Page 32 of Royal Hottie
“I like him too.”
“His ex wrecked him,” he says. “Serious baggage.” Is that why Phillip said it wouldn’t be that simple? Because he has real feelings for me, and he’s the one who doesn’t want to get hurt?
“I get that. I’ve been through similar.”
He whistles out a long breath. “That could be bad. Two people with serious baggage. Sounds like a minefield.”
“What if it’s worth the risk?”
“Sometimes it is. Sometimes it’s brutal.”
“You know this from personal experience?”
He steps away and does a courtly bow. “Thank you for the dance.” He goes to ask another woman to dance, who’s been standing on the sidelines.
I let out a breath. Now I’m not sure what to do. Go to Phillip? Ignore him? But then he’s striding toward me, his guards flanking him, and I know there’s no real decision to be made. I must be with him.
~ ~ ~
Phillip
I tried to resist for Ruby’s benefit, okay, for mine too, but I was fighting the inevitable. Whatever this is, I can’t keep away for the short time I’ve been granted with her. The moment Lucas abandoned her on the dance floor, I went to her. Now I’m leading her through the east wing and up to the flat rooftop garden accessible only to the royal family. It’s my favorite spot in the palace.
“Oh, wow, look at the view!” she exclaims, rushing toward the far end, where the crashing waves along the beach are visible in the distance.
“You can see the whole island from up here on a clear night.” I look up just as a cloud passes over the moon, dimming the light. “It’s a little cloudy but still good.”
She goes to the edges of the space, looking all around, before turning to me. “So what do you do up here?”
“Usually we party.”
A couple of servants appear through the door, William and John. I requested they bring a few items. William is holding a chilled bottle of the same sauvignon blanc Ruby had earlier and two glasses. John has a couple of plush throw blankets to ward off the chill of a late September night.
I maneuver one of the chaise lounges in front of the ocean view and accept the blankets. John brings a matching chaise lounge next to mine and then a small wooden table, where William sets the wine and glasses.
I gesture for Ruby to take a seat. She looks delighted as she sinks into the cushioned seat. I settle one of the blankets over her lap.
“Thank you!” she exclaims. “This is perfect!”
I take the seat next to her and stretch the blanket out over my legs. William opens the wine and pours a glass for both of us.
“Will there be anything else, Your Highness?” he asks.
“This is good, thank you.”
They both bow and take their leave.
Ruby takes a sip of her wine. “Ahh. This is the life.”
“I love it up here. So peaceful. Do you want me to put the floor lights on?”
“No. The stars and moon are just right. So tell me what we’re going to do on our date.”
“I thought we’d take the jet to Paris…” I trail off, alarmed at her coughing fit. “Are you okay?”
She leans close, her eyes watering. “It went down the wrong pipe when I gasped. We’re taking a private jet to Paris?”
“Did you think us poor?”
