Page 3 of Royal Hottie
We have a staredown that goes on uncomfortably long. I can’t be the one to leave. I’ve already pulled rank. She must go.
Finally, I break the silence, maintaining unblinking eye contact. “You may go now.”
“I’m not going anywhere. Do you know who I am,Your Highness?” She says Your Highness in a mocking tone with no requisite head bow or curtsy. Incredibly rude.
“You’re one of Anna’s friends, which is why I know what you’re thinking. You’ve probably been ogling my picture online, creating fantasies of us riding off into the sunset together or some such nonsense—”
She holds up a palm. “Let me stop you right there. I’m here at the queen’s request and, last time I checked, queen trumps prince, so adios, buckaroo. Don’t let the door hit your royal ass on the way out.” She pulls a tape measure from her back jeans pocket, turns her back to me, and begins measuring various distances in the bedroom—dresser to ceiling, dresser to floor, dresser to bathroom door.
I stare at her in shock. Have I been dismissed? How insulting. I’m second in line to the throne! Why, just three months ago I almost took Gabriel’s place as heir when he thought he wouldn’t be allowed to marry Anna, a commoner. Dodged a bullet there. I would’ve done it out of love for my brother, who fell so hard for Anna he was ready to abdicate the throne to have her, but I’m glad to remain the carefree spare. Still, the spare is important. Should anything happen to Gabriel, I will be king, which means I am not to be dismissed!
She pulls a small notepad and pen from another jeans pocket and scribbles for a minute.
I clear my throat loudly.
She glances over her shoulder. “You’re still here?” She tucks the notepad and pen away. “C’mere, make yourself useful and help me measure the length of the room.” She holds out the end of the tape measure to me.
I turn on my heel and leave, dismissingher.
I’m barely two steps out the door when I hear her say loudly to herself, “Boy, the royal hottie sure believes the hype. What a disappointment.”
Another insult. I turn back, ready to blast her.No.She’s not worth even one more minute of my time.
I head back to the west wing to my suite. I’m glad she’s disappointed, whoever she is. I didn’t even catch her name. Normally I’m warm and friendly, especially with a beautiful woman, but this looming bachelor auction has me on the defensive.
You know what? This is good. Maybe I’ll disappoint all of Anna’s man-hungry guests and then no one will care that I’m not in the auction. In fact, I’ll text Anna right now.Met one of your guests and I’ve disappointed her so much she has no interest in bidding on me.
No response from Anna.
I can’t help hammering home my point.I told you no about the auction, so tell these women to stay away from me.
By the time I reach my suite, Anna’s alarming reply pops up:That is my friend Ruby. She’s doing me a huge favor with a rush interior design job to make the royal suite magical. What did you do?
Err…
My thumbs fly over the keypad.I thought she wanted to bid on me. Don’t worry. I’ll correct the mistake and win her over with my charm.
Anna:Don’t even think about hooking up with Ruby! She’s not into casual sex and doesn’t have time to fool around.
I wasn’t thinking that.Though she is beautiful.
Your rep precedes you. We need her, and I can’t afford to have you screw it up like you do with every other woman.
Ouch.Duly noted.
I love you, just keep it in your pants.
I roll my eyes. Got it. Ruby is forbidden.
And since when has the forbidden ever been tempting? Ha. I can control myself. No problem.
Chapter Two
Ruby
Arrogant? Check.
Rude? Check.
