Page 31 of Risky Match
“I still haven’t tried the heaviest one. I already know I won’t like it, but Josh wants me to test it anyway.”
“A couple of these don’t have dampeners to minimize vibration. Would you like some of mine? My parents ordered a whole case with our royal seal. I’ll never use them all.”
“Sure. Why not? Put them on the two heaviest racquets. Then I won’t grab them by mistake.”
Marco walks up, calling out, “Good to see you, Blake. Why are you complaining? I love my heavy racquets, especially at tournaments like this. Wouldn’t want to lose those!”
“If you say so.” I wince as he slaps me on the back.
His grin reminds me of a clown’s—too big, too fake. That’s why we’ll never be friends. I’d bet anything he’s only buddying up to me to get close to Bri.
Not a heartbeat later, he proves me right.
“Your Highness, I don’t think we’ve officially met. I’m Marco. Welcome to Wimbledon. It’s your first time playing here, right?”
Bri’s eyes dim as she bites her lip, visibly keeping her emotions in check. My chest tightens at the flicker of pain in her expression. It hurts her to be reminded how long she’s waited for this invitation—and it’s not even in singles. His insensitive comment mirrors the ones reporters throw at me about never winning Wimbledon. What an arse.
After a brief pause, she says, “I’m happy to be here. It’s also a pleasure to meet you. I had the opportunity to watch you play in Paris.”
He coughs, caught off guard.
I suppress the laugh that’s threatening to escape. He tanked in Paris and lost in the first round. And somehow, she poked him while making it sound like a compliment.Touché.
She’s no pushover. Her calm poise is a major turn-on.
Eventually, he says, “Unfortunately, I was dealing with a painful hamstring injury. But my sponsors insisted I play. You know how that is.”
“You hid it well. You must have a high tolerance for pain. I would have never guessed. Please excuse me, though. I have to go. Good luck with the tournament.” She grabs her bag and walks off with a quick wave.
I grin appreciatively. We all know Marco pulls the injury card whenever he plays poorly. It’s his go-to excuse.
Only a princess could humble him and leave unscathed. Watching her take Marco’s ego down a few notches makes her even more attractive.
It’s too bad I can’t waste time on doubles. Bri and I would make a dynamite team.
10
BRIANNA
While Blake talks with his coach, I quickly lay a towel over my lap and grab his phone, hiding it under my leg next to mine. With our phones close, a special app on mine starts downloading spy software onto his phone.
The app hasn’t finished installing and configuring the software, so I reach for one of his racquets and start asking him questions to delay him.
Fortunately, he doesn’t suspect what I’m really doing, and I successfully install the software. Now we can track where he is, capture his text messages and his emails, and so much more.
I betrayed him by invading his privacy. My guilt is offset by the possibility he’s involved in criminal activities. But if he’s innocent and finds out, he’ll never speak to me again.
The vibration pattern on my leg signals the upload is complete. I need to leave before Blake becomes suspicious but use all my restraint not to bolt from the court. Instead, I carefully slip his phone back into his bag before he notices it’s missing.
Fortunately, Marco provides an added distraction, but my nerves are starting to fray as I make a hasty departure.
Erin rushes to keep up with me.
Once we slip into the waiting SUV, I let out the breath I’d been holding.
Erin waits until the driver pulls onto the road before asking, “What’s up with the hurry?”
“I’d had enough of Marco. He’s a bit of a jerk.”
