Page 41 of A Wise Prince

“Seriously?” he asks.

I grin. “So, as you can see, Sir August, I am a well-qualified candidate to advise you on matters of international espionage. And I do believe you require my services since your sister is not here with you.”

“You know about Anna?” he asks.

“Auggie, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure these things out. Plus, as a teenager and college student, I spent a lot of time meandering the halls of the west wing and the walls aren’t too thick if you catch my drift. Before I came here to study last year, I learned about what had happened, well, some parts and with a little detective work of my own, it wasn’t too hard to put it together. Anna’s a dark web genius. She’s a known hacker and that is awesome, but she’s not a trained spy, Auggie, and it sounds like you are about to have to play James Bond. So, let me help you. Please.”

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

August

If she thinksfor a second that I’m going to let her get involved in anything that might have a hint of danger, then she is sorely mistaken.

“We’ll talk about it later,” I say because I’m a giant fucking pussy and can’t bring myself to disappoint her right now. “For now, let’s enjoy the evening.”

We’re handed champagne as the sunset paints an amazing painting in the sky filled with reds, pinks, and oranges. Kate leans her head on my shoulder as we enjoy our view. I talk about the many times coming here as a child. She’s quiet as she listens to my stories. I don’t know if she’s deep in thought or enamored by my childhood.

“Thanks for inviting me,” she says as we head toward the marina.

“You’re welcome,” I reply as I lean down and kiss her gently.

The car is waiting to take us back when we arrive. We don’t make it far when Nico speaks into his earpiece.

“Yes. Yes. I understand. Ten-four. Copy that,” he says.

I want to roll my eyes at his military speak. “What’s going on?” I ask.

“Change of plans. There’s been a security breach at the house where the president’s family is staying. The president and his wife will be going to a new location tonight. Kate will be coming back with us,” he says.

“Wait? What?” Kate barely has the words out when her phone buzzes.

“Dad? What’s going on?” she says. I can hear the panic in her voice, and I place my hand on her leg. “Uh-huh. When? Are you sure? Fine. Text me when you get there. OK. I love you, too.” She hangs up and looks up at me. “The side gate’s lock was compromised. They don’t see anything on the security video, but they didn’t want to risk it. They are moving them to a small residence that they were able to clear, but my parents prefer it if I stay with you tonight.” She frowns.

“Are they OK?” I ask.

She nods. “I just…it’s odd that they wouldn’t want me with them. I suppose my father has his reasons, but…anyhow. Looks like I’ll be at your place for the evening.”

I smirk. “I’m not complaining,” I say to her. Yeah, I’m trying to lighten the mood, but truthfully, I want to know what the fuck is going on.

She groans. “You really are an ass,” she mutters.

My grin grows because I know it’s true, but I also know she doesn’t truly believe that, and I have no idea why she doesn’t. I’ve not exactly shown her the best side of me so far. To be honest, I don’t even know what the best side is. “I’ve been told that I have a great ass.”

She leans back and looks down at my backside. “I can’t argue with that.” I appreciate the fact that this woman can have a playful side even under stress. She continues to pique my curiosity.

She’s about to say something else when we pull up to the property. Her eyes widen. It is impressive. It’s built into the side of a hill and looks down over the Mediterranean. It’s one of only a few houses along the private drive that is guarded. The gates to the property open and as soon as we are stopped, she pops out of the car. I can see her walking back to Jackie and Dominic. She speaks to them in hushed voices before nodding and walking back over to me. I can’t hear what they’ve said because the wind has picked up, blurring their words.

“Your Highness, I’d like to get you both inside, now,” Nico says. “Just to be on the safe side.”

I nod. He speaks into his earpiece and I see Dominic look over at Kate. He takes her by the arm and leads her over toward me as the three of them usher us inside.

Once we are in the safeguard of the compound, Kate’s phone rings again. She immediately picks it up.

“Dad?” Her voice is filled with concern and I want to wipe it away. I don’t know why she’s bringing out this caveman, protective side of me; it’s alarming.

I decide to give her privacy. My security will debrief me when they have all the information. I walk toward the pool and stare out at the sea. I’ve spent so many years not caring. I excel at the art of not giving a fuck. I don’t know when I stopped caring. I suppose it was sometime between my mother’s death and the realization that my life was somewhat meaningless. My father once called it the middle child syndrome. Chris says it’s because I’m the spare. Anna thinks it’s because I haven’t found my true calling. But, in all honesty, I think it’s been the lack of purpose in my life. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy my time serving my country in the military. And I loved my college years, too. I never felt a purpose until Kate needed me to get her away from Jared. Suddenly, I was needed. I mattered.

“Auggie?”

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