“I get that. After that meal, I’m not sure I could even walk right now.”
“That’s a pity. I actually came over here to ask if you’d like to dance.” Prince Oliver smiled, laughter in his eyes.
“Well, who am I to deny the Crown Prince of Wexstone a dance?”
He stood, holding out his hand to help me up, then leading me to the dance floor. As we walked, he nodded and made brief pleasantries with the people we passed.
As we joined the other dancing couples, the quartet transitioned into a cover of “Kids” by MGMT. The prince set his right hand on the small of my back and took my own hand in his left. As we moved, I felt eyes on me. Not just one set, but the entire room.Do. Not. Trip. Don’t embarrass yourself right now.
“How was your flight from New York? Did you have any problems getting here?” the prince asked.
Oh, you mean other than getting stopped by customs for my vibrator?
“Nope. No problems at all.”
“And the Alexanders have been treating you well?”
“Absolutely. Their house is beautiful, and they’ve been very generous.”
“Good. I had no doubt about Vince, but Bronson can be a bit…” He trailed off.
“Direct? Abrasive?”
“Yes. Quite.” He laughed heartily.
I didn’t miss the few female heads that shot our way at his deep laugh. God, was this how it was going to be the entire time? Every little sign of happiness or the slightest indication that he was making a connection with someone, and the vultures would be there watching, waiting to jump in and see what made the prince happy? It was so vastly different from our weekend in New York.
Prince Oliver twirled me around the dance floor, both of us enjoying the movements and laughing as he spun me to and from his body. A crescendo marked the end of the song.
“I think you have a line forming for the next dance,” I said as I peeked around his large frame to spot the gaggle of women forming a border at the edge of the floor. Their eyes glistened with hope and lust.
“Geez,” Prince Oliver huffed under his breath. “I need a drink after that dancing though. I suppose they’ll have to wait.” He smiled conspiratorially as we meandered to the back wall. A server passed by with yet another tray of champagne. Prince Oliver took two flutes, handing me one.
“Thank you,” I said as I took the glass. “So, growingup here in the palace must have been incredible. I can only imagine what this place must look like all decked out for the holidays.”
“You won’t have to imagine for much longer. The staff and my mother will start decorating soon. She loves when it all goes up. My father tries to hold her off until the end of November, but he gets less successful with each passing year.”
I laughed even as my heart ached. “My mom was the same way. She would have kept the tree up all year round if my dad would have let her.”
“Would have?” His forehead scrunched inquisitively at my use of the past tense.
“Ollie! Oh, there you are,” a shrill voice whined.
The prince turned stiffly. “Renata,” he said, all the warmth leaving his voice.
“I’ve been looking for you since dinner. You owe me a dance. You know how Iloveto waltz.” Renata clutched his arm like she was clinging to a life raft.
“Of course. I’m just in the middle of a conversation with Bernadette at the moment. I will come find you in a bit.” Oliver motioned toward me.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you standing there,” Renata said, sugary sweetness in her voice and the fakest smile I had ever seen plastered to her face. “The girl from America, right? It’s so exciting to have you here. If you need anything, please let me know. I would love to help you while you’re here.”
It took everything in me not to roll my eyes at her. This bitch was as fake as her lip injections.
“Ok, well, I’ll let you two finish your little chat. Ollie, do come find me when you’re done.”
As Renata crossed in front of Prince Oliver and me, I caught an evil grin sliding over her face just as she twisted her wrist and emptied her glass of red wine down my front. She threwherself into Prince Oliver, grabbing his arm again as if to steady herself.
“Good heavens!” exclaimed the prince.
