Page 123 of The Heart You Kept

“Okay,”

“I’ll get us a drink. Another champagne?”

“Yes please.”

He disappears to the bar and I stand to the side; I still can’t believe I am actually going through with this, my mind is a whirl of possibilities. “Here you are, my dear.” He passes me a glass of champagne. “I got us the good stuff.”

“Thanks.” I smile as I take a sip. “Oh yum.” From my peripheral vision I catch sight of Edward walking into the bar. “Here he comes.”

“Where?”

I point with my chin as I glance over to see that he has a beautiful woman on his arm. “Who the hell is that girl?” I frown. “Where’s Nel?”

“Which one is he?”

“The guy in the navy jacket.”

“Oh fuck.” Thomas spins to turn his back to them.

“What’s wrong?”

“I know him.”

“What?” My eyes widen in horror. “You know him?”

Edward and the woman go to the bar.

He drags his hand through his hair. “You didn’t tell me he was a Kingsman.”

“A what man?”

“That’s what they call them.”

“Who?”

“Society.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” I whisper angrily.

“The Riviera Brat Pack, they call them the Kingsmen.” He’s openly rattled. “You’re going to get me fucking killed.”

“You actually know him?” I begin to sweat as I see Edward approaching us from my peripheral vision.

“I don’t know him as such, I know who he’s friends with: Sinclair Montague, and the prince, Theodore Chapelle. His name is Edward Prescott, right? He’s the casino mogul.”

“Yes.” The blood drains from my face. “Oh my god, you do know him? Your ad says you were discreet,” I whisper. “You don’t seem very discreet so far.”

“Change of plans,” he whispers. “Just roll with it.”

“Roll with what?”

“Good evening.” Edward’s swoony voice cuts the air.

“Hello.” I smile.

Thomas turns toward him. “Hello.”

Edward’s eyes land on Thomas and he blinks as if surprised.