Page 4 of The Prince

Daniel grunted. “You coming with me to the Cliff Bluff Park meeting?”

“That’s why I’m here. Lucan said the car’s ready.”

Daniel’s watched beeped. “Yep, just got the same message. You ready for this? You know what we are asking, our message…”

“Yes, I know you want to save the park and Nico wants to make millions off an elite resort.”

“But at breakfast last week we decided to hold off on the resort, remember?”

“No, we decided to let you try to convince the committee.”

Daniel frowned. “Thad, it’s the most beautiful part of the island.”

“I see that. Nico thinks we could earn a chunk of cash while sharing the lovely beauty with others.”

Daniel stood and they moved to the door. He had his presentation, his camera, and he was ready. “Thad, are you with me on this?”

Thad watched him out of the side of his eye as they slid into their parked car. “I am, Danny, but you know you are up against money, and whenever that happens, money always wins.”

Thad was the brother who thought he was American, and wanted more than anything to work in Manhattan, as a CEO, or in finance.

Daniel waved the need for money away. “We have a chance. I’ve heard the coalition is sending a team. Some heavy hitters, real fireballs for the cause.”

Thad shrugged. “I’m with you. We’ll do our best.” He smirked. “And then likely have a penthouse hotel suite on reserve for our personal use when we fail and the resort of all resorts gets built.”

Daniel frowned.

They pulled into the conference center and parked. No one valeted your car at these kinds of things. Almost everyone worked on low budgets. All of the decision makers would be present. The heads of tourism, the business minister for the government of Torren, the various environmental groups, and a representative from the crown. He was grateful that Nico would let him try with an environmental agenda, especially when Nico himself wanted the resort. As King, he tried to keep the tourism industry experts happy. They brought in a huge influx of wealth to the country. To make things worse, Torren had just recently been hit by a tropical storm. Nico’s wife, Jo, wanted to rebuild.

Daniel understood. Hard decisions had to be made every day regarding finance. But if they didn’t stand strong, and preserve beauty, the island would not be a desirable tourist location for anyone any longer. That was the direction he would go with his arguments.

They walked through the rows of cars, heading for the front door. As they passed a cute little red Audi, the driver’s door opened and an unmistakable pert nose and perfect brow stepped out.

Daniel stopped short.

She clicked her car lock and pulled a wheeled piece of luggage behind her.

His heart picked up, again appreciating her stunning lines, her lovely face and hair. She was exquisite.

Thad pointed. “Isn’t that?”

Daniel hit his brother. “Hush.”

Her face turned to them, and she opened her mouth, then narrowed her eyes. She turned back toward the building and picked up her pace.

Thad laughed. “Wow brother. Whatever you did there might not be overcome any time soon. Perhaps you should let me have a shot at her.”

She turned. “I’m not up for grabs.”

“She heard you, idiot.” Daniel felt his last hopes of ever impressing this ethereal beauty trickle away with every click of her heels on the parking lot.

They entered the building and Daniel pushed frustrating thoughts of this woman aside. Many were already gathering. He was led to a table up in the front. A name tag waited for him and Thad. People approached from all sides. Everyone wondered where the crown sat on this issue. Many who were close to the family knew they might be divided on the issues. And Daniel’s presence might be the deciding influence on the ministers’ decision. Nico would listen to all the opinions and hoped that this committee could come to a consensus from which he would move forward.

The ballroom was filled with rows of rectangular tables, waters and the Torren signature lemonade sat at the end of each one. He smiled and shook hands with everyone he saw. At last they were ready to begin, he moved to return to his seat. A slow grin began to spread across his face. The woman from the ocean was seated beside him.

Chapter 4

Melodia breathed deeply. She let her air out slowly. The man from the park unsettled her. Why was he here? She hadn’t noticed the deep green of his eyes before. And the man with him, who had to be his brother, was equally handsome. They were a popular pair. Everyone crowded them to have a word. Likely hoping to build the resort. Her worry spiked inside. There were so few beautiful places left in this world, and Torren was one of them. If only their nation could preserve it, be forward thinking. Her eyes flit to the man from the beach again; something was familiar about the two of them. She would love to know who she was up against. The crown would be difficult enough to beat. King Nico had spoken in favor of greater measures to increase the wealth in their nation. That recent storm had everyone panicking.

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