Theo’s mouth snapped shut and then he slowly nodded. “I see. And here I thought you just couldn’t bear to be away from me. How disappointing.”
I let out a low curse and glanced around us, praying no one was within earshot.
“Relax. I may be crazy, but it’s not like I want to be America’s next first lady.”
“I swear to God…” Pinching the bridge of my nose, I sighed and made an attempt to hold my tongue. “With everything going on, I thought it best if you weren’t left…unattended.”
“Youthought it best?”
“Yes.”
“Really.”
For fuck’s sake.“Fine, it was a mutual decision.”
“So King thought I needed a babysitter and you volunteered.”
“Would you rather have Lachlan? That’s who he planned to send in my place.”
Theo snorted. “Oh wow. He really is desperate. Lachlan would’ve stood out like a sore thumb.”
“Hence why you’re stuck with me.”
Theo moved as if to pass me by, then stopped, our shoulders touching as he glanced in my direction. “Not such a bad predicament to be in, I suppose.”
“You really need to stop doing that.”
“What?”
“Flirting with me. People are going to notice.”
Theo smirked, his eyes shifting around the room to the TV cameras broadcasting the event. “Oh please—the champagne is flowing, the festivities are underway. Why would anyone be paying attention to me?”
“Because you’re their prince, their guest of honor?—”
“And devilishly handsome?”
Ignoring him, I continued, “I’m going to go and talk to?—”
“Someone much lessstimulatingthan me?”
“Something like that. Behave yourself.”
I didn’t bother waiting to hear whatever smartass response he made, because I knew if I spent too long with him I would lose any control I currently possessed.
That had never been a problem in the past with Theo—or anyone, for that matter—but something about the rebellious prince was getting to me. Maybe it was his give-no-fucks attitude that was drawing me in, the fact he did what he wanted, when he wanted, the public be damned. There was a reason he was Monaco’s favorite prince—he didn’t bear the same responsibilities as his father or brother, so Theo was able to behis authentic self, which had endeared him to his countryfolk and always driven King absolutely insane.
That alone was enough to make Theo sexy—now.
And the more time I spent watching him…
“Shepard, I didn’t know you were going to be making an appearance today.”
I turned just in time to see Prince Louis, the current Prince of Monaco, with his wife, Jacqueline.
“I wasn’t planning to. But when I heard Theo was hosting today’s exhibition, I couldn’t help myself.”
Jacqueline leaned forward and patted my arm. “Well, I’m grateful you did. It gives me a chance to thank you.”
