Page 15 of Royal Hottie
My lips curl up into a smile.
We are not done.
Chapter Five
Ruby
Someone must’ve leaked the news about our arrival because when we step onto the dock in Nantes, there’s a crowd of people waiting. Locals holding up their phones for pictures, but also what has to be paparazzi, their cameras with huge zoom lenses aimed at Phillip. They want the royal hottie.
Security flanks us. Phillip puts an arm around me, tucking me close to his side. A woman rushes toward us, screaming his name and knocking into Maya. Phillip grabs Maya and tucks her under his other arm. People are screaming “Prince Phillip” and “royal hottie,” firing questions at him in English and French. I only catch a few things.
“Two women? Just one won’t do it for you, huh, stud?”
“Who’re the girls?”
“Lana’s single again. Give her a call and you’ve got an orgy!” A ripple of laughter goes through the crowd.
I cringe. That’s his ex. Their relationship was very public. The press dubbed them “the golden couple.” I would’ve hated that kind of scrutiny on my private relationship. The gossip rags covered the breakup and Lana’s new lover in excruciating detail.
Phillip doesn’t react, his expression neutral as he guides us through the crowd, the guards clearing a path. We’re hustled into a waiting limo, and Phillip urges me and Maya in first. I hurry to the far side, making room for them. Maya takes the seat adjacent to me, clasping her hands tightly in her lap. The moment the door shuts behind Phillip, the car takes off.
Phillip sits on the bench seat next to me and leans toward Maya. “Are you okay?”
She looks down at her hands. “Yes, sir, I’m fine.”
He turns to me in question.
“I’m fine.”
He leans back and blows out a breath. “Shit. They’ll make a story out of this, something as simple as a shopping trip. It’s ridiculous. Why can’t they just report on real news? Something worthwhile!”
“Your trip with Global Sun Water should help,” I offer.
His eyes flash. “That’s what they should be focused on. Clean water, helping people. Not my social life. Who cares?”
I lift one shoulder. “I don’t.”
He laughs. “All right. Enough agitating. Let’s just enjoy ourselves.” He glances over at Maya, who’s quiet, still staring at her hands.
I tip my head toward the center console, where champagne is cooling in an ice bucket.
“Maybe we should start our trip with a little champagne,” he announces. “Sound good, ladies?”
“Absolutely,” I say.
“Maya?”
“I’m working, sir.”
He lifts the champagne bottle. “You’re officially off the clock. And if you want to wear something besides your uniform, you can pick an outfit at the shops. My gift to you.”
Her head jerks up in surprise. “Really?”
“Yes, really. I’ve always thought of you as part of the family, like the agreeable little sister I never had.” He cups his hand by his mouth and whispers conspiratorially, “Don’t tell Emma and Silvia I said that.” Those are his younger sisters.
She bites her bottom lip, fighting a smile. “Thank you, sir.”
He pops the champagne, and Maya laughs at the sound. Just like that, Phillip has won her back to the friend side. He pours her a glass and hands it over; then he pours mine.
