno. You have to call me Cici.” She glared at me from the churning waters. “What are you doing here? Never mind. Leave. Now.”

“I texted Joan Brady. She said the ladies had dropped you at the condo. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I’m fine, thank you. Who let you in?”

“A short, squat woman with a little moustache. She said you were headed for bed. I insisted that I needed to see you or I’d worry the entire night. She gave me directions to your room. I passed this door, heard the jets fire up, and peeked inside.

“Mission accomplished. Go.”

“But I have a question for you.”

“Then ask it and leave, I beg you.”

I leaned down and winked. “Who looks really sexy when she’s wearing only bubbles?”

The hot tub’s timer clicked off and I realized that very soon I’d feast my eyes on almost every square, naked inch of delectable Vivian. My shitty day was bumpy, downright rocky in parts, but there appeared to be a bright spot on the horizon.

She widened her eyes and stared at the door. “Oh my God! What’s that?”

I turned and took the bait. I rather liked this game. It was fun and there were obviously prizes. I heard a clip-clop of footsteps approaching.

I turned back only to see that she’d re-set the Jacuzzi’s timer, and sank back under the bubbling waters. I laughed. “You’re too clever for your own good, Vivian. I’m going to see those beautiful tits again.”

“Not today,” she said. Her face was beet red and she crossed her arms firmly over her chest. “Not ever again.”

The door flew open and Leo strode into the room. “Who’s Vivian?”

“What are you doing here?” I demanded.

“A short moustached woman gave me directions to Cici’s room. The door was wide open and I heard your voice.” He pushed past me and knelt next to the Jacuzzi. “Hey, baby.”

I bristled. “‘Baby?’”

“Lady Bea texted me, Cici, and said that the hospital had released you. You hit your head. Isn’t it dangerous to be in a Jacuzzi?”

“I was wondering the same thing,” I said.

Leo held out his hand. “It’s decided. Time for you to get out.”

I squatted next to him and held out my hand. “I’ll help you, Cici. Like I always do.”

Leo glared at me. “I don’t even know what you’re doing here.”

“Same thing you are. Making sure Cici’s okay.”

“I’m not getting out of this tub now or any time soon,” Vivian said. “You both need to leave. Now.”

“No, Max needs to leave.” Leo pulled out that damn black velvet jewelry box, popped the lid open, and held it in front of her like a tennis ball in front of a retriever. “This is really important, Cici. Marry me.”

“Why are you suddenly the marrying kind?” I asked. “You’ve been insisting for quite a length of time that you weren’t ready to get married.”

“Again, what’s it to you? It’s out of your hands. Ultimately, everything is out of your hands.”

“I’m sleep deprived, Leo. I’m exhausted,” Vivian said. “I’m overwhelmed by your offer. Seriously I’m all a tingle—”

“That’s just the extra strong, strategically placed water jet talking,” I said.

“Zip it!” She shot me a dirty look, then smiled sweetly at my brother. “I need to sleep on your question and give you an answer tomorrow.”

“You hit your head dozens of times in soccer tournaments, Cici. I know because I watched you and cheered from the sidelines. You were always fine after those games. Give me an answer tonight,” Leo said.

“Please. You used Cici’s soccer tournaments to pick up girls a few years older than her,” I said.

“You didn’t?”

Vivian stared at the timer, her eyes widening, as precious bubbly seconds ticked away.

“Might I remind you, I am the Crown Prince of Bellèno,” Leo said. “The heir apparent. As much as I like you, bro, I get first dibs—on everything.”

“Cici is not a dib,” Vivian said.

We stared at her.

“I mean, I am not a dib. What’s a dib?” She whistled under her breath.

The short woman with the moustache walked into the room, froze in her tracks, and frowned.

“Help!” Vivian said.

Boisterous laughter emanated from the hallway. “Get out of town, bitch!”

“Esmeralda, you know the best tapas and tequila joints in every country.” Bea squealed as she slid through the doorway, landed on her ass, and giggled. “You’re gifted.”

“Cici?” Joan followed behind her, clutching a half empty tequila bottle. “I see three gorgeous men. Are you going to marry one of them? Because if you don’t I will.”

“No, I’m going to marry Leo,” Bea said. “Prince Leopold. I, Lady Beatrice Hafligher accept your ring. I will be your wife in sickness and in health, in—”

“You’re already married,” Joan said.

“I’ll initiate divorce proceedings tomorrow. Give me the rose.” Bea burped. “Sorry! That’s the enchiladas talking.”

“He’s a prince, Cici. He’s gorgeous,” Joan said. “He totally loves you.”

“No, he doesn’t,” I said.

“I do love you, Cici,” Leo said. “I always have.”

“Lord Fontaine! Need your help.” Helga hollered into the hallway.

“Grow a backbone, Cici.” Esmeralda swiped the tequila bottle from Joan and took a slug. “Don’t you know what you want?”

“No. I’m tired. Can I figure this out tomorrow?”

“Your Royal Highnesses. Ladies.” Lord Angus arrived in the doorway. “Cici has had an extremely long day. I beg your forgiveness, but it’s best that everyone go home. I’ll order you rides. Whatever this is can be re-visited after a good night’s sleep.”

“Get up, Bea.” Joan grabbed her wrist. “Your husband and wee ones are waiting. We’re out of here.”

“Therein lies the problem. The wee ones are always weeing. And pooping,” Bea said.

Esmeralda grabbed Bea’s other wrist as she and Joan dragged her out of the room.

“What about—” Leo said.

Lord Angus bowed his head. “Tomorrow, Your Highness. Helga, help Cici, please.”

Helga grabbed a robe from the stack on the right and shook it out.

“Bye, baby,” Leo said and walked toward the door.

“Baby?” I followed on his heels, practically breathing down his neck. “Since when have you called her baby?”

“Long time, Max.”

“Like in the last five minutes long?”

“Fucking A,” Vivian said.