Page 211 of Twisted Royals

It’s a dangerous thing to hand your limitless credit card to someone like Blanca, especially after ditching her, but I can’t think of that right now. Not when my mind is whirling, wondering what a rough-around-the-edges hockey player from Denmark considers a proper date.

I put the phone back up to my ear, unmuting it. “So you’re coming now?”

“If you give me your location, yes.”

Not wanting him to pick me up at a dress shop, where my best friend can accost him, I look around. Spotting a bookstore across the street with a cafe inside (where I know I can pick up a latte while I wait), I give him the name and address.

“I’ll have the limo round to pick you up shortly.”

And with that, he hangs up. I pull the phone away from my ear and stare at it. “Limo?” My stomach flutters.

I’ve been in lots of fancy limousines in my life, but I never expected Dan to send one. I’d have thought it more likely he’d send an uber. Hell, I’d be less surprised if he swung by on a motorcycle. And not because he can’t afford a limo. Judging by his hotel suite he isn’t counting pennies, but because he isn’t a showy kind of man.

If only money were enough to impress my parents.

I order a latte and sit down at one of the small tables, excitement fluttering inside me as I wonder what my Prince Not-So-Charming has in store for the rest of the day if we’re starting off with a limo.

CHAPTER 9

Danon

Despite the massive hangover, and the minorly bruised face I started the day with, I’ve cleaned up well. By the time I arrive in the limo to pick her up, I’m confident she’ll forget all about Clark Kent.

I see her through the window of the bookstore, sipping a drink. I wonder who she was talking to as we were making our meetup plans. The phone was muted for a minute. I hope it wasn’t him. Then again, if it was, she’d ditched him for me.

I send her a text letting her know I’m there and wait to see her smile as the text goes through. She has a gorgeous smile and just the sight of it makes my chest feel light.

“Remember, Thomas, I’m just Dan today.” I can’t take a chance on anyone blowing my cover, even though I used my connections shamelessly to get the best arrangements and accommodations, I also made damn sure everyone knew I wanted to be called Dan. None of this Prince Danon, or ‘your highness’ bullshit for me today. No fucking thank you.

She comes out a few minutes later, and despite the fact that our American driver wants me to stay in the back and let him do his job, I jump out and hold the door for her while Thomas sits in the front seat looking perturbed.

She gives him a half smile and a shrug as she scoots in, but her whole face lights up when she looks at me. “You look handsome, all fancied up. That’s a nice silk tie too.”

“And you’re gorgeous, Elle. I’m glad you’re wearing a dress.” I slide into the limo beside her.

Her eyes narrow playfully. “Why?” She leans close to whisper the rest of her sentence in my ear. “So you have easy access?”

“That’s always a bonus,” I whisper back. “But no, it means I don’t have to take you dress shopping first.”

She barks a little laugh and I can’t help but grin. I love the way her face lights up when she laughs. And the way her eyes shimmer playfully undoes me.

“You don’t seem the type to take a girl shopping.” She tips her head back and laughs, her pale throat exposed. I close my eyes for a moment, fighting the urge to kiss it.

“For the right girl I might.”

“You’re in a good mood,” she says and I nod.

“You too?”

“I am now.” Her eyes widen. “You have no idea the hell you just saved me from.”

Suddenly, I hope it was Clark Kent she was with. I wait for her to expand on her statement, but she doesn’t. Instead she stares at my cheek.

“Oh, shit, Dan. What happened to you?” Elle’s fingers reach for my bruised face, but I catch her hand in mine and lift it to my lips.

“A little hockey practice yesterday,” I lie, because I don’t want to admit that I saw her with him, and was jealous enough to get blackout drunk and do god knows what.

“Such a violent sport,” she says, her concern fading. “As long as you’re okay, I kind of like it. You look badass and dangerous.”

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