Royal Cocktail by J. Kenner

Author:J. Kenner [Kenner, J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781953572219
Publisher: Martini & Olive

Chapter Twelve

“Be careful, Sire.”

Leopold turned to Jürgen. “Sire?”

His friend shrugged, then spoke in their native tongue. “In my official capacity, I feel I must remind you that anything more than helping Ms. Porter prepare for her speech could prove to be … difficult.”

His friend wasn’t wrong, but that didn’t mean Leopold appreciated the reminder. More importantly, he knew that nothing would happen between him and Skye. Or, rather, nothing physical, despite the visceral longing he felt whenever he was near her.

That, however, would be a bad idea for so many reasons. Even so, he did hope that by working together he could make amends for hurting her. He could never completely make it up to her, but perhaps this time together would at least begin to heal the wounds he’d inflicted.

“I appreciate the concern, though I assure you it isn’t necessary.”

Jürgen looked about to argue, but held his tongue.

“You can go back to the hotel,” Leopold said as he entered Skye’s building, a tall glass box dotted with balconies overlooking the Austin skyline or the river. They’d agreed to meet at her condo at seven, though he had no intention of staying there. Being alone with her would only make things more difficult. Besides, if he wanted to help her, he needed someplace where they could find an audience.

“I’ll escort you up, Sire.”

“That’s not necessary.”

The elevator doors opened, and Leopold stepped on. So did Jürgen.

“The hotel. Now.”

His security chief merely stared him down.

“Do you honestly believe someone is waiting outside Skye’s condo to take me down? Even the press doesn’t know I’m here.”

“Yet,” Jürgen said. “I imagine they will soon. Besides, you know that I don’t have a choice, Sire. Not any more than you do.”

Leopold scowled, but didn’t argue. Jürgen might be the head of Leopold’s security detail, but he answered to the king, not the prince. “At least be discreet.”

“I shall endeavor to be invisible, Sire.”

Leopold ignored his friend and pushed the button for Skye’s floor. They rode in silence, with Jürgen stepping down the hall as Leopold headed for the door. “Aren’t you afraid there’s an assassin waiting to jump me in there?”

“Considering how Skye feels about you now, I wouldn’t be surprised.” He held up a hand as if in apology; Leopold knew that Jürgen and Skye had become friends two years ago. Hurting her hadn’t sat well with him. “I will wait here.”

“Thanks.” Leopold took a breath, then rang the bell. He heard the footsteps approaching, then the door opened and Skye stood there, her face alight with laughter.

“Sorry. I was just—something funny. It doesn’t matter.”

But it did, because it suited her. He’d forgotten how beautiful she was when she laughed. Until now, he’d yet to see pure joy on her face during this trip.

She ushered him in, then closed the door behind him, leaving Jürgen alone in the hall. Not that Leopold cared. He was just glad they had this moment alone.

“—and that’s when Larry said. Oh.”

The voice was as full of laughter as Skye’s expression—and was decidedly male.

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