Page 47 of Royal Flush

“And very single.”

They laughed and I was shaking my head. I had no idea how to deal with this or what to say to him. Dinner? Was it possible I could carve out a little life of my own or was that too much to ask? Maybe just dinner and I could end it before anything else occurred. I wouldn’t have time to deal with an infuriating man since I needed to find a job, a place to live, and a new life.

After grabbing my purse, I headed out of the bathroom, holding my head high as I walked down the corridor. I was almost to the end when I realized a reporter and cameraman had grabbed Braxton, busily asking him questions while the camera rolled.

Oh, no. I couldn’t do this.

It was another moment my father couldn’t afford. I slunk against the wall, trying to remember if there were stairs or an elevator around the corner. That’s right. There was a bank of rarely used elevators at the end of another hall.

Without looking back, I moved quickly so I could slink away like some coward. But I couldn’t help stopping just long enough to gaze back at his handsome form.

“What a shame, handsome man. Have a great life.”

With that, I did what I’d suddenly started doing best in difficult situations.

I fled.

CHAPTER 13

Braxton

“Thank you, Sally. I appreciate you stopping and talking to me about this incredible cause.” I turned my face toward the camera, showing off my pearly whites. “I implore you to consider adopting a rescue pup or kitty. They will be your forever friends. Thank you.”

“I appreciate you talking with us, Mr. Royal.” Sally was beaming as if I’d just made her week.

Or her month.

While I was happy to support such a worthy cause, my hunger had yet to abate. As soon as I turned around, my gut told me Jasmine had taken the opportunity to run away again. I had to give the woman credit for her continued chutzpa. We’d just had incredible sex yet she was doing her best to pretend like it hadn’t occurred.

I took long strides down the hallway, even daring to push open the women’s restroom door again. It was easy to tell it was empty, which meant I was right. I was half skipping as I continued down the short corridor that led to another. Yep. There was a group of elevators.

Damn it.

Still, as I rushed toward them, I found myself smiling. She’d made the hunt that much more pleasurable. If she actually thought she’d be able to get away from me then she was kidding herself.

Thankfully, one of the elevator doors opened quickly and as I walked inside, I wondered if this was nothing but a game to her. Maybe. However, I also gathered given all the articles I’d read about her father that this was his last chance to clean up his act. Was he one of the bad guys as indicated by my father’s odd, secret list?

The jury was out at this point, but her fear of embarrassment was a reality. Although her father should feel relieved I wasn’t a deadbeat.

All I could do was laugh as I waited for the elevator to head to the bottom. I doubted she was staying in the hotel. Her parents had been provided with a sweet mansion in Alexandria, as so many diplomats were, and they were likely requiring her to be there. I’d googled the property just in case, noting the tall steel security fence and gate surrounding the massive brick estate.

The ping of the elevator didn’t come quickly enough. I even pushed open the doors, eager to hunt her down. There was a parking garage, but I had the distinct feeling the sweet, feisty koala would desire a quick and easy getaway if needed.

She had been breaking the law, even though this situation was less egregious.

I continued taking long strides into the lobby, heading for the main doors. Once outside, I scanned both sides of the street. Within seconds, I was able to catch a glimpse of her sexy dress as she rushed down the sidewalk to a small paid parking lot. I even found myself whistling as I shoved my hands into my pockets, heading in her direction.

As expected, she turned to the left heading into the lot.

She was a quick walker even in her heels and I had to pick up my pace to ensure she didn’t get away from me this time.

I was less than a block away when I heard a sharp scream.

What the fuck?

There was no doubt the shrill sound was coming from Jasmine. I took off running, rounding the corner in two seconds flat. What I saw immediately set my blood to the boiling point.

Two men were doing their best to shove her into a waiting black sedan. Oh, hell, no.

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