Page 43 of Risky Match
As I stand to leave, a Wimbledon staff member approaches, saying, “Your Highness, you’ve been invited to the clubhouse. Would you like to follow me?”
“Thank you. Of course.”
Prince Stephen and I definitely need to talk.
In the clubhouse,Stephen greets me with a formal smile.
“I’ve arranged for tea. Would you care to join me?”
“I’d be delighted. That’s very kind of you,” I say.
Stephen and I suppress grins as we go through these formalities. They’re expected when two royals from different countries meet in public. As far as anyone knows, we haven’t seen each other recently. They can’t know we dined together a few nights ago.
He gestures for me to join him in a private room in the clubhouse where we can talk unobserved.
“It’s good to see you again. Are you doing okay?” he says, pulling me into a hug.
“It’s only been a few days, but they’ve been busy ones.”
“Any issues?”
“It’s been difficult not being able to directly communicate with you and the rest of the team. Secure texts don’t work for everything. It’s also challenging to do my job without revealing any details to Erin. It would be much easier if she knew what’s going on.” My frustration shows in my tone.
Stephen nods as he guides me toward a pair of upholstered, cream-colored swivel chairs next to a low table set with a fine-china tea service and a tiered cake stand with cakes and pastries. I immediately notice the omission of the traditional finger sandwiches. That makes me smile. We’ve shared enough teas and meals during training that he and Adrian know I love sweets but skip the mayonnaise-laden sandwiches every time.
He motions for me to sit in the chair on our left. I do as prompted, assuming my proper princess pose with closed knees, crossed ankles, and hands lightly clasped in my lap. While I’dlove to relax and lean back in my comfortable chair, there’s a chance someone might walk in on us and wonder why a royal greeting had turned so casual.
Stephen takes the other chair, mirroring my formality, while saying, “I know. My guards don’t know the details of my covert life either. It can be frustrating at times. Can’t you talk with Fausto though?”
I shrug, palms up. “Not really. He’s only partially informed about our mission. And we’re being extremely careful to keep up the ruse that he doesn’t speak English. Besides, it would be strange if anyone caught me having extended conversations with our temperamental chef.”
Stephen chuckles. “I gather he’s playing the role well then. Does that mean he can actually cook too?”
I nod, amused at Stephen’s mirth. He’s usually all business. Adrian’s usually the one who finds lightness in the serious moments.
“Fausto is playing his part to perfection, and his Italian food is quite delicious. But I know our time here is short, and we need to talk about the more important aspects of the situation. I planted all the devices in Blake’s room. Have you heard or seen anything useful yet?”
I don’t share that I’ve been horribly curious and even contemplated listening to the audio and watching video feeds myself. Ultimately, I couldn’t do it. It would have been too personal given our history and recent flirting.
Stephen’s face grows serious, his brows knitted. “Blake doesn’t spend much time in his room, so there’s nothing of interest so far. The team continues to monitor him though. It’s a bit frustrating that we haven’t made more progress. We need a breakthrough soon.”
“What about his phone?”
“He listens to music, watches dog videos, and sends texts to Josh and Natalie about meetings. Our people did overhear one conversation between Blake and Noah that suggests Blake isn’t particularly happy with his manager. Do you know anything about that?” he asks, raising his eyebrows hopefully.
I nod. “That’s consistent with other tidbits I’ve picked up. I haven’t been able to learn any details, though. Why is Blake dissatisfied with Noah?”
I lean forward expectantly, anxious to learn the details.
“Our agents think it’s related to his sponsors and income. There’s more to the story that we don’t know. It’s up to you to find out. It’s important.”
I close my eyes, wondering how I can possibly accomplish this. The last thing he’ll want to discuss is something else that’s causing him angst.
Throwing up my hands, I groan. “I know it’s important, but it won’t be easy. Blake is stressed to the hilt. He won’t want to talk about something upsetting.”
“But he trusts you. You’ll find a way. I have another question. When you planted the electronic devices, did you have time to search Blake’s room?”
Twirling the ring on my right hand, I sigh. “I did. From what I found, it’s possible that Blake is involved in smuggling the coins. Also, his coach, Josh, is probably part of it. Maybe Noah too.”
